FC Andorra Clinches Segunda Survival with 1-0 Win Over Valladolid

FC Andorra secured mathematical survival in Spain's Segunda División with a 1-0 victory over Real Valladolid at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp. Marc Cardona scored the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, assisted by Dani Villahermosa, ensuring the Tricolors reached 52 points and ninth place in the standings.

The match drew 2,220 spectators under light rain. FC Andorra, coached by Carles Manso, fielded the same starting XI that defeated Cádiz the previous week. They dominated possession and created multiple chances in the first half. Jastin combined with Efe Akman early on, but Akman's shot went wide. Minsu Kim tested goalkeeper Álvaro Aceves with a turn and strike from the edge of the box. Valladolid's clearest opportunity came from a Michelin cross that Owono saved in two attempts.

The second half began with Andorra pressing. Villahermosa shot just wide after a Marc Domènech pass at the 49th minute. Jastin suffered a hamstring injury following a challenge near the box at the 54th or 56th minute and was substituted by Cardona, who had played limited minutes since joining in January—around 26 to 29 across three appearances. Moments later, Domènech found Villahermosa, whose exquisite heel pass set up Cardona to chip Aceves for the opener, his first goal for the club.

Valladolid coach Fran Escribá responded with changes, introducing Biuk and Marcos André. Andorra brought on Manu Nieto for Minsu. The hosts maintained control, with Cerdà crossing dangerously and Domènech dictating play. Late substitutions at the 81st minute saw Petxa, Théo Le Normand, and Sergio Molina replace Carrique, Villahermosa, and Cerdà.

Valladolid threatened sporadically, including a Marcos André header that sailed wide. Tension rose when Noah Ohio injured his knee severely after a dribble, leaving the visitors with 10 men after exhausting their changes. Owono made a crucial save in stoppage time (97th minute), while Nieto and Cardona missed chances to seal it. Referee Manuel Jesús Orellana added seven minutes; yellow cards went to Domènech (Andorra) and Biuk, Latasa, Juric, and David Torres (Valladolid).

The win marked Andorra's third straight victory, collecting 13 of their last 15 points and 23 of 30. Eight points behind sixth-placed Burgos—with six games left—they trail the playoff spots but eye surpassing their 59-point record from 2022-23. Manso urged realism: the next test is at Leganés.