FC Andorra Edges Zaragoza 2-1 to Escape Relegation Peril

FC Andorra claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Zaragoza at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp on Sunday, with Josep Cerdà scoring twice early on to end a five-match winless run and lift the team three points clear of the Segunda División relegation zone ahead of Monday's visit to Córdoba.

In sweltering midday conditions, 2,130 fans watched kickoff at 4:15pm. Coach Carles Manso lined up in a 3-4-3, bringing back Jesús Owono in goal over recent starter Yaako, Petxa at right-back for the banned Thomas Carrique, Diego Alende in central defence, and Cerdà up top. Zaragoza, bottom of the table on 24 points and without a league win in 10 amid multiple injuries, used a 4-4-2 under Rubén Sellés.

Andorra seized control from the outset. Cerdà struck first in the 8th minute, collecting the ball on the left inside the area, weaving past three defenders and finishing low past Álvaro Andrada. He doubled the lead in the 23rd from Yeray Cabanzón's corner, rising unmarked at the near post to head home. Petxa headed over, Yeray tested Andrada from range, and Imanol curled wide as Zaragoza rarely threatened.

The second half brought drama. Pablo Insua picked up a second yellow in the 50th for fouling Sergio Molina, reducing Zaragoza to 10 men. Yet Dani Gómez pulled one back two minutes later with a fierce long-range shot that beat Owono at full stretch. Despite the advantage, Andorra faltered, missing chances including Lautaro de León's close-range effort saved by Andrada and Minsu's driven shot from distance. Zaragoza, energised, pressed on counters and set pieces, with Owono making vital stops.

Manso responded with substitutions: Olabarrieta for Yeray (61'), Marc Domènech and Jastin for Lautaro and Cerdà (74'), Théo Le Normand for Villahermosa (90'). Zaragoza made five changes, ramping up late pressure via corners, but Andorra held out.

Referee Eder Mallo showed yellows to Lautaro (16'), Cerdà (49') and Alende (90+2') for Andorra, and Aguirregabiria (25'), Insua (28', 50') and Agada (90+3') for Zaragoza, with Insua sent off.

Manso praised the side's competitiveness post-match, noting the strong first half echoed their bright opening against Almería. "We started with energy and dominance, and the early goal brought calm," he said. "But after their red card, we got nervous and struggled with longer possessions." He credited returns like Owono, Alende, Petxa and Cerdà for raising standards, urging maturity and leadership for consistency. Cerdà highlighted early verticality but admitted poor ball retention later. "We carried a negative run and badly needed these points," he said, reflecting on his brace after surgery last summer.

**Match facts** **FC Andorra**: Owono; Petxa, Gael Alonso, Alende, Imanol; Molina, Villahermosa (Théo Le Normand 90'), Yeray (Olabarrieta 61'); Cerdà (Jastin 74'), Minsu, Lautaro (Marc Domènech 74'). **Real Zaragoza**: Andrada; Aguirregabiria, El Yamiq, Insua, Larios; Francho, Paul (Sebas Moyano 82'); Valery (Gomes 61'), Rober (Lucas Terrer 74'), Soberón (Cuenca 61'), Dani Gómez (Agada 74'). **Goals**: Cerdà 8', 23'; Dani Gómez 52'. **Attendance**: 2,130.

The result was overshadowed by a ticket dispute. FC Andorra offered 140-149 away seats at €50—double the norm—initially limiting online sales to nationals and residents. Zaragoza subsidised travel, but resident fan David Garcia (also reported as Gracia) bought about 45 tickets for supporters via social media. Security blocked entry pre-kickoff under "right of admission" rules over suspected resale, cancelling them.

Garcia called it "illegal" online, saying it eroded his sense of belonging after 18 months in Andorra. Zaragoza expressed regret over failed last-minute talks and offered affected fans free tickets to one of their next six games. FC Andorra defended the move as a LaLiga-compliant safety measure against bulk buys mixing fans in non-designated areas, confirming refunds and expressing apologies for the inconvenience.