A true futsal playoff drama in Kazakhstan today as Atyrau qualifies to the grand final after a decisive fifth match in the series against MFC Aktobe!
Aktobe took the lead in the series, only for Atyrau to strike back in the next match. Exactly the same thing happened in the next two matches and two teams took the series to the decider in Almaty city.
Besides securing the place in the finals, this match was also important because the winner will represent Kazakhstan in the next season of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, alongside Kairat.
At the start of the match, Atyrau shocked Aktobe with two fast goals in the opening two minutes, before Aktobe was able to strike back. However, Atyrau managed to extend their lead once again, and Aktobe implemented the flying goalkeeper. However, their efforts were not rewarded this time.
First, their captain got sent off after conceding a penalty which was turned into a goal, and then they were knocked back with another goal in the back of their net.
At the end of the first half, Atyrau took a big 6-2 lead to the break, but it could have been even more if they've managed to convert a 6th accumulated foul to a goal.
Aktobe opened the second half just as they closed the first - with the flying goalkeeper on the court. This time, their efforts were rewarded with a quick goal, but they were still three goals down.
However, despite having control of the ball for most of the second half, Aktobe couldn't find a way through. All their hopes were extinguished by Atyrau's seventh goal of the match a few minutes before full time.
Atyrau will now face Kairat in the final round of the Kazakh futsal championship playoffs and they will represent this nation in the next season of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, congratulations!
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