Veiga on Palmeiras v Flamengo rivalry: expects a mental battle in Libertadores | OneFootball

Palmeiras will play its third Libertadores final under coach Abel Ferreira this Saturday, aiming for the fourth championship in the club’s history. This Wednesday, the squad held their first training session on Peruvian soil. Before practice, midfielder Raphael Veiga spoke about his expectations for the match.

“As the game gets closer, we start thinking more, focusing more on the match. I’m very happy to be here once again and I hope, just like in 2021, that the ending will be a happy one,” he told ESPN.

The teams are repeating the 2021 final, in which Palmeiras emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. Raphael Veiga and Deyverson scored the goals for Palmeiras in the match held at Estadio Centenário, in Montevideo.

Is Flamengo Palmeiras’ biggest rival at the moment?

Palmeiras and Flamengo have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years. Dominant in Brazilian football, the teams have faced each other in three finals since 2021. In addition, they have also clashed in knockout matches and fought point by point for this season’s Brazilian championship. Raphael Veiga analyzed the rivalry and named Flamengo as Verdão’s biggest rival at the moment.

“I think, because of the recent titles and always fighting for trophies, Flamengo is our biggest rival today. Obviously, when it’s a Derby, it’s a different situation, but Flamengo has been the team fighting for titles with us in recent years. They’re a very strong team, just like us,” he emphasized.

“It’s something Abel emphasizes a lot and helps us with (the mental aspect). I think in an athlete’s life this is very important. We know the results and performances from recent games, but a Libertadores final is different from anything else. We still have two days of training to go and we’ll adjust a few things, but the most important thing is to be focused at the highest level. Matches like this aren’t just played, it’s very mental and we have to stay calm to make the best decisions,” Veiga projected.

Palmeiras’ next match

Palmeiras vs Flamengo Competition: Libertadores (Final) Date and time: November 29, 2025 (Saturday), at 6 p.m. (Brasília time) Venue: Estadio Monumental U, in Lima (PER)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.