Rio Ave beat Estoril Praia 2-0 in Liga Portugal Betclic, pairing a compact 4-2-3-1 defensive shape with ruthless efficiency on the break. Estoril used the same formation and controlled 55% of possession, but their territorial advantage did not translate into a goal despite producing 1.16 xG. Rio Ave generated only 0.70 xG, yet Jalen Blesa and Tamble Monteiro each scored to secure an away victory built on clinical finishing and disciplined protection of their penalty area. The contrast between the goalkeepers was also decisive: Rio Ave’s goalkeeper saved all six shots on target for a 100% save rate, preserving the clean sheet under sustained pressure. At the opposite end, all three of Rio Ave’s attempts were on target, giving their limited attacking work a clear purpose. Estoril’s 4-2-3-1 provided control and enough entries into shooting positions, but Rio Ave remained organised between the lines and exploited the spaces available when possession changed hands. Carlos Macedo oversaw a match shaped less by volume than by execution in both boxes. Rio Ave’s efficiency gives them an early boost in the table.