FC Andorra's Manso Eyes Possession Dominance in Primera RFEF Opener vs Ceuta

FC Andorra opened its Primera RFEF season with a dominant 5-1 win over AD Ceuta at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, showcasing squad depth and a cohesive playing style under coach Carles Manso despite persistent rain.

Ceuta came close early as Marino struck the post, but Andorra quickly asserted control through possession. Academy product Stefan Golubovic led the attack, creating chances that tested keeper Guille Vallejo, including a denied effort from Solozábal followed by Golubovic hitting the bar and Hugo López blocked on rebound. The opener arrived in the 33rd minute when Thomas Carrique's backheel assist allowed Jordi Cano to score on his professional debut.

Cano extended his impact after halftime, assisting Carrique's heel-flick goal for 2-0 in the 62nd. Substitute Nacho Quintana entered at the 68th and struck twice—first in the 69th from a Ceuta error, then the fourth in the 84th via Álex Calvo's steal. Jordi Escobar converted a late penalty in the 87th, but Calvo finished calmly at 90+2.

The starting lineup included Pau López in goal, Carrique, Alende (subbed by Spatz), Bombardó, Martí Vilà (later Andoni López), Solozábal, Marc Domènech (later Molina), Akman, Golubovic, Hugo López and Cano (later Calvo). Ceuta made changes including Koné, Meléndez and Escobar but faltered after their initial threat. Referee Rafael Sánchez showed yellow cards to Solozábal (49th), Domènech (52nd) and Golubovic for Andorra, and Mamah for Ceuta.

Some 1,730 fans attended, with Ceuta supporters displaying banners on local migrant issues. Both teams honored injured player Gael Alonso on their shirts, paddle champion Mònica Doria took the kickoff, and a minute's silence observed Colombian earthquake victims.

Manso praised the result as a reflection of preseason work, noting the seamless integration of newcomers. "A scoreline this big perhaps wasn't expected, but all our preparation showed in the win and strong play," he said. Continuity from last season aided the transition, with veterans guiding debutants. Carrique highlighted the lack of divide between old and new players: "It felt like we'd gone on vacation and returned just as we finished."

Cano epitomized the fit, delivering a goal, assist and pressing synergy with Carrique on the right flank, addressing preseason gaps in wide play. Golubovic proved a reliable option up top—"perfectly capable of Second Division level," per Manso—while Hugo López offered versatility. Quintana's brace from the bench underscored bench strength: "No player is more important than another," Manso emphasized, pointing to the final three goals from substitutes.

Debuts for Pau López, Andoni López and Lautaro Spatz rounded out a positive day, though Manso cautioned against overconfidence. "We're half-finished, and a 5-1 doesn't make us better than anyone." Carrique echoed the focus ahead: "We wanted to start this way after solid preseason work—now we push for more." Andorra prepares for the August 24 home match against Celta Fortuna.