Futsal: Libertas go through as underdogs, Fiorita, Virtus and Juvenes-Dogana also reach quarter-finals

The main surprise of the second leg of the Preliminary Round of the San Marino Futsal Championship was Domagnano’s elimination at the hands of Libertas. After Penserini’s Granata had won the first leg 1-0, Gasperoni’s Giallorossi absolutely had to win to keep their play-off hopes alive. Instead, it is the side from Borgo Maggiore – initially considered underdogs – who book their ticket to the quarter-finals by holding the Wolves to a 0-0 draw in last night’s match in Fiorentino. Libertas even missed a 10-metre free-kick in the second half through Davide Rossi, but the error proved harmless for the Granata, who, as underdog, advance to the quarter-finals where they will face reigning champions Fiorentino. No such problems for La Fiorita, Virtus and Juvenes-Dogana, who also won their second legs having already prevailed in the first. In Dogana, Montegiardino’s Gialloblu kicked off from last Monday’s 4-2 win over Cosmos. A clear 3-0 last night for Gianni Galli’s team, who opened the scoring early on through Franciosi, with the same player doubling the lead at the end of the first half. After the break (40'), Cosmos went a man down following the sending-off of Stefano Zanotti. The ensuing power-play was exploited by La Fiorita, who wrapped up the contest with Andrea Cappelli’s goal on 43 minutes. The Gialloblu will now face Murata in the quarter-finals. Another win with a clean sheet for Juvenes-Dogana against Pennarossa: after the 3-0 first-leg victory, Roberto Levani’s side ran out 8-0 winners again in last night’s match to qualify for the league play-off quarter-finals. Four goals in each half, with braces from Alessandro Zonzini and Simone Baldelli, plus single strikes from Borasco, Cavalli, Paesini and Bologna. Juvenes-Dogana will now meet Tre Fiori in the next round. With qualification already secured after the 8-0 first leg, Virtus also came out on top in the return game against Tre Penne. In Fiorentino, however, it was a proper contest and the team from Città honoured the competition right to the final whistle. The Biancoazzurri actually took the lead, scoring at the end of the first half through Ercolani. Virtus replied via Giuliano Sensoli, who first grabbed the equaliser and then was involved in the own goal that restored Tre Penne’s advantage. The team from Acquaviva, though, roared back and levelled through De Biagi (52'). The winning goal for Virtus arrived a few minutes later thanks to a penalty converted by Francesco Tamburrano, sealing a 3-2 success. In the quarter-finals the Neroverdi will face Folgore.   Here is the full schedule for the Preliminary Round:

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