The vast majority of a capacity 6,500 crowd at the Spiroudome in Charleroi was well pleased at half-time in the UEFA Futsal Cup Final first leg as hosts Action 21 appeared firmly on course for a debut European title. Goals from Andre, Robinho, Alex and Eder had put the Belgians in a commanding position with only Sirilo replying for visitors Dinamo Moscow. The 4-1 lead after the first 20 minutes hardly hinted at what was to come in the second period, as the Russians fought back to lose by the odd goal.

Charleroi coach Sergio Benatti was far from happy afterwards: "Given the away goals rule, I'd rather have won 1-0 instead of 4-3. We excelled in the first half but missed a huge opportunity to take a 5-1 lead. Moscow's second goal turned the game on its head. 4-3 is better than 4-4, but it'll be hard for us in Moscow. And we don't yet know whether Kelson will be fit in time for the return."

The Russian defence was breached for the first time on 11 minutes as Andre volleyed the home side in front from Robinho's precise cross. Just seconds later, Robinho netted a fine solo effort, only for Sirilo to conjure up an immediate reply. The frantic action continued as Charleroi captain Alex restored the two-goal advantage. 

Action 21 continued to pour forward and created a string of openings, Eder adding a fourth to underline the Belgians' dominance, although the home side lost key figure Kelson to injury before the interval.

After the restart, Alex spurned a golden opportunity to increase the lead but was denied by the brilliance of Moscow keeper Stepanov. The Russians gratefully accepted the let-off and clawed their way back into the match. Pelé finished off Joan's skilful build-up to double his side's tally as the visitors started making chances of their own.

Alex might have settled Belgian nerves on the break but Moscow were clearly on top now, and Maevski drilled home a fine half-volley to cut the deficit still further. However, the goalscorer collected a yellow card shortly afterwards and will be suspended for Saturday's return. Neither side capitalised on last-gasp opportunities, and the final score remained 4-3 to the Belgians, but Dinamo will feel they hold the psychological edge.

Commented Moscow boss Yuri Rudnev afterwards: "We were fairly consistent across both halves, but Charleroi started strongly and we needed time to get used to the Terraflex surface. I'm delighted we've only lost by a single goal, which has to be a good result away from home."

Both teams will approach the second leg in Moscow next Saturday in optimistic mood, although Charleroi midfielder Andre admitted: "We only have a minor advantage for the return. We made mistakes and missed loads of chances, which you can't be doing at this level."

Dinamo keeper Pavel Stepanov believes his side have their noses in front: "We've lost, but I reckon any kind of win will do us now because of the away goals rule. At half-time, the coach told us to stay cool and focus on our normal game."