FC Andorra Drop into Relegation Zone After Nine-Game Winless Streak

FC Andorra have dropped into the relegation zone of LaLiga Hypermotion for the first time this season, sitting 19th with 17 points after Real Sociedad B's 3-1 win over Valladolid closed out matchday 15. The Tricolors, level on points with SD Eibar in the final safe spot, have gone nine matches without a victory—five defeats and four draws—since beating Racing Santander 2-1 on 27 September.

The slide coincided with the departure of head coach Ibai Gómez two days earlier, following a 3-1 home loss to Castellón. Players reportedly felt uncomfortable with his dressing-room management, though his vision aligned with the club's possession-based style. No permanent replacement has been appointed, despite multiple offers received. Club sources emphasise no rush to decide, citing salary cap constraints at €6.461 million—the third-lowest in the division—and a desire for the right fit. Names like Miguel Ángel Ramírez and Félix Sánchez Bas have surfaced, but high demands and financial limits pose hurdles.

An interim staff led by team manager Carles Manso, fitness coach Aitor Yeto and analyst Franco Gross took charge of preparations at Estadi Comunal-Joan Samarra. Gerard Piqué, the majority shareholder, attended training in tracksuit and boots, actively assisting alongside sporting director Jaume Nogués, and later played with his sons Milan and Sasha on the pitch. He joined the away trip to Gijón, communicating via headset with Manso from the stands during the match.

Facing Sporting Gijón at El Molinón on Friday (8.30pm), Andorra earned a 1-1 draw—Lautaro de León's first-half goal, his third of the season, cancelled out by a controversial 101st-minute penalty on Alende after a disputed corner. Goalkeeper Áron Yaako made nine saves in a strong display, but the result extended the winless run to nine games and 4 points from the last 27. The point briefly lifted them from danger, though Granada's win over Cultural Leonesa returned them to the drop zone with 18 points. Sporting, 12th on 20 points and winless in four, missed injured top scorer Jonathan Dubasin—a former Andorra youth player from Seu d'Urgell with 7 goals—alongside Kevin Vázquez, Pablo García and Mamadou Loum.

Andorra have lost heavily on both prior visits to El Molinón: 4-1 in 2022 and 5-2 last season. Their coach Borja Jiménez praised the visitors' consistent style: "They dominate and pin you back; you must be patient to counter." Post-match, Manso highlighted the first-half promise—"We've seen the Andorra we want"—while Lautaro noted renewed freedom on the ball.

The club eyes reinforcements—a centre-back nearly secured and a traditional striker to complement Lautaro de León and Manu Nieto—subject to fair play rules. Next up is Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash at Cultural Leonesa (8pm), likely under the interim trio, followed by Almería at home. Piqué's era, nearing seven years since late 2018, averages one coach per season across eight changes, underscoring a deliberate search now.