Match Centre

Despite being out-created on expected goals (1.14 vs 0.94), Academico Viseu turned their limited chances into maximum points through precise second-half execution. Rio Ave dominated possession (55%) and produced nearly equal shots (12 vs 13), but Viseu's substitutions proved decisive — Alejandro Mestanza provided two assists after his 64th-minute introduction, facilitating Soufiane Messeguem's 69th-minute equaliser and André Clóvis' 77th-minute winner.

Tactically, the game hinged on box entries — Rio Ave had more shots from dangerous areas (8 inside-box attempts vs Viseu's 5), yet only converted Miguel Patrício's 38th-minute opener. The hosts' superior shot selection (5 on target from 13 attempts vs Rio Ave's 5 from 12) and set-piece threat (5 corners to 6) compensated for their lower xG. Andreas Ntoi's stoppage-time red card encapsulated Rio Ave's frustration after wasting their territorial advantage.

The critical stat: Viseu scored twice from 0.55 xG in the decisive 69th-77th minute spell, outperforming their shot quality by 264% in those moments.