Iran’s Tayebi, Palma win UEFA Futsal Champions League
A shootout victory over Sporting CP in the final saw Spanish side Mallorca Palma Futsal become the fifth European club to lift the UEFA Futsal Champions League trophy on its debut at the event.
Despite making a cameo appearance in the final due to injury, Iranian international Hossein Tayebi played an integral role in Palma’s title run as he bagged seven goals – including a double in the last-four 4-3 victory over Benfica – en route to Sunday’s game, becoming the club’s topscorer in the competition.
Tayebi’s Iranian teammate in Palma Moslem Oladqobad did not play a part in the final.
Mario Rivillos gave Plama a 14th-minute lead in front of a sold-out home crowd at Velòdrom Illes Balears, firing home into the roof of the net to conclude a keeper Luan Muller’s run into the opposition box.
Zicky drew two-time champion level in the 33rd minute, pouncing when Diego Cavinato’s shot from an Alex Merlim long corner was parried by Muller.
The score stayed the same until the end of the extra time and Tayebi opened the account for the home side in the shootout before Muller saved Pany Varela’s effort to lead Palma to a 5-3 win.
“I’m speechless. Not even in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen one day. What a night! Every single player left it all out there and it’s simply amazing that we can lift the trophy and say we are the champions. I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it was all a dream,” said Muller, who was named the Player of the Tournament.
Benfica defeated Sporting Anderlecht 4-3 for the bronze medal earlier in the day.