2025 UEFA Futsal Champions League Finals: The Road to Le Mans

Four teams, one trophy – Europe’s best battle for futsal supremacy in France’s first-ever UEFA final tournament.

The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2024/25 UEFA Futsal Champions League as the finals head to France for the first time. From 2 to 4 May, the 5,785-capacity Antarès arena in Le Mans will witness four of Europe’s best futsal teams battle for continental supremacy.

(Main picture: Laurent Morel, Head of UEFA Futsal competitions, and Carlos Ortiz, former captain of FC Barcelona Futbol Sala – source of the picture: Ronan supplied by Étoile Lavalloise – taken from the UEFA.com website)

The Draw and How It Unfolded

The much-anticipated draw was conducted on 22 February at Espace Mayenne in Laval, during half-time of a French league game between Etoile Lavalloise and UJS Toulouse. The honor of making the draw fell to tournament ambassador Carlos Ortiz, a four-time UEFA futsal club champion.

The results set up two thrilling semi-final clashes:

• Kairat Almaty vs Cartagena Costa Cálida (18:00 CET, 2 May)
• Sporting CP vs Illes Balears Palma (21:00 CET, 2 May)

 
The winners will meet in the final on 4 May at 20:00 CET, while the third-place play-off will take place earlier that evening at 17:00 CET.

The Venue: Antarès Arena, Le Mans

Nicknamed the ‘Saucer’ due to its distinctive shape, the Antarès arena has been a landmark in Le Mans since 1995. Situated near the famous Circuit de la Sarthe, home of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the venue has hosted major sporting and entertainment events, including FIBA EuroBasket 1999 and high-profile handball, gymnastics, and fencing tournaments.

With France hosting its first UEFA futsal final tournament, the anticipation among local fans is palpable. French club Etoile Lavalloise has been named the official host, adding to the event’s prestige. The tournament is expected to boost futsal’s popularity in the country, inspiring future generations of French players.

Teams and Coaches React to the Draw

The four semi-finalists secured their places by winning elite round mini-tournaments, and each arrives with its own story and ambitions.

Kairat Almaty vs Cartagena Costa Cálida

Kairat, two-time champions, boast an illustrious European pedigree. Their coach, Marlon Velasco Heras, acknowledged the challenge ahead:
 
“We knew that whoever we faced would be a strong opponent. Cartagena is an exceptional team from Spain’s top league, which is arguably the best in the world. They broke a 22-year dominance of giants like Barca and Inter FS, proving their quality. We must prepare thoroughly.”

Cartagena, on the other hand, is a debutant in the final four. Their experienced coach, Duda, respects Kairat’s history but remains confident:
 
“Kairat is a team with a great Champions League tradition. Their coach is an innovator, and we must be prepared for their unpredictability. We have time to refine our strategy and will be ready for a battle.”

Sporting CP vs Illes Balears Palma

This semi-final is a rematch of the 2023 final, where Palma edged Sporting CP in a penalty shootout.

Sporting coach Nuno Dias is eager for revenge:
 
“Palma are two-time champions, which says a lot about their quality. They are strong individually and collectively. We must be at our absolute best to reach the final.”

Palma’s Antonio Vadillo, however, sees Sporting as the toughest opponent they could have drawn:
 
“Sporting are the most complete team in the tournament, with a coach and squad who have competed at the highest level for years. They dominate all phases of the game, and we will need to be at our peak to overcome them.”

What’s at Stake?

Palma aims for an unprecedented third consecutive title, having won in 2023 and 2024. Sporting CP, another two-time champion, is looking to reclaim the crown, while Kairat Almaty seeks to revive past glory. Cartagena, the underdog, dreams of making history in its first finals appearance.

Beyond silverware, this tournament will cement France’s status as an emerging futsal host. With an enthusiastic crowd expected in Le Mans, the atmosphere will be electric. The event could also lay the groundwork for future UEFA futsal events in the country, further elevating its profile.

As the countdown begins, all eyes turn to Antarès. Who will emerge victorious? The answers will unfold from 2 to 4 May in what promises to be a historic edition of the UEFA Futsal Champions League finals.

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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