Courtesy: UEFA.com


Barcelona surge past Sporting

The hosts are into the final against MFK Dinamo Moskva at their first attempt, never looking back after three early goals.

Friday 27 April 2012, 22.29CET

FC Barcelona 5-1 Sporting Clube de Portugal

by Paul Saffer from Pavelló Barris Nord

FC Barcelona are into the UEFA Futsal Cup final at their first attempt after a dominant display delighted the home crowd in Lleida.

Amid non-stop singing, Barcelona were three up in ten minutes and never looked like losing their grip. They now face 2007 winners MFK Dinamo Moskva here on Sunday for the title.

The arena was full and rocking and within seconds so nearly had a goal to celebrate as Ari hit the post. They did not have to wait long, though, as with less than three minutes on the clock Ari turned in a cross from Wilde. Sporting coach Orlando Duarte called an immediate time-out to regroup.

Wilde, who lost the 2008 final with ElPozo Murcia FS, then had his own threat as goalkeeper João Benedito became busy for 2011 runners-up Sporting. Finally, Marcelinho forced Benedito's opposite number Paco Sedano into action, but on nine minutes it was 2-0, Saad Assis slipping the ball down the line for Wilde to score from a tight angle.

Barely had the cheers died down and it was three, Igor receiving the ball on the left, cutting in, and sending a thumping shot past Benedito. Caio was close with an impressive volley for Sporting but Barcelona were still attacking at will, Gabriel almost adding to the lead after one such move. The fourth goal was duly added by Javi Rodríguez, supplied by Torras, and it could have been more by the break.

With Alex acting as flying goalkeeper, Sporting did have some early second-half possession, Leitão testing Sedano, but the Barcelona custodian himself hit the post with a clearance. And then he made an even more important contribution, saving a penalty from Alex after Leitão had been fouled by Igor.

Instead Barcelona scored again on the counter, man of the match Sergio Lozano exchanging passes with Wilde, who tapped in his second of the night. Djo then did reduce arrears nine minutes from time but that Sporting would be playing Marca Futsal for third place on Sunday was long decided.

Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com