FC Porto defeated Rio Ave 2-0 away in Vila do Conde on Saturday to move provisionally clear at the top of the Portuguese Liga Betclic.
Defender Nehuén Pérez opened the scoring early before substitute winger Borja Sainz sealed the victory late in the second half. The result marks Porto's second consecutive win of the domestic league season, placing them on six points, while Rio Ave remain without a point at the bottom of the standings following their second straight defeat.
The Liga Betclic is the top tier of professional football in Portugal. FC Porto entered the match as national champions, while Rio Ave hosted the encounter at their home stadium in Vila do Conde.
Early lead and disallowed goal
Rio Ave began the match with confidence despite facing the defending champions. The hosts pushed forward into Porto's half to disrupt their build-up play, although they struggled to turn early possession into clear finishing chances.
Porto seized the lead in the 11th minute after Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, who had earlier missed a chance, delivered a corner into the penalty area. Rio Ave goalkeeper Van der Gouw misjudged his exit, allowing central defender Nehuén Pérez to head the ball into the net for the opening goal.
The opening goal gave Francesco Farioli's side greater control of possession. Rio Ave responded by trying to score from distance, with Blesa coming closest in the 30th minute when his strike hit the side netting. Porto thought they had doubled their lead shortly after from another set piece when Kiwior turned the ball into the net, but the goal was ruled out because Deniz Gül was offside earlier in the play.
Rio Ave pressure before halftime
The home side grew in confidence as the first half drew to a close and created two strong opportunities to equalize. Diogo Bezerra pounced on a weak back-pass by Porto midfielder Pablo Rosario, but he shot wide under pressure from goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Diogo Costa was called into action again just before the interval to keep Porto ahead. The goalkeeper made a crucial save to deny Tamble Monteiro, who had directed a well-placed header toward goal following a cross from Liavas.
Second half changes and second goal
Porto restarted the match with renewed attacking intent after the break. In the 49th minute, William Gomes forced Van der Gouw into a demanding save, and Deniz Gül hit the post with a header from a Pepê cross in the 58th minute. Between those attacks, Petrasso headed wide from a Rio Ave corner as the hosts tried to break down Porto's defense.
Rio Ave head coach Sotiris Silaidopoulos introduced Croatian winger Spikic, who brought fresh energy and created problems for the visiting defense. Porto manager Francesco Farioli responded in the 66th minute by sending on Borja Sainz and Hwang In-Beom to regain momentum.
With Rio Ave taking risks to find an equalizer, Porto found space to counter-attack. Van der Gouw denied Borja Sainz in the 78th minute, but the Spanish winger made no mistake four minutes later. Alberto Costa advanced down the center of the pitch and passed to Hwang In-Beom, who set up the unmarked Borja Sainz to fire a low diagonal shot into the corner for 0-2.
Rio Ave continued to push forward in the closing minutes but could not alter the scoreline. Porto's superior efficiency rewarded them with all three points against a Rio Ave side that fought hard throughout the match.
