Standout star drives Casa Pia threat against Rio Ave | OneFootball

Gaizka Larrazabal struck in the 35th minute to put Casa Pia in front in a 1-1 draw with Rio Ave.

The forward pounced from close range after a corner, turning in Dailon Livramento's delivery to the bottom right. His positioning at the far post rewarded Casa Pia's set piece pressure.

Larrazabal kept asking questions before the interval, drawing a low save from Ennio Van der Gouw after João Marques' headed pass (38.). After the restart he again tested the goalkeeper from the right side of the box, this time fed by Marques (64.).

He finished with six attempts, three on target, and 10 touches in the box, underpinning the hosts' most persistent threat. He also won a tackle and made five recoveries, reflecting work without the ball as well as with it.

With nine corners and 30 crosses supplied by Casa Pia, Larrazabal's aggressive runs into the area repeatedly created the finishing option their delivery sought.

Casa Pia sit 16th, a relegation play-off berth. Rio Ave end the campaign 12th.