VILA DO CONDE, Portugal (Interstat) — Substitute Sandro Lima scored a goal and set up another as Alverca secured a valuable 2-1 away victory over Rio Ave in a Primeira Liga match on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Estádio do Rio Ave Futebol Clube.

The result, which defied pregame statistical projections, saw the visiting side complete a league double over their hosts after the teams played to a draw in their first meeting of the season in November.

Alverca struck with devastating early efficiency. Just five minutes into the contest, forward Jalen Blesa, who would be central to the action all afternoon, delivered a precise pass to fellow attacker Figueiredo, who finished clinically to stun the home crowd. The visitors doubled their advantage in the 21st minute. Lima, who had entered the match as a substitute, found the net with an assist from Marious Vrousai, establishing a commanding two-goal lead before the half-hour mark.

Rio Ave, which had been favored by Interstat’s ELO system with an 82.6 percent probability to win, struggled to break down a disciplined Alverca defense for much of the first half. The game’s momentum shifted just before the hour mark. In the 59th minute, Lima returned the favor to Blesa, providing the assist as Blesa slotted home a goal for Rio Ave, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting the contest.

The match grew increasingly tense as Rio Ave pressed for an equalizer. The physical nature of the second half was reflected in the booking of Vrousai in the 56th minute. Tempers flared in the 74th minute when both Lima and Blesa, the two standout performers, received yellow cards following a confrontation.

Despite sustained pressure in the final stages, Alverca’s defense held firm to secure all three points. The victory marked a significant turnaround for Alverca, which had managed only one win in its previous eight league matches dating back to early February. For Rio Ave, the loss continued a pattern of inconsistent results at home this season.

The outcome impacted the middle of the Primeira Liga table. Alverca improved its league record to six wins, 11 losses and eight draws, moving ahead of Rio Ave on total points. Rio Ave’s record in the competition now stands at six wins, 10 losses and eight draws.

Alverca will look to build on this away win when it hosts Casa Pia in its next league fixture on April 12. Rio Ave, seeking to rebound, will travel to face Santa Clara on April 11.