A good effort from Vilacondenses, who managed to fight for a European spot until the very end of the season. The fact that Rio Ave won’t be having access to European competition takes nothing from what has to be considered a consistent positive season. Not only in terms of points gathered throughout the season, but mostly because of the very high levels of entertaining football that Vilacondenses brought to Portuguese league many times. Especially in the final third of the season, when Luís Castro’s methods were becoming solid and the team was playing a fearless, attractive attacking football, based on a fast, foot-to-foot passing style.
First coach of the season, Nuno Capucho, had already tried to employ an uncompromised attacking style and, in a way, Rio Ave was already one of the interesting points of league from the start. A slightly less successful period from 6th to 10th round led Capucho to be sacked and former Porto B coach Luís Castro to arrive. Despite a bit harsh at the time, the decision was proved to be very successful, with Luís Castro improving Rio Ave’s style and giving it more consistency and effectiveness in results as well.
The influential midfielder duo Wakaso and Felipe left during the winter transfer window, and one thought at that time that the team could be in trouble, but Sporting young midfielder Petrovic arrived on loan, and the duo he formed with captain Tarantini was arguably even more effective than any other at that time. Especially since in the second half of the season, a certain Krovinovic started to feel more and more comfortable, first becoming a regular option in the first team, to eventually turning into one of the league’s hottest prospects for the upcoming times. The Croatian number showed an enormous potential, with a great combination of creativity and playmaking skills. Other players like flamboyant attacking midfielders Gil Dias and Rúben Ribeiro, as well as very steady defensive line, with special mention deserved to the centre-halves Marcelo and Roderick Miranda.
