FC Andorra Eye Play-Offs but Prioritise Survival in Crucial Valladolid Clash

FC Andorra Eye Play-off Push While Prioritising Survival Ahead of Valladolid Clash

Ninth-placed with 49 points and seven games left, Andorra have secured virtual safety 15 points clear of relegation but trail sixth-placed Castelló by nine; Manso urges realism despite players' ambitions.

FC Andorra host Real Valladolid on Sunday at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp aiming to mathematically confirm survival in Segunda División, with ninth place and 49 points leaving them 15 clear of the drop zone.

A run of 20 points from 27 has lifted the side into contention, nine points off the play-off spots with seven matches remaining. Coach Carles Manso prioritises certification of safety over promotion talk, calling the visitors "a very tough match" despite their 17th position and struggles away from home. "We need to go out to win the three points," he said, warning of Valladolid's quality after their recent Primera spell. The Castilians, under Fran Escribá, sit six points above relegation and have earned just two from their last 12 away points.

Manso dismissed play-off fixation as distant, stressing realistic targets. "If someone had told us four or five months ago we'd have 49 points at this stage, we'd all have signed for it," he noted, crediting club patience during a winless streak. The technical staff, most under contract, remain open to continuing in any role. "We're club people and will adapt to whatever is decided," Manso added, with no formal talks yet held with ownership including Gerard Piqué.

Players show greater ambition. Midfielder Efe Akman, versatile between pivot and winger in 15 appearances, said the team is "playing very well, even perhaps looking towards the play-offs." The Turk, contracted to 2029, believes extra games would secure a spot: "We're in a great moment and I think we'll fight for it." Forward Josep Cerdà has transformed the attack since January, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 15 outings after limited early minutes due to injury. Six wins from nine with him starting have distanced relegation worries. Manso praised his false-nine role: "He sees goal easily."

Valladolid may set up defensively to exploit transitions via threats like Chuki (seven goals, eight assists) and Latasa (six goals). Andorra miss Lautaro de León (six-week hamstring absence), Edgar González and Álex Calvo (late decision); Sergio Molina returns. Unbeaten in three prior meetings—two Andorra wins including a 1-0 away this season—heightens stakes. Kick-off is at 14:00 or 16:15.