Duda promises Murcia futsal party

When the UEFA Futsal Cup semi-final draw was made last month, ElPozo Murcia had just struck two late goals to draw with Spanish rivals Boomerang Interviú, but that was still possibly the name they wanted to avoid. But fate had other ideas, and on Thursday the two teams will go head to head at the Palacio de los Deportes de Murcia.

European goal
Murcia coach Duda has led his side many times against Boomerang and lost more than he has won, including a recent defeat in the Spanish Cup final. The two teams are also flying high, as usual, in the league, but Duda admits the dream of a first European title is an enticing one. "It's difficult to get that competition out of your head because it's so important and because you can already sense the atmosphere in Murcia," he told uefa.com.

Home advantage
Unlike Murcia, Boomerang have won this trophy twice and are indeed defending champions. But in the new-look final four competition - which concludes on Saturday - Murcia have home advantage, not to be sniffed at considering they have only failed to win there only once this season and that game still ended on a high as they came from behind against Boomerang to draw 3-3. "We're going to have a great backing which can be decisive and, although it's true that there's a bit of pressure on us, a team like ours has to be used to that type of situations and serve as an added incentive," Duda said. "The team surely will be more motivated."

'Mutual respect'
Murcia's record against Boomerang this season is two draws and a defeat, and Duda mused: "We're on very equal terms. Maybe they have more confidence because they beat us in the cup final, but we know they respect us and they're aware that to beat us they will have to suffer a lot. There's mutual respect and I'm sure it'll be a tense game but a good one nevertheless."

Final four
Whatever the result, Duda has given his backing to the new final four format, which replaces the old two-legged decider. "It helps promote futsal in the city and that's what counts," Duda said. "It would probably be fairer to play best of five games, but it would lose appeal. Almost every final is played as a single match and that makes it very attractive. [Becoming European champions] would be be impressive for the club and the players because we would have beaten the best teams in the continent. That's why it's tough not to think of it at all times. Murcia will host a big party and we want to bring joy to our crowd."