Reading were one of the many clubs who had scouts watching a decisive match between Rio Ave and Porto on Friday night.
With the Dragons only getting an away draw, they now give Benfica the chance to go on top of the league table and perhaps win the title in case the Eagles keep the winning form.
The Portuguese media says over 30 clubs had officials at this match, and newspaper A Bola claims Reading were one of them, along with Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Royals haven’t been linked to any players from the Portuguese league lately, and since they’re not getting promoted to the Premier League next season, it’s much more likely they want to land a Rio Ave player than a Porto star.
There are four players from the home side who may have impressed. One of them was striker Ronan, who was brought in the second half and scored an important goal to equalise.
Midfielder Gelson Dala, who’s been on loan from Sporting, created several chances and made the assists for both of Rio Ave’s goals. He now has six goals and nine assists this season.
Midfielder Felipe Augusto also had a great job controlling possession in midfield, and winger Nuno Santos, besides creating constant danger, also scored an important goal to start Rio Ave’s reaction.
With Reading’s season being up and down, it’s hard to point out each position the team needs to reinforce for the next season. Now with a Portuguese manager in charge, we can expect some signings coming from Liga NOS in the summer.
