The “silver anniversary” of continental futsal was aptly celebrated by Sporting. In Pesaro, Alex Merlim’s Lions brought an end to Palma’s legendary three-year run, which had in fact begun against Sporting, with a 2-0 victory to claim the 25th UEFA Futsal Champions League title, the third in the club’s history for the Portuguese side. At the Rossini Final Four in Pesaro, in front of 5,816 spectators, a goal in each half decided the final.

 

FIGC Secretary Brunelli. In attendance in the stands was FIGC Secretary General Marco Brunelli, who commented after the event: “For the Federation, for the Amateur League and the Regional Committee, for the Futsal Division, it was a great pleasure to witness such a response on the international stage. UEFA has very high standards in selecting venues for these finals and in supporting local organisers to ensure those standards are met. The venue responded very well, the city was also enthusiastic, and there was a great turnout, not only from the fans of the four participating teams, but also from the local area. Many people who had never seen futsal came along, drawn in by the event, and this is a great promotional tool. Thanks to everyone who contributed: UEFA rightly applies pressure and demands excellence, and these are opportunities to grow.”

First half
As in the semi-final against Cartagena, Sporting controlled possession, making the most of Bernardo Paçó’s forward runs. The same happened in the first final on Italian soil. The Portuguese goalkeeper’s attacking move allowed Sporting to open the scoring: his cross-shot was misread by Dennis Cavalcanti, and Diogo Santos tapped in after 3’20”. The Spanish goalkeeper redeemed himself with several saves (an especially briliant stop on Merlim!), denying Sporting a second goal until 1’52” from the break, when Diogo Santos, already booked, fouled (Sporting’s fifth) Ernesto, earning a second yellow card. Nuno Dias’ side held firm while a man down, even through the opening 8 seconds of the second half.

Zicky Té, named MVP of the final.

Second half
The second half was more balanced. Palma defended in an organised system and looked to counter, coming close to an equaliser with a low strike from Fabinho, brilliantly cleared off the line thanks to great intervention by Bernardo Paçó. Just as Vadillo opted for the flying goalkeeper (5v4), Sporting’s intense press on Alisson led to a decisive deflection: Fabinho’s desperate attempt to reach the loose ball failed as it rolled into Palma’s net to make it 2-0. The game ended 2-0, and the Lions of Lisbon began their celebrations.

 

The clash for third place.
As last season in Le Mans, Cartagena finished on the UEFA Futsal Champions League podium. Once again in the semi-final rematch, Duda’s side went 2-0 up (Osamanmusa and Pablo Ramírez) against Étoile Lavalloise, but Mohamed and Mouhoudine (from the penalty spot) levelled the match; Bakkali completed the comeback before MVP Gon Castejón made it 3-3. In the penalty shootout, all scored except Lutin: Juninho secured third place for the Spanish side.

 

UEFA FUTSAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ROLL OF HONOUR (2002–2018 UEFA FUTSAL CUP)
2026: SPORTING CP; 2025: Illes Balears Palma; 2024: Illes Balears Palma; 2023: Illes Balears Palma; 2022: Barça; 2021: Sporting CP; 2020: Barça; 2019: Sporting CP; 2018: Inter FS; 2017: Inter FS; 2016: Ugra Yugorsk; 2015: Kairat Almaty; 2014: Barça; 2013: Kairat Almaty; 2012: Barça; 2011: Montesilvano; 2010: Benfica; 2009: Inter FS; 2008: Sinara Ekaterinburg; 2007: FC Dynamo; 2006: Inter FS; 2005: Action 21 Charleroi; 2004: Inter FS; 2003: Playas de Castellón; 2002: Playas de Castellón.