Atlètic Escaldes Win Copa Constitució 3-2 in Dramatic Comeback Against FC Santa Coloma

Atlètic Escaldes claimed the Copa Constitució title with a thrilling 3-2 comeback against FC Santa Coloma in Saturday's final at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, securing a spot in next season's UEFA Conference League preliminary rounds.

Around 150 spectators watched the intense encounter, which offered high drama and constant shifts in momentum. Atlètic struck first in the 24th minute when Adri Gallego capitalised on a loose ball in the box following a scramble and an accidental slip by teammate Rodrigo Piloto, beating FC Santa Coloma keeper Álex Ruiz.

The Colomencs fought back before the break. Guillaume Lopez delivered a pinpoint cross in the 43rd minute for Iñigo Barrenetxea to head in the equaliser, making it 1-1.

The second half exploded into action. Andy Villar, who had just entered as a substitute, converted a penalty in the 56th minute after a strong attacking move, putting FC Santa Coloma 2-1 up. Atlètic hit back swiftly: a handball by Arjona in the box earned a spot-kick, which Piloto dispatched in the 62nd minute to level the score.

Piloto completed his brace and turned the game five minutes later. Jordi Aláez raced onto a long ball, beat the defence to the byline, and laid it off for Piloto's close-range finish at 3-2. FC Santa Coloma pushed hard in the closing stages, claiming a penalty on substitute Sascha Andreu after a challenge in the box and seeing Lopez denied by keeper Marinovich from an offside position. They held out through five added minutes.

Sergio Tomàs took charge for Atlètic in the absence of head coach Martí Riverola, marking their second Copa Constitució success. FC Santa Coloma, under Alex Moya and 3-0 semifinal winners over UE Santa Coloma, ended the Multisegur league in fourth. Atlètic, fifth-placed after a 2-1 semifinal win over league champions Inter d'Escaldes, take the European prize. UEFA licence denials for runners-up UE Santa Coloma and third-placed Rangers mean FC Santa Coloma are also likely to enter Conference League qualifiers, pending confirmation.

Match stats

FC Santa Coloma (2): Álex Ruiz, Mario Álvarez, Yenerey (Sascha Andreu 65'), Barrenechea, Guillaume Lopez, Sergio Rodríguez (Andy Villar 46'), Arjona, Hugo Ferreira (Mikel Carro 75'), Moi San Nicolás, Juncà, Crespo. Coach: Alex Moya.

Atlètic Escaldes (3): Marinovich, Álvaro Álvarez, Yeray Carpio, Cosialls, Jean Luc (Berlanga 77'), Piloto, Gemelson (Emanoel 61'), Hamza Ryahi (Christian Jiménez 90+1'), Brito (Aláez 61'), Jaquez, Gallego. Coach: Sergio Tomàs.

Goals: 0-1 Gallego (24'), 1-1 Barrenetxea (43'), 2-1 Andy Villar pen. (56'), 2-2 Piloto pen. (62'), 2-3 Piloto (67').

Bookings: Yellows to Yenerey (60'), Arjona (78') for FC Santa Coloma; Piloto (58'), Yeray Carpio (78') for Atlètic. Referee: Andreu Vilanova.