Andorra Squanders Lead in 1-2 Loss to Malta at Nations League Opener

Andorra earned its first point in UEFA Nations League Group D1 with a 0-0 draw against Gibraltar at Europa Point Stadium.

The match remained goalless through a largely uneventful first hour on the artificial pitch, where both sides prioritized structure over risk. Gibraltar held more possession early, creating threats via Tjay De Barr's crosses, while Andorra's Jordi Aláez tested Bradley Banda with a volley from distance in the 8th or 9th minute.

Yellow cards went to De Barr (9'), Eric de las Heras (26'), Marc Borra (32') and Gibraltar's Torrilla (79') before halftime, with Andorra's Babot booked later (64').

Andorra shifted momentum after the break, gaining control and territory. Guillaume López headed wide from a Moi San Nicolás free kick and later fired a centered shot straight at Banda around the 55th or 56th minute. The game intensified from the 70th minute, as Andorra pressed forward.

Áron Rodrigo came closest when his shot—set up by an Ot Remolins move—was cleared off the line by Ronan after beating Banda. At the 81st minute, Berto Rosas, who had replaced Aláez around the 62nd or 63rd minute alongside Remolins for Gerard Solà, miskicked Borra's low cross from close range. Rosas reacted with visible frustration, muttering "no te creo, tío."

A triple chance arose around the 73rd minute: San Nicolás headed firmly, Remolins followed up after shaking a marker, and Rodrigo prodded at the far post, but Gibraltar cleared amid Babot's rebound effort.

Coach Koldo Álvarez de Eulate adjusted further, substituting Marc Guillén for de las Heras (69') and Álex Martínez for López (87'). He had started Aláez in place of Remolins from the lineup used against Malta.

Gibraltar made changes with Mason for Richards (57'), Borge for Jesse Gómez (57'), Pozo for Jolley (73'), Valarino for Pons (77') and Scanlon for Bartolo (77'). They pushed in three added minutes but seldom troubled Iker Álvarez.

Lineups:

Gibraltar (Banda; Bent, Lopes, Ronan, Valarino (Pons 77'), Scanlon (Bartolo 77'); Torrilla, Mason (Richards 57'), Pozo (Jolley 73'); De Barr, Borge (Gómez 57'); Scott Wiseman).

Andorra (Álvarez; Borra, Llovera, Ian Olivera, San Nicolás; Babot, de las Heras (Guillén 69'), Rodrigo, Aláez (Rosas 62'), López (Martínez 87'), Solà (Remolins 62'); Álvarez de Eulate).

Álvarez de Eulate praised the team's discipline but regretted missed opportunities, saying they had done "everything we had to do" by controlling possession, staying offensive and limiting Gibraltar's runs. He added that the draw felt like "losing two points" given their dominance.

The point follows Andorra's 1-2 opening loss to Malta and breaks a competitive drought since the 2-2 draw in Latvia on October 11, 2025. The team faces Lithuania in a friendly on Wednesday at 18:00 in Kaunas.