Rio Ave vs CF Estrela da Amadora

Rio Ave held off Estrela Amadora 2-1 at the Estádio do Rio Ave in a tense Primeira Liga relegation six-pointer. Jalen Blesa was the star of Matchday 26, scoring twice to hand the hosts a vital three points. Blesa opened the scoring in the 27th minute, converting a sharp Dario Špikić delivery. He doubled the lead just three minutes into the second half, again assisted by Špikić. Estrela pulled one back through Rodrigo Pinho on 65 minutes after a Robinho cross, but couldn't find an equaliser despite a nervy final stretch. Tempers flared throughout, with six yellow cards shared between the sides — including bookings for Ennio Van Der Gouw and Ryan Guilherme in quick succession during a spiky second half. The win lifts Rio Ave to 11th on 27 points, while Estrela slip to 13th with 25. With the bottom half bunched tight, this was a three-pointer that could prove decisive come season's end.