Semifinals bring drama, dominance and celebration across Zagreb

As the European Universities Futsal Championship 2025 heads into its final stages, Thursday brought a thrilling lineup of semifinals and placement matches across all four sports halls. From dramatic shootouts to dominant displays, the day was packed with intensity, passion, and high-level university futsal.

Sports Hall Dražen Petrović

Women’s Competition

• National Pedagogical Dragomanov University – Nantes University (5–1)
  In the first women’s semifinal at KC Dražen Petrović, the Ukrainian side from Dragomanov University delivered a powerful performance against Nantes University. From the opening minutes, Dragomanov asserted control, eventually securing a convincing 5–1 victory and a place in the final.
  
  
• University of Barcelona – Rey Juan Carlos University (2–0)
  An all-Spanish semifinal followed, as the University of Barcelona faced Rey Juan Carlos University. Barcelona’s organized and clinical approach proved decisive. With a goal in each half, they sealed a 2–0 win and set up a final showdown with Dragomanov University.

Men’s Competition

• University of Warsaw – University of Valencia (3–4)
  In the first men's semifinal, University of Valencia took a quick 2–0 lead, capitalizing on Warsaw’s slow start. But the Polish team responded immediately and came out strong in the second half, managing to equalize. However, Valencia struck again with two more goals. Warsaw couldn’t recover, and Valencia booked their spot in the final with a 4–3 victory.
  
  
• University of Castilla-La Mancha – Azerbaijan Sport Academy (1–5)
  The second semifinal was a tale of two halves. Castilla-La Mancha scored first, but ASA equalized soon after. In the second half, ASA took over completely, scoring four more unanswered goals. Their pace, strength, and tactical play proved too much for the Spanish side, and ASA confidently advanced to the final.
  
  

Sports Hall Trešnjevka

Women’s Competition

• University of Amsterdam – University of Burgundy (1–11)
  The University of Burgundy displayed total control in their semifinal against Amsterdam. With fast-paced teamwork and relentless attacks, they kept Amsterdam in their own half for most of the match. Amsterdam managed to score near the end — a moment of celebration that lifted the whole team. Despite the final score, it was a proud moment that showed the heart of the game.
  
  
• University of Zagreb – University of Minho (5–1)
  The host team came out strong, building a 3–0 lead by halftime with fast attacking moves and solid defense. Minho responded with one goal in the second half, but Zagreb remained dominant throughout. A confident 5–1 win sees them through to the next round, cheered on loudly by their home crowd.

Men’s Competition

• University of Mainz – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (4–4, Mainz win 5:4 on penalties)
  In one of the most exciting matches of the day, Lausanne and Mainz delivered a back-and-forth battle. Each team traded goals in both halves, leading to a 4–4 draw after regulation time. The penalty shootout kept everyone on edge until the final kick, with Mainz ultimately emerging victorious.
  
  

Sports Hall Pešćenica

Women’s Competition

• Tampere University – University of Split (9–1)
  Tampere completely controlled the match, showing confidence and precision in attack. Despite their efforts, Split only managed a single goal late in the game, with the Finnish team sealing a dominant victory.
  
  
• Gazi University – WSG Bydgoszcz (1–10)
  WSG delivered a clinical performance, netting seven goals in the first half alone. Gazi scored just before the break, but the Polish side added three more after halftime to secure a convincing 10–1 win.
  
  

Men’s Competition

• University of Debrecen – Norwegian University of Science and Technology (3–1)
  This men’s placement match saw Debrecen dominate the first half with three goals, exploiting NTNU’s defensive weaknesses. Despite NTNU’s efforts to mount a comeback, the second half remained goalless. Debrecen’s strong defense held firm, securing a well-earned 3–1 victory.
  
  

Sports Hall Sutinska vrela

Women’s Competition

• University of Münster – University of Bergen (8–0)
  A commanding performance by the University of Münster saw them overwhelm Bergen in a dominant 8–0 win. By halftime, Münster had already netted five goals, and they added three more after the break. Their defense was just as effective, keeping Bergen scoreless and maintaining a clean sheet. This was one of the most decisive victories in the women’s bracket to date.

Men’s Competition

• University of Zagreb – University of Paris-Saclay (4–1)
  In the 5th–8th place semifinal, the hosts bounced back from their previous loss with a sharp performance against Paris-Saclay. After an even first half ended 1–1, Zagreb took control in the second. Branko Artic scored twice, and an own goal by Pasquier sealed the win. Zagreb will now play for 5th place.
  
  
• St Mary’s University – Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (4–1)
  St Mary’s secured 15th place with a strong performance against LUT. After a 1–1 first half, the English side pulled away with three second-half goals, showing excellent passing and relentless energy. A proud finish to their tournament journey.
  
  
• Jan Evangelista Purkyne University – University of Split (1–3)
  Split opened strong with a goal in the 2nd minute, and although UJEP equalized by the 5th, the Croatian side quickly pulled ahead with two more goals before halftime. The second half brought no goals but several yellow cards, closing the game with a 3–1 win for Split.
  
  

From packed crowds at Cibona to late goals at Trešnjevka and big wins at Sutinska, the energy around Zagreb has never been higher. With only the finals ahead, excitement is building for a spectacular finish to this unforgettable championship.

Check out all the results HERE and all the important links (such as pictures, livestream and other) HERE.