Dynamo retain Russian Futsal Cup

FC Dynamo showed their form ahead of this month's UEFA Futsal Cup finals in Baku by beating Ugra Yugorsk home and away to retain the Russian Futsal Cup.

Dynamo, ten points clear of second-placed Ugra in the Russian Super League after a 7-3 away win last week, returned to Yugorsk on Saturday and prevailed 3-2. Nando and Tatù both had goals cancelled out by Ugra's Dmitri Lyskov before Cirilo clinched victory with 15 minutes left.

Missing defenders Sergei Sergeev and Pula for Wednesday's return leg against a side welcoming back Robinho and Neto, Dynamo twice trailed by a two-goal margin before battling back for a 6-5 triumph thanks to strikes in the last five minutes from Nando, Cirilo and hat-trick scorer Fernandinho.

Dynamo lifted the trophy for the eighth time, with Ugra in 2012 the only team to deny them in the last seven seasons. It is a timely boost as they prepare for their 24 April UEFA Futsal Cup last-four encounter with Kairat Almaty, who inflicted their second straight final defeat last year.

"I believe this was a meeting of not only Russia's, but also Europe's best clubs," said Dynamo coach Faustino Pérez. "We stood up at a crucial moment and hung in there when trailing by one or two goals. We should be proud of our display as it's psychologically difficult to take on a team like Ugra."

Forward Aleksandr Fukin added: "We always fight until the end. We managed to play our trump card – to effectively use a flying keeper. Yes, we made a number of mistakes due to our emotions, but everyone fought to the last with the highest commitment. We didn't fall while two goals down and won in the end."

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, FC Barcelona – who meet hosts Araz Naxçivan in the second semi in Baku – overcame Zaragoza 6-2 to reach the Copa del Rey final, where they will face Murcia FS on 3 May. Torras and Adrian Ortego López both scored twice and there were further goals from Roger and Wilde, although Barcelona goalkeeper Cristian was sent off. Barcelona have won all three previous editions of futsal's Copa del Rey, downing Murcia 6-3 in the last two finals.