In the Primeira Liga match between Porto and Rio Ave on 18 February 2023, Porto emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to a first-half goal at the 44:10 mark. This decisive goal encapsulated Porto's ability to capitalize on crucial moments in the game. The solitary goal ahead of half-time shifted the game dynamics, putting Rio Ave in a position where they had to chase the match throughout the second half.

The match displayed Porto’s dominance in set-pieces, reflected in their accumulation of 8 corner kicks compared to Rio Ave’s 2. This statistic underscored Porto's persistent offensive pressure and their ability to maintain possession deep in their opponent’s half. Additionally, Porto's tactical discipline was evident in their lower foul count (5) relative to Rio Ave's 8, indicating a more controlled and strategic approach to breaking up play.

Rio Ave’s aggression translated into 3 yellow cards, with a particularly impactful period around the 30th to 45th minute where they received two yellow cards within 11 minutes. This kind of indiscipline potentially hampered their defensive cohesion. On the other hand, Porto, despite their 2 yellow cards in the second half, managed to mitigate the impacts of these cautions more effectively, maintaining their structural integrity and avoiding any escalations to red cards.

Offensive efficiency was another critical factor, with Porto's ability to translate their offensive maneuvers into 2 shots on target, contrasting with Rio Ave's subdued offensive output that did not reflect in shots on target. The discrepancy in corner kicks also suggests Rio Ave's relative vulnerability to conceding set-pieces under constant Porto pressure. Substitutions and orchestrated plays couldn’t alter the tide in Rio Ave’s favor, highlighting the home team’s tactical superiority and discipline under pressure.

Overall, Porto's teamwork and strategic play, underscored by key statistics such as corner kicks and fouls, along with disciplined game management, were instrumental in their victory. Rio Ave’s lack of discipline and failure to effectively respond to Porto’s strategic pressure played a significant role in their inability to equalize, giving Porto a deserved, albeit narrow, victory.

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