Veiga lights up Palmeiras performance

The first semi-final of the tournament took place at the Al Nahyan Stadium as SE Palmeiras advanced to Saturday’s final with a 2-0 victory over Al Ahly in front of a large travelling support.

A sea of green and white radiated through the Palmeiras end of the stadium as a high tempo game unfolded. Attacking midfielder Raphael Veiga was selected by our TSG as Man of the Match with an influential performance, particularly in relation to his contribution to their attacking play. He worked extremely well in the Palmeiras midfield, alongside players who clearly executed their distinct roles.

Veiga had 100% of his shots on target, scored one goal and provided the assist for the second goal. He consistently worked the space between Al Ahly’s lines making a total of 66 offers to receive the ball, 28 above the average of other players in the game.

Out of possession, Palmeiras were strong in their counter-pressing with a strong contribution from Veiga, who applied 38 defensive pressures and was ranked fourth out of all the players, and 22 above the game average.

Palmeiras were also extremely effective at exerting pressure from their mid block on Al Ahly’s build-up play and Veiga was very effective at becoming the spare player or occupying space to aid a counter-attack.

Alberto Zaccheroni observed the game and commented, "Whenever they played the ball forward, he was always ready. He had a goal and an assist in the game. He was very involved and very effective.

He was always able to keep a good open body shape and didn’t have his back to goal. He always knew where he was in relation to the opposition midfielders. His awareness of the game was excellent."