Andorra Women Face Top-Seeded Hungary in Preeuropeu Opener

Andorra's women's national football team takes on Hungary, the top seed in League C Group 3, in its Preeuropeu opener on Tuesday at 19:00 at Estadi Nacional, with free entry for supporters.

Captain Tere Morató and coach Albert Panadero reiterated their preference for the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp during Monday's pre-match press conference. Morató said she personally does not approve of the switch to the artificial turf at Estadi Nacional, as the team had adapted to natural grass there during the previous phase and recent friendlies. "The right thing would have been to keep playing at our home, the federation's home, the national team's home," she remarked, noting the dressing room has not welcomed the change despite familiarity with the venue. She added that the matter has been raised with federation officials, expressing hope for a return to Encamp in future matches.

Panadero backed the players' view, stating they deserve to compete in a new-generation stadium with natural grass, especially during the senior team's growth phase. He acknowledged that artificial turf offers some competitive edges but prioritised the squad's perspective.

Both remained upbeat about the challenge despite Hungary's strength. The Hungarians, who nearly earned promotion to League A in 2023 under Margret Kratz and now led by Alexandra Szarvas, recently finished third in UEFA Nations League B3 behind Serbia and Finland. Their captain, Henrietta Csiszár—a 31-year-old midfielder at Inter Milan with 74 international goals—anchors a squad of professionals from top leagues.

Morató pointed to the home advantage and recent positive momentum against tough opponents, which she said helps elevate performance. "Starting at home is important because we feel secure here, and we love playing with our fans," she noted, crediting improved ball possession and a strong qualifying run with few goals conceded.

Panadero called preparations "spectacular," highlighting a structured team able to adapt to stronger or weaker rivals. "It's a chance to set a challenge, to gauge our level and where we can compete," he said. He praised defensive progress from the last phase, with reduced goals conceded, and stressed the need for focus, resilience, and team solidity when defending. Improvements should target individual skills, better game reading, and greater autonomy with the ball.

The 23-player squad features goalkeepers Alba Martín and Alex Cardoso; defenders Laia Solé, Neus Rosas, Laia Sin, Paula da Silva, Zoe Planagumà, Maria Moles, and Olga Sabio; midfielders Maria da Cruz, Chloe Izquierdo, and U17s Èlia Quílez and Emma Warboys; and forwards Morató, Maria Ruzafa, Ari Gonçalves, Cristina Lacour, Carla Ber, Clàudia Plaja, and Gemma Lluch. Despite some absences, newcomers bring extra motivation amid rising participation among Andorran girls.

The window concludes Saturday with an away game at 15:00 against North Macedonia.