FC Andorra Lose 0-1 to Albacete in Late Drama, Three Red Cards

FC Andorra suffered a late 0-1 defeat to Albacete Balompié at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, ending a six-match unbeaten run that included four straight wins.

Despite dominating possession and chances throughout the 90 minutes, the home side could not find the net. Albacete, playing a deeply defensive game with just 22% possession and only two shots on target, held firm until the 86th minute. A long ball forward caught the Andorra defence out, with Fran Gámez advancing after Gael Alonso's clearance attempt. Gámez's pass forced goalkeeper Jesús Owono into a save, but the rebound fell to Jonathan Gómez, who converted from close range.

The Andorra bench protested vehemently, claiming a foul on Martí Vilà in the build-up. Tensions boiled over in the closing stages, leading to red cards for head coach Carles Manso, goalkeeping coach Dani Ortiz, and another staff member. Five minutes of added time yielded no equaliser, despite desperate Andorra pressure and a late penalty claim.

The match began with a minute's silence for Clara Palma, wife of club institutional representative Carles Riba. Played on a rainy Friday holiday before 3,320 spectators, Andorra controlled early play. Martí Vilà crossed for Marc Cardona at the far post, who missed from close range. Yeray Cabanzón and Cardona later tested former Andorra keeper Raúl Lizoain with efforts from distance, while Cerdà headed wide after good work down the left.

Albacete's clearest first-half chance came when Álex Rubio centred for Jefte, who blazed over an open goal. After the break, heavy rain fell as Andorra camped in the final third but struggled to break down the visitors' low block. Substitutions followed at the hour mark: Sergio Molina and Minsu for Efe Akman and Yeray, later Aingeru Olabarrieta and Manu Nieto for Iker Carrique and Cardona. Marc Domènech headed narrowly wide, and Cerdà twice went close but lacked precision.

The loss leaves Andorra's slim play-off hopes in tatters, with five matches remaining. Match facts

FC Andorra (0): Owono; Carrique (Olabarrieta 73), Alende, Gael Alonso, Martí Vilà; Akman (Molina 62), Marc Domènech (Théo Le Normand 81), Villahermosa; Yeray (Minsu 62), Cerdà, Marc Cardona (Manu Nieto 73). Coach: Carles Manso (expelled).

Albacete Balompié (1): Lizoain; Fran Gámez, Javi Moreno, Lluís López, Neva (Lorenzo 79); Martín Fernández, Meléndez, Jogo (Jonathan Gómez), San Bartolomé (Pacheco 79); Álex Rubio (Obeng 66), Jefte (Lazo 66). Coach: Alberto González.

Goal: Jogo (86).

Referee: Alonso de Ena Wolf (Aragón). Yellows: Owono (30), Cardona (59), Villahermosa (89), Nieto (90), Molina (90+1), Olabarrieta (90+3), Lazo (90+3). Expulsions: Manso, Ortiz, one other Andorra bench member.