Manchester Futsal Club Narrowly Falls Short in Thrilling UEFA Champions League Debut

Manchester Futsal Club came agonizingly close to earning a point in their UEFA Futsal Champions League debut against Armenian champions FC Yerevan on Thursday evening. Despite late goals from Uriel Araujo and Jordan Edge, the team ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat at Manchester’s National Cycling Centre.

Hosting the preliminary group stage of the Champions League for the first time in England, Manchester welcomed a loud and enthusiastic crowd to the Velodrome after winning the 2023/24 National Futsal Series. The atmosphere was electric, with fans filling both a large section of the arena’s seating and the courtside bleachers, and all three visiting fanbases were well represented.

Manchester co-owner and head coach Ilya Ovechkin expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and remained optimistic about securing positive results in their remaining Group D fixtures against Istanbul Şisli of Turkey and Dutch champions Tigers Roermond:

“I think the boys are confident. The way we finished the game shows we belong at this level. It’s our first game in the Champions League, so it’s a learning curve.”

The match showcased futsal’s potential as a spectator sport in England, with a thrilling atmosphere that peaked when captain Jordan Edge converted a 10-meter penalty to make it 3-2 with just two minutes left. The home crowd was on the edge of their seats, and when Jake Barnes’ acrobatic volley narrowly missed the target moments later, the excitement in the National Cycling Centre was palpable.

Despite controlling possession for much of the first half and creating several clear-cut chances, Manchester struggled to cope with Yerevan’s physicality and experience. The Armenian side, with three Champions League victories already under their belt—including wins over London Helvecia and Europa (Gibraltar) in the 2022 preliminary round—used their know-how to their advantage.

Yerevan took an early lead five minutes into the match through Melikyan, but Manchester responded well, showcasing patience, pace, and a well-organized press. Scott Thompson’s deft lob struck the bar, and a brilliant piece of last-ditch defending denied Barnes from close range. Matthew Barber, an England U-19 international, was a constant threat with his speed and agility, yet saw a close-range effort superbly saved by the Yerevan goalkeeper. Barnes then narrowly missed a one-on-one opportunity, concluding a first half that could easily have seen Manchester leading by three goals.

“In the Champions League, you get few chances, and you’ve got to put them away. Obviously, we didn’t do that, and suddenly we were chasing the game,” Ovechkin reflected post-match.

Second Half Analysis:

Yerevan delivered a crushing blow immediately after the restart, with Melikyan scoring his second of the night, a right-footed volley following a delightful parallel scoop down the line. This goal dampened much of Manchester’s half-time optimism. The Armenian side, rejuvenated, increased their intensity, both in and out of possession, while Manchester grew frustrated with their forced long-ball tactics, often losing possession back to Yerevan.

Just five minutes later, a direct pass to the Yerevan pivot was skillfully worked down the line, allowing 22-year-old Artur Patatyan to extend the lead to 3-0. With little to lose, Manchester upped their press, making the game more frantic. Jordan Edge’s perfectly placed kick-in found Karimi, who could only direct his header onto the post as Manchester struggled to recreate the quality of chances they had in the first half. Yerevan’s tactical fouls and well-timed injury breaks disrupted any momentum Manchester tried to build.

However, with just three minutes remaining, Edge maneuvered down the left and delivered a cross for Uriel Araujo, who scored to reduce the deficit to 3-1. Araujo, who previously netted three Champions League goals for London Helvecia in 2021, was a standout performer for Manchester and became the club’s first-ever European goalscorer.

Yerevan’s sixth foul of the match presented another opportunity, and Edge converted his 10-meter penalty to make it 3-2 with just a minute left on the clock. Barnes, who had been a consistent threat throughout, came agonizingly close to leveling the match, only for his effort to miss by inches.

With nerves settled and a larger crowd expected for Friday’s match, Manchester will be hopeful of a victory against Istanbul Şişli, who lost 4-1 to Tigers Roermond in their Group D opener. However, with only the group winner advancing, Manchester, led by Ovechkin and Edge, will need FC Yerevan to drop points against the Dutch champions in their 5:30 pm encounter. Otherwise, their bid to become the first English team to qualify for the UEFA Futsal Champions League Main Round since Baku United in 2015 will come to an end.

 

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Man of the Match: Jordan Edge

Not at his peak in the first half, as others took the spotlight, but as is typical of the Manchester captain, he stepped up when it mattered most. Edge provided a crucial assist and converted a 10-meter penalty that nearly brought his side back into the game. He was excellent defensively and could have had another assist if Karimi’s header had gone in.

Editor’s Note:

Futsal Focus was unable to attend the UEFA Futsal Champions League group stage event. However, we are pleased to share this detailed report provided by Benjamin Stevens, founder of Total Futsal. Be sure to follow Total Futsal on Instagram

Organ Donation

Futsal Focus is a supporter of Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family’s campaign to raise awareness of Organ Donation. We encourage our readers to learn more about Organ Donation: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/

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