Full name Rio Ave Futebol Clube Ground Estádio do Rio Ave Chairman António Campos Arena/Stadium Estádio dos Arcos League Primeira Liga Founded 1939 | Nickname(s) Rio Grande (Big River) Ground Capacity 12,815 2015–16 6th Manager Luis Castro Location Vila do Conde, Portugal | |
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Rio Ave Futebol Clube, commonly known as Rio Ave [ˈʁi.u ˈa.vɨ], is a Portuguese football club based in Vila do Conde, northern Portugal. The club is named after the Ave River, which flows through the town and into the Atlantic Ocean.
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Founded in 1939, Rio Ave currently play in the Primeira Liga, Portugal's top-tier division of professional football. They play their home games at Estádio do Rio Ave, also known as Estádio dos Arcos. Built in 1985, the current stadium seats approximately 12,815 people and is a multi-sports venue, although it is used mainly for Rio Ave's football matches.
The club's home colours are green and white striped shirts with white shorts and socks, whilst their away kit consists of a red and white striped shirt and white shorts with yellow socks. Portuguese internationals Alfredo, Paulinho Santos, Quim, Rui Jorge and Fábio Coentrão started their careers at the club.
The Vilacondenses' best top-tier league finish was fifth in the 1981–82 season. They reached the 1984 Taça de Portugal Final, where they lost to Porto 4–1, and the 2014 Taça de Portugal Final where they lost to Benfica 1–0. With this result, Rio Ave qualified for the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, their first participation in a major European competition.
History
Rio Ave was founded in 1939, soon being nicknamed Rio Grande (Big River). In 1981–82, Rio Ave achieved its best ever league standing by finishing in fifth place, in what was then known as the Primeira Divisão (First Division). Two seasons later, it reached the Portuguese Cup final, losing to Porto 4–1. Most recently, Rio Ave managed to see of Braga to gain a spot in the 2014 Taça de Portugal Final, where they faced Benfica and lost 1–0. Having just missed out on European Qualification in their record 1981–82 league finish, Rio Ave acquired a guaranteed spot in the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League, the first time Rio Ave have ever competed in a major European football tournament.
European record
First-team squad
As of 29 January, 2017. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Reserves
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
League and cup history
A. ^A Best league classification finish in the club's history. B. ^B Best cup run in the club's history. C. ^C Best league cup run in the club's history.Last updated: 20 December 2013
Div. = Division; 1D = Portuguese League; 2H = Liga de Honra; 2DS/2D = Portuguese Second Division
Pos. = Position; Pl = Match played; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Lost; GS = Goal Scored; GA = Goal Against; P = Points