A brave performance by Luxol Futsal was not enough to spare defeat against the champions of Azerbaijan in Group 8 of the UEFA Futsal Cup Main Round at the Sports Hall in Deva, Romania on Thursday.

Luxol were in brilliant form in the first half, taking the lead on the 10th minute through a Hrvoje Penava header as he anticipated goalkeeper Rovshan Huseynli. A minute later, Panu Autio doubled the score as he placed the ball inside the empty net when served by Celino Alves. However just before half-time, Maikinho reduced the score for Araz Naxçivan.

Three minutes in the second half, Maikinho levelled matters but Rogério Dos Santos Filho made it 3-2 for Luxol. Maikinho restored equilibrium and although Penava restored the lead for Luxol, Rafael Vilela scored Araz’s fourth goal.

However in the final ninety seconds, Maikinho scored his fifth goal to put the Azerbaijan side for the first time ahead and Bolinha sealed the issue with a sixth goal.

Luxol play the third and final match against Mostar on Saturday. Mostar lost 5-2 to Araz but defeated Deva 3-2 on Thursday.

Photos: Copyright © Joe Borg