Inter Club d'Escaldes Hosts Flora Tallinn in UEFA Conference League Qualifier

Andorra's Inter Club d'Escaldes hosts Estonia's Flora Tallinn in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round this evening at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp.

The 7pm kickoff offers the Andorran champions a chance to gain an advantage before next week's return fixture in the Baltics. A strong result could advance Inter to the playoff round, two steps from a historic group stage debut for any Andorran side.

Coach Felip Ortiz highlighted the preparation period after two weeks without competitive action, following Inter's exemption from the Conference League second round post their Champions League first-round exit. The team played friendlies against FC Andorra and Sabadell from Spain's second division. "We've had time to prepare these matches and now the advantage of playing on natural grass in Encamp. Many factors align for a good performance," Ortiz said. He added that the squad is keen to compete, calling it a key milestone for the club and Andorran football.

Flora, Estonian league winners whose domestic season began in March, enter after a Champions League first-round loss to Georgia's Iberia Tbilisi. They progressed to this stage by defeating Wales' TNS on penalties in the Conference League second round.

Ortiz expects a tactical battle with similarities in style. "They're a team like us in their model, and I think it'll be a match where both want the ball. It should be a good game," he noted.

Inter reinforced during the European break with signings right-back Marc Vargas from Atlètic Lleida, central defenders Robin Lafarge from San Sebastián de los Reyes and Marc Jurado from CE Europa, plus forward Rafinha Baldrés from Romania's Petrorul. Striker Toni Paredes has departed for UE Cornellà.