Futsal Champions League: Drenica ruthless as well, final group game tomorrow

Ujpest and Drenica remain level at the top of Murata’s group, sharing not only the same number of points so far but also the same tally of goals scored against the Bianconeri. Just like the Hungarians, the Kosovans also hit Delvecchio’s goal eleven times, conceding only once – and that from an own goal. This time, though, the opener doesn’t come instantly. It takes almost seven minutes for the scoreline to change: Xhinovci lifts the ball in for Dervishaj, who volleys home from point-blank range to put Drenica ahead. Delvecchio pulls off a stunning save to deny Sanchez, but there’s nothing he can do on Haxhijai’s second attempt. In this particularly intense phase of the match, Drenica make it three thanks to a burst from Imeri, whose move forces Cesarini into an own goal. But here Murata manage a break: Molinas tests Selmanaj from the floor, then Belloni robs the ball and bursts through one-on-one with the Kosovan keeper, who is excellent again on this occasion. Shortly afterwards there is also a solo effort from Recober, who does everything right but is once more denied by an alert Selmanaj. Delvecchio too has plenty to do to prevent a fourth concession. The scoreline is altered again with 30 seconds left in the half from a throw-in: Sanchez shapes to shoot and instead lays it off to Selmanaj, who curls a left-footer just inside the post. In the second half Drenica step up the tempo. After Ramadani has a goal ruled out, the Kosovans make it five through a free-kick taken by the number 16 himself. Another dead ball, this time from Molinas, worries the newly introduced Velasco, then Mattioli skips past Xhinovci and fires in a ball that Haxhijai turns into his own net. The 5-1 incident does not unsettle Drenica, who extend their lead through Xhinovci (a delicate touch after two big saves from Delvecchio), Deliu (a simple finish from a Xhinovci assist) and Aliu again, this time able to unleash a powerful, angled right-footed strike that leaves the Bianconeri keeper no chance. In the midst of this flurry, Murata threaten with a one-two between Molinas and Recober, whose shot drifts narrowly wide. Belloni’s effort straight down the middle does not overly trouble Velasco, while in the closing stages Drenica roar again: Sanchez from outside the area, Deliu with a close-range deflection and Dervishaj with a sharp left-footed finish wrap up the scoring at 11-1. In the meantime Ujpest put 13 past Sakarya Karasu, who, on goal difference, sit behind Murata. Today is a rest day before tomorrow’s two head-to-head clashes: Sakarya Karasu v Murata at 15:00 for third place, Ujpest v Drenica for top spot and a place in the next round.

UEFA Futsal Champions League, Preliminary Round | Murata – Drenica 1-11

MURATA

Delvecchio, Mattioli, Severi, Belloni, Cesarini

Substitutes: Balducci, Para, Recober, Molinas, Tani, Marzi, Cerquetti, Gasperoni, Andolina

Coach: Massimiliano Spada

DRENICA

Selmanaj, Pardo, Luis Quintero, Sanchez, Haxhijai

Substitutes: Velasco, Pishtani, Imeri, Gashi, Diar, Dervishaj, Ramadan, Xhinovci, Aliu

Coach: Hector Jimenez

Referee 1: Vedran Marcinko (BIH)

Referee 2: Amine El Hilali (BEL)

Referee 3: Elwyn Rhys Parry (WAL)

Timekeeper: Péter Zimonyi (HUN)

Booked: Ramadan, Recober, Molinas, Haxhijai, Sanchez

Scorers: 6:53 and 39:02 Dervishaj, 9:14 and 19:36 Haxhijai, 11:12 (o.g.) Cesarini, 22:15 Ramadan, 25:16 (o.g.) Haxhijai, 26:30 Xhinovci, 26:46 and 38:17 Diar, 29:50 Aliu, 36:12 Sanchez