FC Andorra's Alende Stays Cautious Ahead of Celta Fortuna Clash

Diego Alende, FC Andorra's centre-back, cautioned that Monday's Segunda División away match at Celta Fortuna's Balaídos will present a stark contrast to the team's 4-0 opening win over Ceuta, while reaffirming the club's commitment to its core tactics.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the Galician defender praised the strong debut but warned of the step up in challenge. He emphasised maintaining the same approach used at home, stating that sticking to it in every game would bring them closer to victory. Alende described Segunda División as a highly demanding league across its 42 rounds, with avoiding relegation as the primary goal before eyeing bigger targets.

The fixture holds special significance for Alende, who developed through Celta's youth ranks for 14 years in Santiago de Compostela. He spoke fondly of the club and Balaídos as a place of fond memories, likening the visit to returning home, while expressing pleasure at Celta Fortuna's promotion to the second tier.

Despite the opponents' youthful, energetic squad—largely carried over from last season—Alende confirmed no alterations to Andorra's game plan. He dismissed worries over the Balaídos pitch, where fungal issues recently delayed resurfacing and postponed a first-team game, insisting the Tricolors expect to play there as scheduled.

On the long-term injury to centre-back Gaël Alonso, sidelined for five months with a tibial malleolus fracture, Alende described it as a tough loss but underlined the depth provided by new signings Lautaro Spatz, Sergio Molina, and Martí Vilà. He noted the squad's continuity from last season and solid pre-season work as foundations for their ambitions, while tempering dressing-room excitement with realism about the campaign ahead.