Liga Bwin: X-ray of the Rio Ave-Benfica clash

After the international break, Benfica returns to competition this Sunday, April 2, at 6 pm, with a trip to the Estádio do Rio Ave FC, on matchday 26 of the Liga Bwin.

In Vila do Conde, leader Benfica faces the 8th-placed team in the Portuguese top flight. The vila-condenses have 33 points, as the result of nine troumphs, six drawas and 10 losses. With 68 points, Benfica won 22 of the 25 matches played in the Liga Bwin, and will step onto the pitch aiming to clinch the 10th consecutive win.

Rio Ave, who comes from two straight wins, has made the home advantage count: of the nine wins achieved in the competition, seven were at the Arcos. However, the Benfica team, coached by Roger Schmidt, has not relaxed away from the Estádio da Luz. In 12 away matches, the Reds won 10, drew one, and lost one. 

The Reds have the best attack with 66 goals, contrasting with Rio Ave's 25 goals (12th most prolific attack). João Mário, with 17, and Gonçalo Ramos, with 16 goals, are the League's top scorers.

In the offensive chapter, and according to the statistical platform Wyscout, the red lead in shots (403), crosses (555), touches in the box (670) and corners (200). The vila-condenses are in 15th in shots (250) and in crosses (311) and in 16th place in touches in the box (290). On an individual level, Grimaldo is the player who provides the most assists (eight), followed in 3rd place by João Mário (six).

As for the defense, it should be noted that Benfica is the team that allows the fewest shots (5.83 shots per game), and will face the 4th team that allows the opponent the most opportunities (12.41 per game).

Still, regarding statistics, the reds are also impressive in the build-up. They dominate in passes (15,358), being leaders in the key passes (172), into the final third (1828) and in the progressive ones (2017).

Looking at the history between the two teams, it naturally smiles on the Benfiquistas (41 wins in 55 games).

In the 0-2 win over Santa Clara win triumph in the Azores, the Rio Ave coach fielded the following starting XI in 3x4x3: Jhonatan, Pantalon, Aderllan Santos, Patrick William, Vítor Gomes, Guga, Costinha, Fábio Ronaldo, João Graça, Boateng and André Pereira.

Roger Schmidt, in the 5-1 win against Vitória SC, named : Odysseas, Bah, António Silva, Otamendi, Grimaldo, Florentino, Chiquinho, Neres, João Mário, Rafa and Gonçalo Ramos.