One playmaker supplies two for Benfica against Vitória S.C. | OneFootball

Richard Ríos changed the game in the 14th minute with a measured pass, and his two assists underpinned Benfica's 3-0 win over Vitória S.C.

The Colombia international first split the midfield lines to feed Gianluca Prestianni, whose low finish from the centre of the box gave the hosts control. From there, Ríos kept offering angles for forward runs, showing for the ball and moving Águias up the pitch.

After the restart he repeated the trick, threading another incisive ball for the striker to sweep home (55.). That second telling pass stretched Vitória S.C. again and removed any jeopardy.

He finished with two assists, six possessions won and 13 successful passes in the final third, numbers that explained how he set the tempo and connected attacks throughout.

Because Benfica's double pivot gave him cover to step on and receive between the lines, Ríos continually found pockets to play forward. His timing and weight of pass kept Encarnados in charge of the key phases.

Encarnados sit second in Liga Portugal, while Vitória S.C. are ninth. Encarnados visit Casa Pia next. Vitória S.C. host Tondela next.