Blesa strike lifts Rio Ave into 13th | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Rio Ave beat Tondela 1-0 at Estádio João Cardoso. Jalen Blesa settled it in the 70th minute, lashing Dário Spikic's through ball into the roof of the net from the left. Earlier, VAR confirmed the spot kick (44.), but Diogo Bezerra hit the bar in the third minute of first half stoppage time. The visitors shaded possession at 52.6% and mustered nine attempts to the hosts' six. The result lifts Rio Ave from 16th to 13th and they host Estrela Amadora next, while Tondela visit Sporting CP.

Player of the Match: Jalen Blesa decided the contest with the only goal and backed it up with six possession regains and five aerial wins.

Stat of the Match: Rio Ave struck the woodwork twice, underlining the fine margins in a tight game.

Three Things We Learned: VAR confirmed a first half penalty for Rio Ave, yet the miss kept the game level to the break. Tondela's crossing was a clear route, delivering 16 balls with 31.2% accuracy as Joe Hodge hit the post (53.). Ennio Van der Gouw made two saves and four high claims, steadying the visitors when pressure arrived.