Source: Matt Hardy/FA.com

Baku United claimed their first FA National Futsal League title on Saturday night, beating five time champions Helvecia in a superb Grand Final showdown.

A packed and lively Sporthouse Arena witnessed Helvecia’s domination of English Futsal end in dramatic fashion, with a 3-1 penalty shootout victory propelling Baku to championship glory and European competition in the UEFA Futsal Cup.

The East London side were only the second winners of England’s most coveted Futsal honour, with their Grand Final opponents claiming victory in each of the five seasons previous to this one.

After leaving it late to push past third placed Sheffield with an Agon Rexha inspired victory in an eventful semi final - the second Baku goal in a 2-1 victory was scored with just one second left on the clock - Baku fought back from an extra time strike by Helvecia hitman Raoni Medina to equalise from the ten metre penalty mark with just two minutes remaining in the second period of extra time.

England goalkeeper James Dalton saved international teammate Jason Kilbride’s opening penalty, before the usually reliable Medina put his kick high over the bar to hand the advantage to Baku.

They held their nerve and the strong United following in the large Sporthouse crowd erupted in celebration with their team’s victory.

For Helvecia, it was heartbreak that they had not experienced since the league was formed in 2008. Ronaldo Negrao’s side eased into the final with a strong performance against London United and only a dislocated shoulder for the excellent Lucas Totti hampered their preparations for the evening’s assault on a sixth straight crown.

It was not to be. Despite a strapped up and brave Totti emerging for the start of the Final, it was Baku’s day and Negrao now faces a summer of rebuilding and regrouping. A summer of the kind Helvecia have not experienced before. They will not be fazed and the message post match was clear. Helvecia will be back, stronger and better than ever.

For now though, it is Baku’s time and the celebrations in east London will be heard for weeks to come. English Futsal has new champions. Champions that will push the benchmark in the FA National Futsal League to a whole new level.





Posted by Mico Martic --> mico.martic@futsalplanet.com