Analysing the Tactical Battle: Sporting CP vs. Rio Ave in the Liga Portugal Clash – Key Stats and Performance Indicators Examined

Sporting CP's attacking efficiency sees them converting 18.3% of their chances, surpassing Rio Ave's 15.7%. However, Rio Ave boasts a superior expected goals (xG) efficiency of 1.82 per match, compared to Sporting CP's 1.65. Rio Ave also demonstrates greater stability in key pass success, achieving 82.4% compared to Sporting CP's 79.1%, and their forward passing value reaches 4.3 per game, exceeding Sporting CP's 3.8. Rio Ave's midfield control is noteworthy, with an average of 62.3% possession, coupled with 15.6 transition attacks, posing a greater threat than Sporting CP's 48.7% possession and 11.2 transitions. Rio Ave also covers more ground, with an average running distance of 112km and 23.7 high-intensity sprints, surpassing Sporting CP's 107km and 19.5 sprints. Defensively, Rio Ave outperforms Sporting CP in several areas, recording 17.3 tackles (compared to Sporting CP's 14.1), 12.8 interceptions (compared to Sporting CP's 10.5), and 21.6 clearances (compared to Sporting CP's 18.4). Rio Ave converts its 1.82 xG into 2.1 actual goals (a 115% conversion rate), whereas Sporting CP converts its 1.65 xG into only 1.4 goals (85% conversion rate). Despite Sporting CP creating higher expected goals, Rio Ave demonstrates superior ability in capitalizing on their chances, evidenced by their three clean sheets in the last five matches, showcasing defensive resilience. Considering the comprehensive data, Rio Ave appears to dominate across multiple offensive and defensive metrics. Prediction: Rio Ave +2.25