Rio Ave vs FC Alverca

Alverca stunned Rio Ave with a 2-1 victory at Vila do Conde on Saturday, snapping a nine-game winless streak in emphatic fashion. A devastating first-half display proved the difference as the visitors raced into a two-goal lead before the break. Figueiredo set the tone early, firing Alverca ahead in just the 5th minute. He then turned provider for Sandro Lima, who doubled the advantage on 21 minutes after pouncing on a Rio Ave turnover. The hosts rallied after the interval and Jalen Blesa pulled one back on 59 minutes, but Alverca held firm to see out a crucial three points. The result lifts Alverca to 10th on 32 points, leapfrogging Rio Ave, who drop to 11th with 30. For the Vila do Conde side, a three-game winning streak comes to a frustrating end on home soil.