AVS Hosts Rio Ave: Bottom-Placed Team Fights for Survival, Visitors Seek to Consolidate Position
In the Primeira Liga, bottom-placed AVS will host Rio Ave at home. AVS desperately needs points to escape the relegation zone, while Rio Ave aims to solidify its mid-table position. This match is crucial for both teams' respective season objectives and is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Primeira Liga (Liga Portugal Betclic) encounter will take place on December 6, 2025, at Estádio do CD Aves, featuring AVS and Rio Ave. For AVS, this is a critical match as they currently sit at the bottom of the league table. With only 3 points from 12 matches, a record of 0 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses, scoring 8 goals and conceding 29, AVS is deep in the relegation zone. Their home form has been particularly disappointing, with no wins to date. AVS made their debut in the top tier in 2024, making survival their primary objective this season.
Meanwhile, visiting team Rio Ave is in the mid-table, currently sitting in 11th place with 13 points. While relatively safe, they aim to consolidate their position and potentially climb higher. This match presents an opportunity for Rio Ave to secure an away win and maintain their form, while for AVS, it is a crucial battle to reverse their poor run and fight for survival.
Recent Form
AVS has been in poor form in their last five official matches, recording three draws and two losses, with no victories. Their recent results include: a 0-4 away defeat to Vitória Guimarães on November 28; a 0-0 draw against Academico Viseu in the Taça de Portugal on November 22; a 1-1 home draw with Gil Vicente on November 9; a 2-2 home draw against Tondela on November 2; and a 0-2 away loss to Santa Clara on October 25. This indicates significant challenges for AVS in both attack and defense.
Rio Ave's recent form in their last five matches is slightly better, with 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Their recent results are: a 1-1 home draw with Santa Clara on November 30; a 1-1 away draw against Alverca on November 8; a 0-4 home loss to Estoril on November 1; a 2-1 away win over Estrela on October 25; and a 2-3 loss to Sintrense in the Taça de Portugal on October 19. Rio Ave's form has been inconsistent but they still show more competitiveness compared to AVS.
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for AVS include forward Nene, who has scored two goals this season, and Rafael Barbosa, who has contributed two assists. In defense, Aderllan Santos is a crucial pillar. Regarding injuries, AVS faces a significant setback with midfielder G. Molina Gutiérrez sidelined due to a broken fibula with an undetermined return date. Additionally, G. Domingues Piazon is also out with an unknown injury and no set return, impacting the team's squad depth.
Rio Ave's attack relies on Clayton, who leads the team with 8 goals. Dario Spikic and Brandon Aguilera also play important roles in midfield and attack. In terms of injuries, Rio Ave will be without midfielder Theofanis Bakoulas, who is expected to be out until March 2026 due to a cruciate ligament tear, which is a blow to the team's midfield strength.