CD Tondela vs Rio Ave

Rio Ave secured a crucial 1-0 away victory over Tondela at the Estádio João Cardoso on Sunday night, delivering a major blow in the Primeira Liga relegation battle. In front of just 1,766 fans, it was a tense, low-quality affair that matched the desperation of two sides fighting for survival. The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Jalen Blesa found space on the left side of the penalty area and drilled a left-footed finish beyond the Tondela goalkeeper. It proved to be the decisive moment in an otherwise cagey contest that produced just four shots on target between the two sides. The result lifts Rio Ave to 24 points and opens up a five-point gap over their hosts, who remain stuck on 19 points deep in the relegation zone. For Tondela, time is running out to turn their season around with the bottom of the table tightening by the week.