VPC Andorra suffers first defeat in 33-31 thriller to BUC

VPC Andorra suffers first defeat of season in late thriller against BUC

VPC Andorra endured a heartbreaking 33-31 loss to Barcelona Universitari Club in men's Division of Honor B, squandering a second-half comeback with a try conceded in the final minute.

The match, part of the third round in Group B, took place on Saturday at La Foixarda stadium. Coach Santi Lugones' side had won its first two away games but could not secure a third straight victory. Both teams arrived unbeaten after opening-round successes.

BUC struck first after just two minutes through Miquel Mas, converted by Artiom Kovalenko for a 7-0 lead. VPC responded with a try from Erik Fraissinet in the 21st minute, but BUC pulled ahead further with two penalties from Kovalenko before Jordi Jorba scored for the visitors just before halftime. The hosts led 18-5 at the break.

VPC mounted a stunning recovery after the interval. Fede Aguiar touched down early, converted by Gastón González, followed by Javi Vicente's try. Kovalenko added another penalty for BUC, but González scored and converted his own try in the 55th minute. Ian Granyena then sealed the turnaround three minutes later with a converted score, putting VPC ahead 31-21.

BUC fought back with Adur Casares' try in the 67th minute, converted by Kovalenko to make it 28-31. VPC defended a slim lead in a tense finish, only for Mas to score the decisive try at the 80th minute.

Despite the defeat, VPC earned two bonus points—one for four tries and another for losing by fewer than seven points—leaving the Tricolors fourth in the standings with 11 points after three rounds.

The team now returns home to face seventh-placed Rugby Club Ponent, who have a pending match against Sitges this round.