Interviú cruise into final with clinical display

Interviú Madrid are through to their fourth UEFA Futsal Cup final in six seasons after two goals each from Schumacher and Neto and a late Vinicius Bácaro effort comfortably accounted for the challenge of Kairat Almaty in Ekaterinburg.

Sunday final
Schumacher struck in just the second minute and by half-time he and Neto had put the Spanish side in total control. Kairat, who had lost both their previous semi-finals in this competition, pushed hard after the interval but Neto's second goal with 12 minutes left effectively ended their challenge and Bácaro, a beaten finalist a year ago with ElPozo Murcia FS, was to make it five. Interviú play either MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg or MFK Dinamo Moskva in the final on Sunday, with the losers of the all-Russian tie meeting Kairat for third place.

Early goal
Interviú started with three veterans of both their 2004 and 2006 triumphs – goalkeeper Luis Amado, Daniel and Schumacher – and the Brazilian with the German nickname took only 111 seconds to strike. After a superb team move, his fellow 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup winner Betão swept the ball left for Schumacher to power in. Matters nearly got worse for Kairat when Jordi Torrás's shot was deflected by Carlinhos on to his own post.

Lead increases
Although Kairat were not being overwhelmed, Interviú kept up the pressure and Almaty goalkeeper Gustavo had to save at Torrás's feet. And the second goal arrived in the eighth minute, Ortiz's cross tapped over the line by Schumacher. Interviú continued to dominate possession, as always orchestrated by Schumacher, and when the third goal came it was as aesthetically pleasing as it was a mortal blow to Kairat. Daniel rolled a pass down the left to Neto, who fooled Gustavo with a subtle touch that sent the ball just inside the far post.

Amado in form
Gustavo was back in action early in the second half, saving from Betão. Denis Samohvalov came close three times for Kairat, and Cacau was unfortunate to see his shot rebound off the post. Amado saved at the feet of Rafael, and further confirmed his own stellar reputation with four stops in a matter of seconds, denying Fabricio twice and both Rafael and Carlinhos from rebound shots.

Victory confirmed
Suitably stung, Interviú coach Juan Luis Alonso called a time-out and soon his team were 4-0 up, Ortiz sweeping forward on the break and providing Neto with a simple finish. Kairat never gave up, but five minutes from time Schumacher broke and cut back for Bácaro to make it 5-0. All Interviú now needed to do was defend their clean sheet, and more spectacular Amado saves ensured they did.