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Andorran side FC Santa Coloma dominated Penybont with a 3-0 second-leg victory at Estadi Nacional, securing

Conference League progression. Atlètic Club d'Escaldes also advanced via dramatic late penalties.

Key Points

  • FC Santa Coloma won 3-0 at home (4-0 aggregate) over Penybont, with goals from Pedja (20'), Álex Muñoz (58'), and Mihaylov (81').
  • Penybont reduced to 10 men after Ethan Cann's second yellow before halftime.
  • Atlètic Club d'Escaldes came back with two stoppage-time penalties by David Valero for 2-1 win (4-2 aggregate) vs FK Mornar Bar.
  • Santa Coloma faces Rapid Wien next; Atlètic meets Vaduz.

FC Santa Coloma secured a commanding 3-0 home win over Penybont at Estadi Nacional, clinching a 4-0 aggregate victory to progress to the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round against Rapid Wien.

The Andorran team, under Víctor Vázquez, defended their 1-0 first-leg lead from Cardiff with composure and authority. They struck first in the 20th minute when Barrenetxea threaded a precise pass for Pedja to fire a low cross-shot into the far corner past keeper Higgs. Penybont responded quickly as Venables struck the crossbar, but their hopes faded when Ethan Cann picked up a second yellow card before the half-hour mark for a foul, reducing them to 10 players.

With numerical superiority and the tie firmly in hand, Santa Coloma controlled proceedings intelligently through the break, keeping the Welsh side at bay. In the second half, they extended their lead in the 58th minute as Álex Muñoz pounced on Higgs's rebound from Pedja's shot to make it 2-0. The Bulgarian Mihaylov sealed the result in the 81st minute, converting amid a scramble inside the area. Higgs later denied a header from Andy Villar to prevent a heavier defeat.

Atlètic Club d'Escaldes also advanced on aggregate, staging another late comeback in a 2-1 away win over FK Mornar Bar in Podgorica for a 4-2 overall triumph. Jovan Dašić put the Montenegrins ahead in the 20th minute, but with extra time looming, David Valero converted two stoppage-time penalties in the 90th and 93rd minutes against keeper Krijestarac. Coached by Xavi Andrés, Atlètic now face Vaduz in the next round, starting away at Rheinpark Stadion. Santa Coloma will host Rapid Wien at Estadi Nacional before the return at Allianz Stadion. This marks the second time they have eliminated Penybont, following a first qualifying round tie three years ago.

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