A late strike from T Grippi helped Qatar’s Al Rayyan on Sunday beat SL Benfica 3-2 in a thrilling Group A clash on day three of the Futsal Intercontinental Cup. Grippi scored the game-winning goal at Ladies Sports Club at Aspire Academy as the home side reached the semi-finals after braving an attacking onslaught from the Portuguese side. In the seminal today, Rayyan will take on Brazilian giants Carlos Barbosa.
Earlier in the first half, Benfica’s Alan Brandi took aim at the goal but Al Rayyan goalkeeper Pereira Da Silve produced a well-timed save in the second minute as the Portuguese side built pressure on the home team. A minute later, it was the same combination as Brandi fired one at Al Rayyan goal but Da Silva pouched the ball. In the 8th minute, Al Rayyan’s Ali Ibrahim went for a long-range shot but the ball missed the target by a whisker.
Benfica’s Nelson Santos dribbled past a defender but his shot on the edge of the box was saved Al Rayyan goalkeeper by Da Silva in the 9th minute of the Group B clash. Al Rayyan’s Ali produced another solo run but his shot above the Benfica goalkeeper Euclides Vaz went agonizingly close to the goalpost in the 10th minute as the home side upped the ante after a subdued start. Benfica enjoyed 56 percent of the possession as Al Rayyan fought off a series of attacks to close the first half without a goal.
In the second half, Benfica’s Bruno Rocha flicked one into Al Rayyan net following a lob ball from his teammate in the 23rd minute.
Al Rayyan’s Sergio Locho produced a spectacular long-range goal in the 32nd minute as the home side drew level in the intense game. A minute later, Diego Costa scored off a free kick in the 33rd minute to give Al Rayyan the lead.
Fabio Cecilio scored Benfica’s second goal in the 36th minute as the game headed into the last few minutes. Rayyan’s Grippi scored in the 39th minute to guide the home side to win and semi-finals.

Barcelona seal semis berth after feisty draw
Meanwhile, Spanish giants FC Barcelona Lassa were held to a 3-3 draw by Carlos Barbosa at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena.
Despite the draw, FC Barcelona Lassa remained undefeated in three games and secured the semifinals berth with 7 points.  Carlos Barbosa finished with 4 points from three games.
Wilde Gomes Da Silva opened the scoring for the Spanish giants with a well-placed goal in the 4th minute in the Group A clash.
In the 8th minute, Lassa’s Sergio Lozano Martínez missed one of easiest chances ever with Barbosa goalkeeper embarrassingly out of place. Martinez shot the ball past the goalpost. Barbosa’s Murilo Saad produced a powerful shot in the 10th minute but his smash flew just above the Lassa crossbar. Wilde, a runner with endless supply of stamina, flicked one from close range a minute later but his shot also missed the target.
In the 14th minute, Martinez ran solo with the ball for a few meters before unleashing a powerful shot into the net for his side’s second goal.
Within a few seconds later, Wilde found the net for the second time with a well-placed shot a few meters away from the goalline as Lassa went 3-0 up.
Barbosa reduced the deficit when Rafael dos Santos beat his marker and slotted home his side’s first goal in the 23rd minute. A minute later Dos Santos scored his team’s second goal with a slick move. Barbosa’s Vinicius Renne Dias scored off a spectacular free kick to draw level with Lassa in the 36th minute.
Meanwhile, a second-half goal by Keko powered Magnus Futsal of Brazil to a 1-0 win over Spanish giants Movistar Inter. By virtue of the win, Magnus finished with four points after three games in Group B. Inter also finished with 4 points after three games but Magnus ended with a superior goal difference and qualified for the semi-finals.
Today’s schedule
At Ali Bin Hamad Al attiya arena
FC Barcelona Lassa vs Magnus Futsal at 9pm
Al Rayyan vs Carlos Barbosa at 11pm