FC Andorra Beats Zaragoza for First Win in Four, Escapes Relegation Danger
FC Andorra secured a vital 16th-place finish with a win over Zaragoza, praised by manager Carles Manso for competitive spirit despite a tough second.
Key Points
- FC Andorra won first league match in four, rising to 16th, three points above relegation.
- Manso praised first-half control and standouts: Owono, Alende, Petxarroman, Cerdà (match-winner).
- Second half challenged by red card and conceded goal, but secured vital three points.
- Cerdà, recovering from surgery, scored headed winner and expressed relief post-negative run.
FC Andorra secured their first league win in four matches on Saturday, beating Zaragoza and climbing to 16th place, three points clear of the relegation zone occupied by Valladolid.
Manager Carles Manso praised the team's competitive effort after the match, emphasising the need to value their performance. He attributed any lapses to confidence issues rather than mentality, adding that the three points would help the side "continue moving upwards".
Manso highlighted the contrasting halves. The first period built on the strong opening against Almería the previous week, showing high energy and control, with an early goal bringing calm. The second half changed after a red card, as the team struggled to withstand pressure and conceded soon after, leading to some nerves.
He was pleased with several changes to the lineup, including enforced ones like the suspension of Thomas Carrique. Standouts included Jesús Owono, Diego Alende, Álex Petxarroman and match-winner Josep Cerdà, named player of the game. "They set an example for themselves and their teammates, raising the team's level, which is what will keep us up," Manso said.
Cerdà, the scorer from Pollença, echoed the relief after a negative run. "We desperately needed those points," he told reporters, laughing that it had been a long time since his last headed goal. Recovering from summer surgery, he added: "It's been a tough season, but I try to make the most of my chances."
The Piqué-owned club now has a full week to prepare before Monday's away trip to Córdoba. Manso views the break positively: it will allow perspective and confidence after the victory.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: