Moreirense grind out win at Rio Ave to rise from ninth to sixth | OneFootball

Match in Five Sentences: Moreirense beat Rio Ave 2-1 in Liga Portugal. Rodri Alonso put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box. Jalen Blesa equalised (42.), before Mateja Stjepanović swept in the winner from range after the restart (57.). Rio Ave had 60.1% possession and 18 attempts, yet the visitors' 47 clearances underlined a backs-to-the-wall display. Moreirense rise from ninth to sixth and host Sporting CP next, while Rio Ave remain 15th and visit Porto.

Player of the Match: Stjepanović settled the contest with a precise second half finish and backed it up with four clearances and two tackles in midfield.

Stat of the Match: Moreirense made 47 clearances, a huge rearguard shift that protected their lead under sustained pressure.

Three Things We Learned: Rio Ave controlled the ball with 60.1% possession and produced 18 attempts, but their finishing lacked punch against a deep block. Stjepanović's all-round work mattered beyond his winner, adding four clearances and two tackles from midfield. André Ferreira produced five saves, ensuring the visitors cashed in on their clinical moments.