Luxol St Andrews reach Last 16 of UEFA Futsal Champions League despite heavy Benfica defeat

Luxol St Andrews progressed to the Last 16 of the UEFA Futsal Champions League despite suffering a heavy 6-1 defeat to Group 3 winners Benfica at the University Sports Complex on Saturday.

According to UEFA regulations, three of the four teams competing in Group 3 will progress to the knockout stages of the UEFA club competition.

Luxol entered the match after a tough week, which saw them pick just one point from their opening two matches following a 4-1 defeat to Latvian side Riga and a 4-4 draw against Loznica-Grad, of Serbia.

The Malta champions were in direct challenge with their Serbian counterparts for the third qualifying spot ahead of Saturday’s final matches.

After Loznica-Grad suffered a 2-0 defeat to Riga, of Latvia, Luxol St Andrews needed to avoid conceding more than eight goals against Benfica.

The Maltese side managed to reach their objective as they suffered a 6-1 defeat that left them third in the group with a goal average of -8, against the Serbian’s side -11 goal average.

Futsal Malta issued a statement to celebrate Luxol St Andrew’s achievement.

“Local champions Luxol St Andrews Futsal Club have managed to qualify to the Last 16 Phase of the UEFA Futsal Champions League,” the statement said.

“This qualification is another important step which marks the definition of resilience, hard work, and sacrifices done locally to continue elevating the game.

“Well done to all committee members, coaches, staff, and players of Luxol St. Andrews Malta, for this achievement.”