Courtesy: UEFA.com


Murcia comeback earns record

Tuesday 25 March 2008

by Lucy Turner from Barcelona

ElPozo Murcia FS were given the toughest possible UEFA Futsal Cup semi-final draw when they were paired with holders and hosts MFK Dinamo Moskva for the 25 April fixture, but they are up to the challenge judging by their form in Spain's División de Honor.

Comeback draw
On Sunday Murcia visited two-time European champions Interviú Fadesa. Interviú took the lead through Marquinho and although Mauricio equalised from the penalty spot the home team led 2-1 at the break thanks to Neto. They extended their advantage through Schumacher and Rogelio, but Murcia are made of stern stuff this season and Saúl pulled one back before Álvaro and Mauricio struck in the final two minutes to earn a 4-4 draw. It keeps ElPozo ten points clear at the top, making them likely to lead the seedings in the end-of-season play-offs. On top of that, Murcia set a club-record unbeaten run of 18 games, including 12 in the league.

Venancio praise
Spain coach José Venancio said: "ElPozo are the best team and that is reflected in the league table. They are much better than the rest of the clubs." Murcia chief Duda, meanwhile, considered their European task by saying "[Dinamo] are the toughest opponents in the tournament but if you want to win you have to play against any team. We will have to prepare well for the semi-final. They are the reigning champion and they will play at home."

Dinamo dominance
Dinamo themselves are even more dominant in their domestic league and this weekend won 4-2 and 6-3 at fourth-placed Russian Super League team MFK Tyumen to remain unbeaten this season and keep their lead over nearest rivals TTG-JAVA Yugorsk at 15 points. Russia's other UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finalists MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg remain third, a point behind Yugorsk, after winning 3-2 and 2-1 at MFK Spartak Shelkovo. Ekaterinburg's last-four opponents, Kairat Almaty, will attempt to keep their Kazakhstan title hopes alive on Tuesday and Wednesday when they travel to bottom side Alfa Rudny.





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