UEFA Futsal Champions League Elite Round: Sporting CP, Palma, Kairat, and Cartagena Secure Final Four Spots

Elite Round Drama Sets Stage for Thrilling UEFA Futsal Champions League Finals

The UEFA Futsal Champions League elite round delivered high-intensity action as Sporting CP, Illes Balears Palma, Kairat Almaty, and debutants Cartagena Costa Cálida emerged as group winners to seal their spots in the Final Four, scheduled for May. Here’s an in-depth look at the road to the finals, group-by-group highlights, and the storylines that set the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

Main image: Cartagena Costa Cálida celebrating qualification to the final four – Source of the image: Jimbee Cartagena Facebook page

The Path to the Final Four

The journey to the elite round had already been a gauntlet for Europe’s top futsal clubs. Defending champions Illes Balears Palma sought an unprecedented third consecutive title, Sporting CP aimed for a record 12th finals appearance, Kairat Almaty hunted their third trophy, and Cartagena Costa Cálida made history as first-time qualifiers. Each team’s unique narrative adds intrigue to a competition renowned for its unpredictability.

Group A: Cartagena’s Dream Debut

Group A Standings:

1. Cartagena Costa Cálida (ESP, 9 points)
2. Riga Futsal Club (LVA, 3 points)
3. Catania (ITA, 3 points)
4. United Galati (ROU, 3 points)

 
Cartagena Costa Cálida dazzled in their maiden campaign, clinching three dominant wins to top Group A. The Spanish side, coached by the experienced Duda, made a statement with an 8-1 opening rout of fellow debutants Catania, highlighted by Francisco Cortés’ hat-trick. They then overturned a deficit to defeat Riga 4-1 before sealing their finals spot with a commanding 6-1 victory over United Galati.

Notably, Cartagena’s Pablo Ramirez leads the team with five goals, while veteran coach Duda eyes redemption after narrowly missing the title with Murcia FS in 2008. Can Cartagena emulate the likes of Montesilvano (2011) and Palma (2023) by winning the championship in their debut?

Group B: Kairat Almaty’s Resurgence

Group B Standings:

1. Kairat Almaty (KAZ, 9 points)
2. Etoile Lavalloise (FRA, 4 points)
3. MNK Olmissum (CRO, 2 points)
4. Futsal Dinamo (CRO, 1 point)

 
Two-time champions Kairat Almaty returned to the finals for the first time since 2021. Their campaign started strong with a 4-2 win over Etoile Lavalloise and a narrow 1-0 victory against Olmissum. With qualification secured, Kairat celebrated with a 5-1 triumph over Dinamo.

As veterans of 21 campaigns, Kairat bring unmatched experience, including record appearances (109 matches) and victories in the competition. Key players like Alisson and Kevin Arrieta will be pivotal as they seek to reclaim glory and become the first non-Spanish side to win three titles.

Group C: Sporting CP’s Resilience

Group C Standings:

1. Sporting CP (POR, 7 points)
2. Sporting Anderlecht (BEL, 6 points)
3. Braga (POR, 4 points)
4. Plzeň (CZE, 0 points)

 
Sporting CP’s campaign underscored their dominance in European futsal. After comfortable wins over Anderlecht (4-1) and Plzeň (7-2), the Portuguese giants faced local rivals Braga in a dramatic decider. Despite leading 4-2, Sporting were pegged back to a 4-4 draw but held on to secure their record 12th finals berth.

With a competition-leading 75 wins and 464 goals, Sporting’s pedigree is unmatched. João Matos, the competition’s all-time appearance leader, and coach Nuno Dias, aiming for a third title, make Sporting formidable contenders.

Group D: Palma’s Bid for History

Group D Standings:

1. Illes Balears Palma (ESP, 7 points)
2. Semey (KAZ, 6 points)
3. Record Bielsko-Biała (POL, 4 points)
4. Lučenec (SVK, 0 points)

 
The reigning champions faced stiff competition but rose to the occasion. Back-to-back 4-1 wins against Semey and Lučenec featured standout performances from Fabinho, who missed last season’s final due to injury. A tense 3-3 draw with Record Bielsko-Biała in their final game secured Palma’s spot in the Final Four.

Illes Balears Palma fans supporting their team, hosting the Elite Round Group – Source of the image: Illes Balears Palma Facebook page

Palma’s squad includes Mario Rivillos, chasing a record-equalling fourth title, and coach Antonio Vadillo, who could join an elite group with three coaching triumphs. With a chance to achieve an unprecedented third straight title, Palma remain the team to beat.

Road to the Finals

Key Players to Watch:

• Pablo Ramirez (Cartagena): Leading scorer for the debutants.
• Fabinho (Palma): Nine goals in the campaign after returning from injury.
• João Matos (Sporting): A veteran anchoring the Portuguese side.
• Alisson (Kairat): Key to Kairat’s offense.

 
Final Four Schedule:

The knockout finals will take place on 1 or 2 May and 3 or 4 May, with the host venue and exact dates to be confirmed.

What’s Next?

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2023/24 UEFA Futsal Champions League. Will Palma etch their name in history with a three-peat? Can Sporting reclaim their throne? Will Kairat or Cartagena disrupt the Spanish dominance? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

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