Sparta Belfast have become the first futsal club in Northern Ireland to secure points in European competition.
They created history while competing in a UEFA Futsal Champions League preliminary round staged in Linz in Austria.
First up for Sparta was a game against Azerbaijani champions Araz-Naxcivan - a club strongly tipped to challenge in the latter stages of the competition and packed with Azerbaijan internationals.
Despite the quality of the opposition, and a heavy defeat, the game provided valuable experience at the highest level. John Gibson grabbed a consolation goal for Sparta.
The following night Sparta produced a spirited display against Austrian champions FC Ljuti Krajisnici, narrowly losing 3-2 in front of a cauldron of home supporters and amid some very tight decisions. Josh Lowry netted for Sparta, while Ljuti’s Muhamed Ramic scored an own goal.
Matchday three brought the historic first European competition victory for a Northern Ireland futsal club.
Sparta enjoyed a comprehensive 5–1 win over Scottish champions PYF Saltires.
Captain Darius Roohi led by example with a brace, while club favourite Ernestas Verenka capped the performance with a superb strike to seal the famous victory. The other scorers were Ryan McMenemy and Elton Tavares.
Newly appointed head coach Pedro Gomes said: “To take points on the European stage is a huge step forward for futsal in Northern Ireland.
“I could not be prouder of the way the players represented both the club and the country. They showed real quality, resilience and togetherness, and this gives us a strong platform to build on.”
The Sparta Belfast squad featured: Matthew McErlain (GK), Horatiu Puica (GK), John Gibson, Ryon Leyshon, Darius Roohi (captain), Josh Lowry, Elton Tavares, Nathan Best, Daniel Hamilton, Ernestas Verenka, Gustavo, Miguel Semedo, Ryan McMenemy.
