Futsal FC Barcelona returned to the UEFA Futsal Champions League with a 6-1 win against Futsal Minerva of Switzerland, in the first match of the group stage that was held in Lucenec, Slovakia. After two seasons without competing in the top continental competition, the team led by Javi Rodríguez started the Main Round with an offensive show that left the fans, although few, with a feeling of overwhelming victory.
The match began with Barça showing a clear intention to dominate. Pito opened the scoring in the 4th minute, but Minerva reacted in the 11th minute, when Ryan Gomes took advantage of a defensive mismatch to tie the match. With the tie, the Barça team increased the pace and looked for the advantage. Catela tried to score from the penalty, but the shot hit the post. Barça's offensive continued and Joao Víctor, after a good cross shot, put the team ahead and Sergio González increased the difference with a goal at the far post, bringing the score to 3-1.
Before the break, Higor scored with a powerful shot, leaving the score at 4‑1 and securing a three-goal lead. The first half was marked by Minerva's superiority in shots, with 14 attempts compared to Barça's 13, but the effectiveness of the latter translated into an advantage of three goals and 29 total shots at the end of the day. Minerva tried to react in the second half, but Barça continued to attack.
Higor doubled his contribution with a goal in the 30th minute, and Pito sealed the victory with a great goal in the 34th minute, completing his second double of the match. Referee Ondřej Černý and Jiri Bergs controlled the match without sanctions. Barça also gave Iker Abad the opportunity to debut in the futsal Champions League, who participated in the second half.
With this victory, Barcelona positions itself with a three-goal advantage in the group stage and maintains motivation for the next match, scheduled for Thursday against FC Semey of Kazakhstan. The Barça team seeks to continue its dominance in the Main Round, which is played in a format of matches every four days, and consolidate its return to the top continental competition with a solid offensive and defensive performance.