Interviú under no illusions about Kairat challenge

Interviú Madrid are aiming to become the first team to win the UEFA Futsal Cup three times but if they are to reach Sunday's final in Ekaterinburg, they must get past a Kairat Almaty side keen to make up for two losses at the last-four stage.

Contrasting fortunes
European champions in 2004 and 2006, Interviú lost to MFK Dinamo Moskva in the final two years ago, the first time four teams were gathered for a one-venue showpiece. Kairat, who have already secured another Kazakhstan double this season, lost to Interviú in the second qualifying round in 2006. They still made the semi-finals, only to be beaten by Dinamo, and also went down at this stage to MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg a year ago in Moscow.

Kairat quality
Juan Luis Alonso, the former assistant to long-time Interviú coach Jesús Candelas, took charge in the summer, and although he is aware of the club's European pedigree is not underestimating Kairat. "This tournament is very important for us," Alonso said. "We are well aware of the quality of our opponents. We know it won't be easy. They have skilful and experienced players and we will do our best to win."

Focus
Alonso, whose side will sport special shirts displaying the Spanish national flag, is without injured talisman Marquinho, while Vinicius Bacaro – a beaten finalist with ElPozo Murcia FS last season – is still restricted by a knee problem but has travelled. Although Interviú lead the Spanish league, they have drawn three games in a row, conceding 13 goals, and Alonso admits thoughts have been on Ekaterinburg. "I know it should never be an excuse, but it's true that having this tournament in mind has made us lose some concentration in domestic competition and that is why we have been below par," the coach explained.

Friendly win
Kairat have had a fortnight since their league season finished, but warmed up last weekend with a 10-0 friendly win against the Kyrgyzstan national team. Coach João Carlos Barbosa, who knows Interviú well having joined Kairat from Spain's UD Guadalajara FS last summer, said: "We have come here to perform well. We're facing a very strong team. They have won many titles, their players are very talented. We will have to concentrate hard if we want to achieve a result against them."

Brazilian duel
Barbosa, like the majority of his squad, included suspended Pica Pau, hails from Brazil, and that nation also provides an important part of the Interviú team in the shape of 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup winners Gabriel, Schumacher and Betão. "Both teams having many Brazilian players is good for the fans, good for the show and is good for futsal," Barbosa said. "I believe Interviú have an advantage because they have a very competitive domestic championship. Our Brazilian players bring their knowledge of their compatriots at Interviú, but they also bring experience to our team, which is very valuable in a competition such as the UEFA Futsal Cup."