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

Inter Club d'Escaldes claimed a 2-0 win over FC Flora Tallinn in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round first leg at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, positioning the Andorran champions on the brink of the playoffs.

Faysal Chouaib opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a powerful strike into the far corner after an early chance. Inter dominated the first half, generating numerous opportunities but held back by poor finishing and strong saves from Estonian keeper Grünvald. Domi Berlanga sealed the victory in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Grünvald failed to hold Maurizio Pochettino's effort.

Flora mounted a response after the break, forcing several interventions from Inter keeper Javi Díaz, including key stops against Kalimullin, Kuraksin, Alliku and Sappinen. The visitors pushed hard late on but could not close the gap, while Inter threatened on counters without adding to the score. A late penalty appeal for the hosts was dismissed following VAR review.

Around 560 fans watched the match, officiated by Austrian referee Stefan Ebner with VAR support from Harald Lechner. Bookings were issued to Otegui and Kalimullin.

Coach Felip Ortiz highlighted his side's superiority and pressing. "We were bold with good pressure, and we should be pleased because winning isn't easy these days," he said. "We're aware we were superior by playing our style. For the return, we must go there as if needing to overturn a deficit or a 0-0 draw."

Inter lineup: Javi Díaz; Pochettino, Anwar Hernández, Álex Sánchez, Jilmar Torres; Molina (Víctor Alonso 64'), Otegui (Dacu 81'), David López (Lamine Diaby 64'); Berlanga (Juan Cámara 81'), Soule Sidibé (Borja Arellano 55'), Faysal Chouaib. Coach: Felip Ortiz.

Flora lineup: Grünvald; Kollo, Kolobov, Veering, Kuraksin; Kreida, Kalimullin (Antonov 82'), Valdmets (Usta 74'); Alamaa (Alliku 74'), Zenjov, Sappinen. Coach: Konstantin Vassiljev.

The result leaves Inter in a strong spot ahead of next Thursday's return leg in Tallinn. A win or draw would secure a playoff tie against the winner of Drita and Tre Fiori. Only UE Santa Coloma has previously reached this stage for Andorra, in 2024.

Separately, the domestic league draw pits champions Inter against Esperança in the opener. Other first-round fixtures include Casa de Portugal vs Ranger’s, Sporting vs Ordino, Penya Encarnada vs Atlètic Escaldes, and Carroi vs FC Santa Coloma. In the second division: UE Santa Coloma vs Pirineus United, la Massana vs City Escaldes, and Atlètic Amèrica vs Sant Julià.