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24.05.2008
Domestic consolation for Dinamo

MFK Dinamo Moskva got one over the team that succeeded them as UEFA Futsal Cup holders by defeating MFK Viz-Sinara Ekaterinburg in extra time to win the Russian Cup and close in on the double.

Double success
A last-gasp Dinamo goal had given the a 1-1 first-leg draw in March and at the Krylatskoe Sport Palace, which staged the UEFA Futsal Cup final four, Ekaterinburg led 3-1 and 4-2 on the night before the home side fought back and then won 5-4, and 6-5 on aggregate, with Pula goal midway through the extra ten minutes. Only the day before Dinamo had been taken a step closer to their sixth straight Russian league title when nearest challengers TTG-JAVA Yugorsk lost 5-4 to MFK Norilsky Nickel, leaving them 12 points adrift with four games remaining. A point against MFK Mytischi Moscow Region on 24 or 25 May, or in any of their six remaining games, would confirm the title for unbeaten Dinamo and ensure a return to the UEFA Futsal Cup along with defending champions Ekaterinburg.

Murcia boost
ElPozo Murcia FS, who beat Dinamo on penalties in last month's UEFA Futsal Cup semi-finals before a spot-kicks defeat by Ekaterinburg, are through to the Spanish league play-off last four after beating former European champions Playas de Castellón 4-0 at home and 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 away draw. They meet Carnicer Torrejón FS in the semi-finals from 20 May and Murcia have been boosted by Brazil captain Vinicius Elías signing a new three-year contract. Castellón's fellow two-time UEFA Futsal Cup winners Interviú Fadesa play FC Barcelona in the other best of three semi-final.

Charleroi return
The other name on the UEFA Futsal Cup roll of honour, 2005 winners Action 21 Charleroi, were absent from the competition for the first time this season but will be back after clinching the Belgian title. Both matches of their play-off final against PB Morlanwelz finished 2-2 but Charleroi, at home in the second game, won 5-4 on penalties. Meanwhile former semi-finalists FC Shakhtar Donetsk have regained the Ukrainian title from SK Energia and also will compete for the European crown in 2008/09.