The contest was balanced in the first half but Veiga was the difference in the second half and kept the team’s 100% record under the command of Portuguese Abel Ferreira.
Fluminense started the game slow.
They had little more possession of the ball but lacked pace to cause problem for Palmeiras‘ defence. Fred sprained his ankle in the warm up and gave way for Felippe Cardoso to be in the starting line-up. The home side had it difficult going forward and creating clear cut chances in the earlier stage of the game. Fluminense had more shots taken on target and had a goal cancelled scored by Luccas Claro, for offside.
The best chance of the first half, however, came from the home side close to the end of the first 45 minutes. A mistake by Luccas Claro in the area gave Willian a chance to shoot. Muriel defended well.
In the second half, the game got more open. Palmeiras played with more confidence, pressing Fluminense high up the pitch and taking control of the game. Raphael Veiga opened up the scoring in the 52nd minute through the penalty spot after Wellington Silva handled the ball in the area. Eight minutes later, Raphael Veiga added another, his second of the night and the second goal for his team, ending the game 2-0.
Palmeiras will return to face Ceará on Wednesday at Arena Castelão for the second leg of the quarterfinals of the Brazil Cup. Fluminense will face Internacional on Sunday in Beira-Rio for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão.
