Boomerang comeback blunts Benfica

Spanish champions Boomerang Interviú completed their UEFA Futsal Cup second qualifying round Group A campaign in style, as they stormed back from 2-0 down to defeat SL Benfica 4-2 - a result that consigns their hosts to elimination.

Must-win game
With surprise package Kairat Almaty having earlier leapfrogged Benfica in the standings with an emphatic victory against Cristal Noir MB Moranwelz earlier tonight, the Portuguese side went into the match knowing that they needed to win to qualify. That was never going to be an easy prospect against a Boomerang side that had racked up 16 goals in just two games to clinch the group, but buoyed on by a vociferous home crowd, Benfica started firmly on the front foot.

Blistering start
Captain André Lima led the way on four minutes, tapping in from point-blank range at the far post following a corner. Pica Pau doubled the lead from a similar distance two minutes later, putting the gloss on a fine counterattack led by Ricardinho to raise the sizeable crowd's hopes of an upset. But having beaten Benfica over two legs in the 2004 UEFA Futsal Cup final, the Spanish side have a fine pedigree in the competition and they soon set about launching a comeback.

Boomerang recovery
Schumacher reduced the deficit on 13 minute when he slotted in the rebound after his shot had been parried back into his path by the outstretched José Carlos. By half-time it was honours even as Joan tapped in after good build-up work from Luis and, although Benfica were back on the attack at the start of the second period, by then Boomerang had become wise to their tactics.

Maximum thrust
They responded with some of their own, with Marquinho and Joan both capitalising on the counterattack to ensure Boomerang progressed with maximum points to meet FC Shakhtar Donetsk over two legs in March. Benfica, meanwhile, must now concentrate on their Portuguese league campaign, as they currently lie fourth.