Russian rivalry played out on European stage

For the seventh time this season, MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg take on MFK Dinamo Moskva on Friday. Only rather than a Russian domestic affair, this match is for a place in the UEFA Futsal Cup final.

Rivals
Dinamo have been the dominant Russian futsal power in recent years, and reached three straight European finals before lifting the trophy in Murcia in 2007. However, last year on home territory they lost in the last four to ElPozo Murcia FS, and Ekaterinburg were to win the final on their UEFA Futsal Cup bow. This season Ekaterinburg have started to gain a domestic edge over Dinamo, the Russian champions for the last six years, as in their four league encounters Viz have won three and drawn the other, including two September victories at the Ekaterinburg Palace of Sport, venue for these finals.

Rudnev return
That accounts for their nine-point league lead, but Dinamo gained revenge at the start of this month in the two-legged Russian Cup final, drawing 2-2 in Ekaterinburg with a last-gasp goal by former Viz player Vladislav Shayakhmetov, and winning 5-2 in Moscow. Yuri Rudnev was back at the Dinamo helm for those matches, having left the club in January only to be reappointed in March, not long after their home 6-1 loss and 1-1 draw against Viz.

Psychological factors
"We know each other well, we know each other's weak and strong points," Rudnev said. "That's why I think psychological factors will be decisive, rather than skill. The most important thing will be team's mental approach. The team who are stronger and has more luck on the day will win." Opposite number Sergei Skorovich concurred: "We all – the players, the coaches, the clubs – benefit from such a rivalry against a very strong team. Now the fate has prepared another decisive meeting with Dinamo. I would agree that psychology will come to the foreground. But I believe this match will be about small details."

Home support
Skorovich is without 21-year-old Dmitry Prudnikov, a broken ankle robbing Ekaterinburg of an important talent. But Skorovich said the holders "will not make a tragedy" out of Prudnikov's absence, especially with the backing of an expected capacity crowd of around 4,600. "The team are prepared for such great support because it would not be the first time we have played in front of a packed stadium," Skorovich said. "They love and support our team [in Ekaterinburg] and there are sell-outs in the league too, so the players are used to it."

Cirilo fit
Rudnev is also without an injured Russian international, Sergei Ivanov, while Brazilian-born Cirilo only returned from a knee problem in Sunday's 4-3 league loss at MFK Norilsky Nickel. "The latest scan confirmed he will be able to play," Rudnev said. "He is highly motivated. I would not say he is 100 per cent ready. But considering the prestige of the tournament and his commitment I am sure we will see the usual Cirilo on the pitch."