Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saitama: Urawa Red Diamonds matchwinner Rafael Silva hailed his side’s semi-final victory over Shanghai SIPG on Wednesday as “one of the best days of my career” after his 11th minute header helped the 2007 AFC Champions League winners return to the final of the continental competition.
The Brazilian’s seventh goal in the tournament, arguably his most important, ensured a 2-1 aggregate victory over Andres Villas-Boas’ Shanghai side following the 1-0 second leg win at Saitama Stadium.
And the Sao Paolo native, playing in his first AFC Champions League competition, was in no doubt of the significance of the latest edition to his tally.
“I’m sure this is one of the best days of my career,” said the 25-year-old, who joined Urawa from Alibrex Niigata ahead of the 2017 season.
“Today we could make a big step forward, and I think is completely important for us.
“Now we need to get both our feet back on the ground and just focus on the next game.”
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/silva_celebrate_jpg.html
