Russian rivals matched in futsal finals draw

Russian rivals MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg and MFK Dinamo Moskva, respectively the winners of the last two UEFA Futsal Cups, have been drawn together in the semi-finals on 24 April while two-time champions Interviú Madrid play Kairat Almaty.

Rivals meet
Holders Ekaterinburg took the European title in Moscow at their first attempt last year and, just as Dinamo did 12 months ago, will defend the trophy as final four hosts. Viz hold the upper hand over their rivals this season having won three and drawn one of their four league meetings including both home fixtures in September, and the teams also play in the Russian Cup final on 1 and 5 April. Dinamo have reached the UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finals five years running and lost at this stage for the first time last season on penalties to ElPozo Murcia FS.

Interviú aim
Interviú, aiming to become the first three-time winners, are rematched with a Kairat team they defeated 5-2 in the second qualifying round on their way to the most recent of their titles in 2005/06. Kairat also went on to the semi-finals that season but were beaten by Dinamo, as they were by Ekaterinburg at this stage last year.

Russian race
The draw was held at the venue for the finals, the Ekaterinburg Palace of Sport, minutes after Viz's 3-1 Russian Super League defeat of TTG-Ugra Yugorsk, which took them ten points clear of MFK Tyumen. That side lost 9-4 at home to reigning champions Dinamo, three points further back with two games in hand. Both Interviú and Kairat lead their domestic leagues and are hoping to secure cup successes this weekend.

Schedule
The UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finals will be played on 24 April, with the final and third-place match two days later. All games are live on Eurosport or Eurosport 2.

UEFA Futsal Cup final four schedule