FC Andorra Thrash Racing de Santander 6-2 to Surge into 10th in Segunda Division

**FC Andorra's record 6-2 win over Racing de Santander has propelled the club into 10th place, 12 points clear of relegation and 11 points from the play-offs, with eight games remaining.**

The Easter Sunday match at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp drew 2,732 spectators, including over 200 from Santander. League leaders Racing surged to a 2-0 lead in 16 minutes: Giorgi Guliashvili opened the scoring in the third via Andrés Martín's assist from Iñigo Vicente, then added a second—initially flagged offside but confirmed by VAR—after another Martín run.

Andorra fought back before the break. Josep Cerdà volleyed Pablo Carrique's cross in the 33rd minute for his sixth goal of the season, then set up Lautaro de León's 42nd-minute equalizer from a rebound, validated by VAR. Seven minutes of added time brought near-misses, such as Jastin García heading wide.

Second-half substitutions—Minsu Kim for Yeray Montoro and Efe Akman for the injured Lautaro—sparked the turnaround. Captain Martí Vilà, on his 131st appearance, chipped goalkeeper Ezkieta in the 49th via a one-two with Cerdà, netting his first official goal for the club. Dani Villahermosa converted a 61st-minute VAR-awarded penalty for Mario García's handball on David Alende's volley, making it 4-2.

Racing's Jon Salinas received a second yellow—upgraded to red by referee Sergiu Claudiu Muresan—for fouling Minsu. Jastin tapped in Minsu's cross in the 76th, and Theo Le Normand headed Carrique's delivery in the 89th. Nine minutes of stoppage time saw Minsu saved by Ezkieta and Alende strike the crossbar.

Bookings included Jastin (75th), Castro (16th), Mario García (53rd), Sangalli (75th), Puerta (78th) and Villalibre (80th). Racing made five changes: Suleiman Camara for Damián (46th), Villalibre for Iñigo Vicente (67th), Sangalli for Castro (67th), Pablo Ramón for Manu H. (67th) and Aldasoro for Martín (82nd).

The result equals Andorra's largest recent margin—a 4-0 over Lugo in 2022—and marks the first six-goal haul against a Segunda leader since Osasuna beat Recreativo de Huelva in 1979-80. With 46 points from one loss in eight matches—including five wins—the side now has the division's sixth-best attack at 50 goals and a +3 goal difference.

Coach Carles Manso praised the response to early pressure, highlighting perseverance and resilience built over recent weeks. He credited Cerdà's interior role—seven goals and two assists in 825 second-half minutes despite limited early action—and Domènech's midfield control: "He's taken the helm." Manso noted maturity against top teams and suggested the league might "feel a bit short," urging ambition post-survival: "First secure the objective, then look up." He emphasised ending strongly to build for next season, when teams often "start as they finish," and tackling low blocks from upcoming lower-table foes.

Captain Vilà echoed the drive: "We'll go for three points every match while options exist," adding wins engage fans and set a path forward. Domènech, speaking at Wednesday's open training, stressed mental growth: "We see passion and desire... even trailing, we can turn it around." He pointed to high scoring, comebacks against Racing and Málaga, and play-off potential if the run continues, while prioritising safety.

Cerdà, 23 from Pollença and a former La Masia youth with a key role in Ponferradina's promotion last year, has transformed from fringe player to vital asset. Lautaro leads with eight goals over three matches; Villahermosa has seven goals and four assists; Manu Nieto bolsters options. Marc Cardona remains sidelined with 29 minutes since January.

Injuries persist: Lautaro misses Cádiz on Sunday (18:30) due to discomfort; Álex Calvo faces two-three weeks out; Sergio Molina rested pubis issues. Nearly 300 fans—mostly Easter camp children from clubs like UE Santa Coloma and Lauesport—attended the Estadi Comunal session, touring facilities, signing autographs and photographing players like Nico Ratti and Jesús Owono. Jaume Nogués, Ferran Vilaseca and staff oversaw; Gerard Piqué visited post-match. Nogués called it "a magical day" showing growth in fan ties. Cádiz, four points above relegation, have one win in 13 games.