Highlights: Rio Ave 2-3 Benfica
Benfica are one game away from winning the 2018-19 Portuguese Primeira Liga and what would be their fifth league championship in six seasons, following their 3-2 win at Rio Ave on Sunday night.
Bruno Lage’s side made the perfect start at the Estadio dos Arcos when Rafa Silva tapped in from a yard out inside three minutes after the ball ricocheted around the six-yard box before finding its way to the Benfica forward.
The hosts thought they’d equalised midway through the first half when Tarantini headed home from close range before the referee’s assistant raised his flag late. Replays show it was the correct decision.
Benfica doubled their lead in the second minute of first half stoppage time when Rio Ave goalkeeper Leo spilled an overhit through ball into the feet of teenager Joao Felix, who simply passed the ball into an empty net for his 14th league goal of the campaign.
Tarantini eventually got his goal five minutes into the second half for the hosts when a mishit shot kindly fell into his path before chipping over Odisseas Vlachodimos when one-on-one.
Benfica restored their two-goal advantage six minutes later when some terrible defending saw Pizzi time and space inside the penalty area to place the ball in off the post.
The Eagles missed a few good opportunities to add to their lead before Jeronimo made for a nervy ending by heading home six minutes from time. Lage’s side held on to give themselves a two-point lead over rivals FC Porto heading into the final weekend of the season when they host Santa Clara.
Watch the highlights from Rio Ave 2-3 Benfica here:
