FC Andorra Lose 1-0 at Valladolid Despite Dominant Second Half

FC Andorra fell to a 1-0 defeat at Real Valladolid on Saturday, extending their winless run to three league matches despite a dominant second-half display.

Diego Alende's own goal in the 12th minute—headed in from a left-wing corner by Laurent Lachuer—proved decisive at the Estadi Nuevo José Zorrilla. The visitors struggled in an uneventful first half, holding possession but rarely threatening Álvaro Aceves. Hugo Solozábal registered their only shot before the break, a tame effort straight at the keeper in the 33rd minute. Valladolid created further chances, including Iván Alejo's early right-wing run saved by Pau López and Van Duiven's header from Eray Chacón's cross, also held by the Andorran goalkeeper. Lachuer nearly added a second with a clever heel flick from distance.

Coach Carles Manso reshaped his side at halftime, introducing Stefan Golubović for Lautaro de León and Lautaro Spatz for Martí Vilà to switch to a back three. The changes sparked an immediate response. Hugo López volleyed a corner rebound just past the post in the 50th minute. Solozábal soon backheeled for Golubović, whose shot flew high, while Efe Akman fired weakly at Aceves.

The best chance came in the 64th minute. Moró Sidibé outpaced his marker on the left and delivered a low cross for Hugo López's header, parried by Aceves. Solozábal headed the loose ball onto the post. Golubović missed two headers off crosses from Pablo Carrique (77th) and Akman (81st), both striking the bar. Marc Domènech entered in the 71st minute, followed by debuts for Juan Sebastián and Diego Díaz late on.

Valladolid, managed by Fran Escribá, defended stoutly in their first home game of the season, cheered on by a large crowd that observed a minute's applause for former club doctor José María Lomo. They almost extended their lead late when David Torres headed in from a Lachuer free kick, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. De Rooij and Torres posed minor threats from set pieces as time wound down.

Referee Alejandro Morilla issued yellow cards to Valladolid's Clerc (19th) and Ponceau, and Andorra's Akman (31st), Sidibé (39th), Bomba (66th) and Alende (87th). Lachuer was sent off after full time.

After four matches, Andorra sit on three points, with their next fixture against Real Sociedad B at Encamp's Nou Estadi de la FAF. Manso's team now reflect on a challenging start under Gerard Piqué's ownership.