Butrin heroics hold Benfica

Three goals from Yuriy Butrin earned Kairat Almaty a valuable draw against UEFA Futsal Cup second qualifying round Group A hosts SL Benfica in Lisbon. The home side dominated the early stages and went 3-1 in front, but Butrin inspired a stirring comeback and might even have snatched a win in the final seconds.

Goalkeepers on top
Benfica carved out the first serious chance in the third minute, but Brazilian-born Pica Pau - 'Woodpecker' in Portuguese - saw his effort saved by Kairat goalkeeper Gustavo, who made another sharp stop from Ricardinho five minutes later. The Kazakhstan champions, at times fielding an all-Brazilian team, looked mainly to score on the break, and nearly did just that when Cacau dribbled past Rogério Villa but saw José Carlos save with his feet.

Goal flurry
André Lima put the Portuguese side in front, finishing off a fast break with a low shot past Gustavo. The last two minutes of the half provided two more goals, with Butrin equalising with a back-heel after a flowing build-up orchestrated by Alexandr Bondarev and Cacau. But Sidnei responded immediately with a low shot from the right to send Benfica into the break in front.

Ricardinho chip
Less than a minute into the second half, Benfica were 3-1 in front, with Ricardinho beating Gustavo with a sumptuous chip. Yet the goals refused to dry up and within 30 seconds Kairat were back in touch, when Butrin scored a close-range effort after Alexandre Terentyev's fierce shot.

Finishing lesson
Benfica poured forward, looking to kill the game off, but the excellent Gustavo made notable saves from Pica Pau and Sidnei. Then Butrin gave the hosts a lesson in finishing when he completed his hat-trick and levelled the scores, converting an Etienne cross from the right.

Must-win game
With just seconds remaining Butrin had a chance to snatch a stunning victory, but José Carlos denied him with an agile stop. Nevertheless, the result is a setback for Benfica, who desperately need a win against Cristal Noir MB Morlanwelz before taking on Boomerang Interviù - the side that beat them in the final of the 2004 competition - in the last group game. Kairat now face Boomerang, who defeated Morlanwelz 11-0 in their opener.