ESTORIL, Portugal (Interstat) — Rio Ave opened its Primeira Liga season with a 2-1 comeback victory over Estoril on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Estádio António Coimbra da Mota.

Estoril defender Ferro opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Rio Ave equalized in the 54th minute through substitute Jakub Brabec before substitute Jalen Blesa netted the decisive late winner. The visitors’ victory defied a pre-match projection that favored Estoril.

Five yellow cards were issued in a physical second half. Rio Ave begins the campaign with a win, while Estoril starts with a loss.