FC Andorra Faces Celta Fortuna Test in Balaídos After 5-1 Opener

FC Andorra travels to Balaídos on Monday evening for its first away fixture of the season against newly promoted Celta Fortuna, with kick-off set for 7pm—nine days after the Tricolors' emphatic 5-1 home victory over Ceuta.

Coach Carles Manso emphasized maintaining focus to avoid complacency, highlighting vulnerabilities exposed in the second half of the opener. He recalled lapses during the initial 10 minutes after the break, when Ceuta secured multiple corners and a free kick, as well as relaxation following Andorra's fourth goal that let in a consolation strike and nearly led to another. "We must recognize that the moment we drop a gear even slightly, any team can hurt us badly and we become vulnerable," Manso warned in a pre-match press conference.

The week since the debut brought intense training alongside recovery sessions at Estadi Comunal Joan Samarra Vila, which Manso praised as "spectacular" amid high team morale ahead of the trip to Vigo.

Manso anticipates a challenging test from Celta Fortuna's reserve squad, which opened its Segunda División campaign with a 0-0 draw at Cádiz. He described the Galicians as a "cohesive" unit of young, dynamic players with strong quality—some rotating between the senior and B teams—likely to exploit quick transitions and mobility. Andorra has specifically prepared to counter their verticality, potentially shifting between three or five at the back. "If we dictate the tempo and minimize those threats, we can position ourselves for success," Manso said.

Past encounters are mixed: Celta Fortuna won 3-0 at home two seasons ago, when Andorra struggled with their movement, though the Tricolors later prevailed 2-0 in response. Manso noted the current context differs.

Pitch concerns at Balaídos, stemming from a fungus issue that delayed Celta's first-team game and prompted a resodding, appear resolved. Manso expressed trust in LaLiga and the hosts to ensure playable conditions.

Injuries rule out Gael Alonso, Lautaro de León, and Théo Le Normand, while Enes Sali awaits registration. New signings Julian Rijkhoff and Randy Schneider, absent for the opener due to paperwork, are now available and integrated, though Manso stressed internal competition will determine minutes. No fresh fitness issues have arisen, leaving nearly the full squad in good shape.