Futsal Champions League: Murata off to a flying start, Yerevan defeated 3-1

Fiorentino had closed last summer’s campaign with a win – the first, historic victory for a club from the Titan in European futsal – and Murata, at the start of this new adventure, were determined not to be outdone. The Bianconeri – without the suspended Busignani and Moretti – swept aside Yerevan 3-1, fuelled by a stunning hat-trick from the unstoppable Antonio Jamičić, the marquee signing for this Champions League Preliminary Round being played on Macedonian soil. Protti is immediately called into action on Yeghiazaryan’s left-footed effort, which the San Marino goalkeeper turns away with the help of the upright. It doesn’t take long for Jamičić to get into the game either: the Croatian dazzles Muradyan with his footwork and then finishes the move with a shot that goes just wide. Shortly afterwards, a huge chance falls to De Angelis, but Mkrtchyan stands tall to deny him. A very similar scene plays out at the other end of the court, with Protti the hero in his duel with Grigoryan. The deadlock is broken shortly before the middle of the half. Jamičić produces an imperious interception on the flank, followed by a crisp left-footed strike across goal that leaves Mkrtchyan rooted. The latter then has to work miracles again to keep out a thunderbolt from stand-in captain Mattioli. Protti responds in kind on Yeghiazaryan, but the Bianconeri keeper can do nothing about Khatuev’s close-range, pinpoint finish, brilliantly picked out by Hakobyan. The first half ends level at 1-1.

The Armenians open the second half with a spectacular corner routine: Yesayan, with a backheel, sets up Yeghiazaryan, who somehow squanders a gilt-edged chance just a few metres from Protti. The Murata keeper then outdoes himself twice in the same move, first on Hakobyan and then on Yeghiazaryan, while his opposite number Mkrtchyan pushes up into Murata’s half for the classic flying goalkeeper ploy. A ploy that proves counterproductive: a poor piece of distribution by Mkrtchyan himself allows Jamičić to pounce on the ball and instantly send it into the unguarded net, restoring the lead for Max Spada’s men. The blow shakes several certainties in the Yerevan ranks, who soon after give away another costly ball from a throw-in: Jamičić races through on goal, but this time Mkrtchyan does brilliantly to make amends. And Protti is good – in fact outstanding – again to turn away Yeghiazaryan’s left-foot rocket. Yerevan persist with the flying goalkeeper: Belloni intercepts and attempts a lob that Mkrtchyan somehow claws away with a superb arching save. The duel resumes shortly afterwards and this time the Armenian keeper’s intervention is even more sensational, as Belloni’s fierce, precise strike looked destined for the back of the net. Yerevan go close again when Yesayan curls a right-footer against the outside of the post. But it’s the Armenians’ last real threat. Murata defend with discipline and grit, waiting for the right chance to wrap up the three points. And, predictably, that chance arrives thanks to another reckless passage of play from their opponents: just as before, Jamičić gratefully accepts and finds the net from inside his own half. In the closing stages, an identical opportunity falls to Mattioli, who this time is denied by the post. Minor details for a Murata side that begin their campaign in the best possible fashion and will be back on court this evening (20:30) to take on hosts Forca, who in the meantime have comfortably beaten Andorran side Encamp 4-0. It already has the feel of a play-off tie.

UEFA Futsal Champions League, Preliminary Round | Yerevan – Murata 1-3

YEREVAN

Mkrtchyan, Mamikonyan, Patatyan, Yeghiazaryan, Yesayan

Substitutes: Ghazaryan, Margarian, Ghazaryan, Khatuev, Hakobyan, Muradyan, Mkrtchyan, Grigoryan, Chiloyan

Coach: Khachatur Mikayelyan

MURATA

Protti, Maiani, Mattioli, Jamičić, Ercolani

Substitutes: Geri, Giusti, Zanotti, Ghiotti, Dominella, Belloni, De Angelis

Coach: Massimiliano Spada

Referee 1: George Jansizian (SWE)

Referee 2: Sven Schreiber (GER)

Referee 3: Pawel Tokarewicz (POL)

Timekeeper: Done Ristovski (MKD)

Cautioned: Ercolani, Yeghiazaryan

Scorers: 10:52, 25:30 and 36:55 Jamičić, 17:05 Khatuev