International Club Friendly: Rio Ave Run Riot with 5-2 Victory Over Nottingham Forest

Portuguese side Rio Ave produced a stunning attacking display to defeat English visitors Nottingham Forest 5-2 in a high-scoring international club friendly on July 23, 2026. The match, played behind closed doors, served as an important pre-season test for both clubs, with Rio Ave making a clear statement of intent ahead of their domestic campaign.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, Rio Ave took control of the game, pressing high and exploiting space behind Nottingham Forest’s defence. The home side’s fluid movement and quick passing left the Forest backline chasing shadows, and they raced into an early lead that they never relinquished.

Key Moments

• 2-0 inside 20 minutes: Rio Ave struck first in the 12th minute when their winger cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful drive into the bottom corner. Just seven minutes later, a well-worked corner was headed home at the near post to double the advantage.
• Forest pull one back: Nottingham Forest responded through a brilliant individual effort from their striker, who beat two defenders before slotting past the Rio Ave goalkeeper. The goal gave the visitors hope, but it was short-lived.
• First-half blitz: Rio Ave restored their two-goal lead just before half-time with a clinical counter-attack, making it 3-1. Forest’s defence looked vulnerable every time the hosts broke forward.
• Second-half onslaught: The Portuguese side continued their dominance after the break. A stunning free kick from 25 yards made it 4-1, and a fifth goal followed soon after when a deflected shot wrong-footed the Forest keeper. Forest managed a late consolation goal from a set piece, but the damage was done.

Tactical Story

Rio Ave’s manager set up his team in an aggressive 4-3-3 formation, pressing Nottingham Forest’s back three whenever they tried to play out from the back. The high press forced numerous turnovers, and the midfield trio provided constant support to the forwards. Forest, still adapting to a new system under their head coach, struggled to cope with the intensity and were repeatedly caught in transition.

Standout Players

Rio Ave’s number 10 was the standout performer, pulling the strings in midfield and providing two assists alongside a goal of his own. The home side’s left-back also impressed, bombing forward at every opportunity and setting up the fourth goal with an inch-perfect cross. For Nottingham Forest, the young striker who scored the first consolation goal showed glimpses of promise, but the team as a whole lacked defensive cohesion.

Season Impact

For Rio Ave, this emphatic victory builds momentum as they prepare for the start of the Primeira Liga season. The performance will give their fans hope that the team can challenge for a top-half finish. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will use this friendly as a harsh learning experience ahead of their Premier League campaign. Defensive organisation and transition management will need urgent attention if they are to avoid similar scorelines in competitive matches.

Both sides are expected to schedule further friendlies before the season kicks off, with Rio Ave taking on another top-flight opponent next week, while Forest return to England to face a Championship side.