Andorran Inter d'Escaldes Faces Swedish Champs Mjällby in Conference League Debut

Inter Club d'Escaldes faces Mjällby AIF in historic Conference League debut

Inter Club d'Escaldes becomes the first Andorran side to enter the UEFA Conference League league phase, taking on Swedish champions Mjällby AIF at Helsingborg's Olympia Stadium on Thursday at 6:45pm.

The fixture pits two debutants against each other in the competition's opening round. Coach Felip Ortiz, who once assisted Sergi Barjuán in Spain's top flight and worked at Barça Atlètic, described Mjällby as a tough opponent despite their slow start to the Allsvenskan season. "This team did very well last year and most players remain, so they have a strong squad," Ortiz said. "It will be a very difficult match." He outlined Mjällby's 3-4-3 setup, noting their midfield focus on collective play and a physical forward line. "When they have the ball, they like to play, and we'll aim to counter that as best we can."

Ortiz reaffirmed his team's commitment to their style regardless of the opponent: controlling possession, showing bravery, and pressing high near the rival box. "That's what gets us closest to victory," he said. "But we must be ready to defend when needed." Captain Álex Sánchez, a former FC Andorra player, shared the thrill of the occasion. "We're approaching it with maximum excitement to compete in a competition like this," he said, adding that the squad aims to dominate with the ball while experiencing "goosebumps" before focusing on the game.

Mjällby, under Andreas Brännström, ended Malmö and Stockholm clubs' dominance by winning their first Allsvenskan title in 2025 after 86 years, having previously lifted the second division twice. As champions, they played four Champions League qualifiers, beating Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps 3-0 on aggregate before falling to Slovan Bratislava in the third round. Currently 12th in the Allsvenskan with 23 points after 23 games—four clear of relegation—they normally play at Strandvallen in Hällevik but move to the larger Olympia, former home of Henrik Larsson.

Inter reached this stage after a penalty shootout victory over Kosovo's Drita. Injuries force changes: Otegui is out, replaced by Lamine Diaby, with Yerai Dávila, Ángel de la Torre, Jaowad Erraji, Marc Jurado and Marc Vargas also unavailable. Youth player Prelado joins the B list.

Probable lineups:

Mjällby AIF: Lundin; Iqbal, Pettersson, Nielsen, Miettinen; Gustafson, Kjaer, Granath; Gustavsson, Bergström, Samuelsen.

Inter Club d'Escaldes: Javi Díaz; Pochettino, Anwar, Álex Sánchez, Torres; David López, Víctor Alonso, Molina; Berlanga, Sidibé, Faysal.

Referee: Menelaos Antoniou (CYP).