Rio Ave vs Santa Clara Prediction & Tips
Rio Ave continues to stay afloat in the Primeira, remaining firmly in mid-table. The team from the Atlantic shores are now in twelfth position, trailing ‘Nacional’ only by secondary criteria. Petit’s side have seemingly secured their stay away from the threat of relegation, with a nine-point advantage over the survival playoff zone.
Santa Clara’ started the new season without much pressure and noisy ambitions, but under Vasco Matos the team has been a pleasant surprise. The islanders have spent the first half of the campaign with confidence and deservedly remain in the top half of the table.
Currently, the club has established itself in sixth position, but already trails fourth-placed Porto by 13 points. On the last matchday, Santa Clara hosted leaders Sporting at their home ground and the ‘Azorenses’ put up a fight, losing 0:1. The previous defeat against Vitória Guimarães (0:2) was also painful, as they are a rival in the fight for fifth place.
