Rio Ave
The Vila do Conde crowd witnessed a Primeira Liga classic as Rio Ave and Estrela battled to a pulsating 3-3 draw in Week 6, with Jalen Blesa’s 78th-minute penalty rescuing a point for the hosts after Estrela had twice led.
Estrela Strike First Through Stoica
The visitors drew first blood in the 21st minute when Ianis Stoica fired past Eric van der Gouw after Leandro Antonetti’s incisive pass sliced open Rio Ave’s defence. Estrela’s dominance continued as Max Scholze picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul trying to stop a counterattack.
Rio Ave Bite Back Before Half-Time
Francisco Petrasso, already booked for dissent, silenced Estrela’s travelling support in first-half stoppage time. The Argentine midfielder latched onto Diogo Bezerra’s through ball before slotting calmly past Léo Linck to send the teams into the break level.
Marcus Double Puts Estrela in Command
Abraham Marcus restored Estrela’s lead just eight minutes into the second half, converting Scholze’s cross with a clinical finish. Rio Ave responded immediately through substitute Roland Galcik, who equalised with his first touch after Bezerra’s second assist. But Marcus struck again in the 61st minute, tapping in Stoica’s cross to complete his brace.
Blesa’s Nerve Rescues Rio Ave
With Estrela looking to see out the win, Rio Ave were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute when Stefan Lekovic handled in the box. Jalen Blesa stepped up and coolly converted to seal a share of the spoils. Both sides pressed for a winner, but defences held firm in a frantic finale.
The draw leaves Rio Ave unbeaten at home this season but frustrated after twice coming from behind. For Estrela, it’s a missed opportunity to build momentum after last week’s win, though Marcus’ double offers encouragement. Both teams now regroup before next weekend’s fixtures in this unpredictable Primeira Liga campaign.
Key Moments
21′ ⚽ Estrela — Ianis Stoica (assist: Leandro Antonetti)
45+3′ ⚽ Rio Ave — Francisco Petrasso (assist: Diogo Bezerra)
53′ ⚽ Estrela — Abraham Marcus (assist: Max Scholze)
56′ ⚽ Rio Ave — Roland Galcik (assist: Diogo Bezerra)
