William Barbosa struck the decisive goal in a dramatic finale as Luxol beat Balzan 4-3 in the first leg of the best-of-three Gatorade Premier League play-off final.
It was a hard-fought encounter between two heavyweights of the local futsal scene.
The match attracted a sizeable crowd to the Corradino Pavillion and those present were certainly not disappointed as both teams produced a high-level performance.
Luxol surged ahead after five minutes thanks to Celino Alves whose long-range effort surprised Balzan goalkeeper Nicholas Farrugia.
A minute later, the St Andrew’s outfit doubled their lead when Alves served Florin Anton who tapped the ball home.
Balzan keeper Farrugia was kept busy in the early stages as he denied Alves and Barbosa.
This led Balzan to call a time-out with coach Despotovic urging his players to do better in the attacking phase.
Glenn Bonello reduced the arrears for Balzan with a firm grounder that gave Luxol goalkeeper Adrian Attard no chance.
Then, Balzan’s Boycho Marev was unlucky as he was denied by the woodwork.
Fourteen seconds from the end of the first half, Luxol were awarded a free-kick which Barbosa converted to extend his team’s lead.
Balzan were quick to respond as six seconds later, Bonello connected well with Marev’s pass to slot home.
Balzan, now 3-2 behind, started the second half on the offensive.
Marev hit the post twice while Despotovic had three efforts saved by Luxol goalkeeper Attard.
On 32 minutes, Pullicino tried his luck with a low shot but Farrugia produced a fine save.
A minute later, Barbosa missed a good chance for Luxol as he shot wide.
From the next action, Mark Zammit was unlucky to hit the post as Luxol custodian Attard limped out injured. He was replaced by Reuben Grech.
The latter was called into action 25 seconds later when saving a Marev shot. From the rebound, Zammit was quick to hit the target to put Balzan on level terms.
The match looked set for penalties but Brazilian Barbosa had other ideas as his header, from Alves’s cross, sent the ball flashing past Farrugia.
The second match of the play-off series will be played on Friday at the Corradino Pavilion, starting at 20.30.