Tensions rise on day 4

Day 4 (21/07/2025) of the European Universities Futsal Championship 2025 saw high stakes and even higher emotions across all five sports halls in Zagreb. With spots in the knockout stage on the line, teams gave their all—resulting in dramatic comebacks, big wins, and nail-biting draws.

Sports Hall Pešćenica

Women’s Tournament

• Gazi University vs University of Zagreb (1–8)
  Zagreb once again demonstrated their attacking power and tactical discipline. The Croatian team came out strong, scoring five unanswered goals in the first half. Gazi had a difficult time breaking through Zagreb’s high press and struggled to create clear chances. In the second half, Zagreb added three more goals to stretch the lead to 8–0. Gazi managed a late consolation goal, but it was a dominant win for Zagreb, who remain among the tournament favorites.
  
  
• University of Amsterdam vs University of Barcelona (0–15)
  Barcelona delivered a masterclass in finishing and control, scoring approximately every two minutes in a one-sided affair. The Spanish side showcased their technical skills and quick transitions, keeping the pressure on from start to finish. Amsterdam had no answers for the relentless attack and couldn’t stop the flow of goals. With this 15–0 win, Barcelona continues their campaign with confidence and precision.

Men’s Tournament

• University of Castilla-La Mancha vs Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France (2–2)
  The day began with a gritty showdown between two evenly matched teams. The first ten minutes were packed with fouls, setting the tone for a physical battle. Hauts-de-France suffered a blow with Jean Telenczak receiving two yellow cards, forcing them to play the rest of the match a man down. Castilla-La Mancha took advantage just before halftime, with Tordesillas Garcia finally beating the inspired French goalkeeper Antoine Trolle. The second half brought more twists. Lorenzo Mayette equalized for the French side, but the Spaniards quickly retook the lead through Olivas Baidez. As time ticked down, a foul in the box gave Hauts-de-France a lifeline—and Henzo Mesjir calmly slotted home the penalty with just seconds to go, earning his team a crucial point and keeping the group wide open.
  
  
• Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne vs University of Split (0–6)
  Lausanne held their own in the first half, but Split came out flying in the second. Josip Milicevic opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a brilliant passing move. The Croatian side then found another gear, scoring five more goals and completely taking control of the game. Milicevic added a second to his tally as Split sealed their spot in the quarterfinals in dominant fashion, sending a clear message to the competition.

Sports Hall Trešnjevka

Women’s Tournament

• University of Split vs Nantes University (1–2)
  This was a do-or-die match for both teams with a quarterfinal place at stake. Nantes struck first with a composed finish, putting pressure on the Croatian side. Split responded with an aggressive attacking approach and introduced a flying goalkeeper tactic to force an equalizer, which eventually came midway through the second half. However, Nantes stayed focused and capitalized on a defensive lapse late in the game to regain the lead. Their disciplined defense held firm in the closing minutes, securing them second place in the group and a spot in the knockouts.

Men’s Tournament

• Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology vs University of Paris-Saclay (2–4)
  With a quarterfinal berth on the line, both teams came out with urgency. Paris-Saclay dominated the first half with two well-worked goals. But just five minutes into the second half, the Finnish side staged a quick comeback to level the score at 2–2. The match intensified with both sides going all-in, but it was the French who kept their composure. They capitalized on two late chances to secure a 4–2 win and advance to the next round, eliminating the Finnish team in the process.
  
  
• St Mary’s University vs University of Warsaw (2–5)
  An electric atmosphere surrounded this match as both teams were still fighting for progression. St Mary’s took the early lead, but Warsaw replied almost instantly with a counterattack. The first half ended 2–2 after high-paced action. In the second half, the English side pushed forward, often using a flying goalkeeper. However, Warsaw’s defensive structure stayed strong, and their keeper was superb under pressure. With momentum shifting, the Polish team took full advantage and scored three rapid goals in five minutes, stunning St Mary’s and booking their place in the next round.

Sports Hall Sutinska Vrela

Women’s Tournament

• WSG Bydgoszcz vs National Pedagogical Dragomanov University (0–2)
  Both teams entered the match with a fighting spirit, but it was the Ukrainian side who stayed sharper in the key moments. Sofiia Kovshyk broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a calm finish. Just seven seconds before the final whistle, Kseniia Hrytsenko added another, sealing a well-earned victory and boosting Dragomanov’s hopes in the group standings.
  
  
• Tampere University vs University of Burgundy (8–0)
  Tampere delivered one of the day’s most dominant performances. The Finnish team opened the scoring in the 6th minute and then struck twice more within 60 seconds, racing to a 3–0 halftime lead. The second half was all about consolidation and sharp execution, as they added five more goals. Burgundy had no answer for Tampere’s speed and pressure.

Men’s Tournament

• Azerbaijan Sport Academy vs University of Pécs (1–3)
  The first half was a chess match between two well-organized defenses, with neither team finding the net. Pécs finally broke through in the 24th minute, and the goal seemed to rattle the Azeri side. Although ASA tried to push forward, they struggled to recover their rhythm. Pécs capitalized on their chances late in the match, adding two more goals to complete a confident 3–1 win.
  
  
• Jan Evangelista Purkyne University vs Norwegian University of Science and Technology (5–3)
  A vital match for both sides ended in a Czech victory after a fast and intense game. Purkyne struck first in the 4th minute, but it was a flurry of goals ten minutes later that shaped the match. By halftime, the Czech side led 3–1. The Norwegians pushed hard in the second half, but couldn’t close the gap, as Purkyne managed the game well to hold their two-goal advantage and clinch a key win.

Sports Hall Cibona

Women’s Tournament

• University of Münster vs University of Jyvaskyla (3–3)
  An entertaining and open match saw the teams share the points. Jyvaskyla led 2–1 at halftime and quickly extended their lead in the second half. But Münster kept believing, and their perseverance paid off as they scored twice before full-time to salvage a 3–3 draw and keep their hopes alive.
  
  
• University of Minho vs Rey Juan Carlos University (2–6)
  A match full of goals, especially in the first half which ended 4–2 in favor of the Spanish side. Rey Juan Carlos showed clinical finishing, while Minho fought hard to stay in the game. The second half saw Iraia Arbeloa Guerrero steal the spotlight, scoring two quick goals in under a minute to complete her hat-trick and secure a convincing 6–2 win for the Spanish side.

Men’s Tournament

• University of Valencia vs University of Debrecen (3–1)
  Valencia controlled much of the game with sharp passing and smart movement. Debrecen put up a strong fight but struggled to match the pace of the Spanish attack. Valencia’s 3–1 victory puts them in a strong position going forward, while Debrecen now faces an uphill climb.
  
  
• University of Zagreb vs University of Mainz (8–1)
  Zagreb continued their impressive form in front of a home crowd. From the opening whistle, they dictated the tempo and were clinical in front of goal. Mainz managed a consolation goal, but Zagreb's relentless attack and solid defense proved too much. With this win, the hosts not only topped their group but also made a strong statement heading into the knockouts.