The Tranmere players took in the UEFA Futsal Cup quarter final matches being staged in the amazing 2,500-seater, Pavihao Du Luz, home of Benfica’s Futsal team.

Travelling as guests of the local organising committee and the Portuguese FA, with the primary objective of continuing their Futsal learning curve by watching some of Europe’s leading Clubs in top flight Cup action.

Tranmere arrived in Portugal to weather conditions closer to what they are used to England, with snow having just fallen in Lisbon for the first time in 50 years!

Tranmere Manager, Neil Thompson, said: “We are really pleased to have been given the opportunity to watch and play against some of Europe’s tops teams.

"In the UK we just don’t get to see the kind of world class Futsal that was on display in Lisbon, where arguably the best team in Europe, Boomerang Intervui, was on top form.”

Sporting Friendly An integral part of Tranmere’s trip was their friendly match against Sporting Club De Portugal, currently flying high at the top of the Portuguese Futsal League, one of Europe’s leading professional Futsal Leagues.

Boomerang and their fellow UEFA Futsal Cup protagonists provided the inspiration for the Tranmere players as they headed into the game, where Tranmere found themselves enjoying more possession than they had anticipated.

However, they still came under pressure from the home side, who held a 3 -1 advantage at the halftime mark, the Tranmere goal coming from Jay Corran, who slotted passed the Portuguese number one.

Tranmere started the second half well, with chances going just wide from both Senyard and Maddison; although the Portuguese netted twice during the second period to secure a 5-1 victory in what was an exciting game.

Tranmere player, Paul Maddison says - “This was a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against one of the best club teams in Europe and the lads all feel we played well.

"Lisbon are a professional side – Futsal in England is still amateur and the gap is noticeable – but we were very competitive.

"We feel we are improving month by month, and this result indicates the further progress we’ve made in the 3 months since we played Italian Serie A team, Terni.”

Next Steps Tranmere are now looking forward to an exciting 2006 and a possible return visit to Portugal – perhaps with their women’s team.

Neil Thompson, General Manager: “We are excited about how the team is developing and are grateful to the Portuguese FA and Sporting Lisbon for giving us the opportunity to watch and play against some of the best teams in Europe.

"Everybody enjoyed Portugal – even with the snow – and we are very much looking forward to heading back again soon. Benfica has an excellent women’s Futsal programme, and so we may be back with our women’s team – who knows?”