FC Andorra Defender Alende Prioritises Survival in Segunda División

FC Andorra defender Diego Alende has emphasised that the team's primary goal this season is to secure survival in Spain's Segunda División, with the club currently sitting three points above the relegation zone after 27 matches.

The Andorran side occupies 17th place, ahead of Real Valladolid on the table. Alende, speaking after regaining his starting spot in a recent victory over Zaragoza, described the win as essential "to regain sensations and confidence." The centre-back had been sidelined for 12 games but returned to the initial formation under coach Carles Manso, helping deliver the three points.

"It's the first thing we have to do, and from there, if we can, look upwards," Alende said, underscoring the dressing room's focus on avoiding the drop.

He highlighted a collective lack of assertiveness at both ends of the pitch. "We have to keep improving in that area because we concede too many goals and struggle to score despite creating plenty of chances," the Galician defender noted.

Alende praised the squad's preparation, adding that whether starting or not, "I train the same and always try to be ready when called upon."

The team now faces a tough away fixture at Córdoba on Monday. The hosts, seventh and chasing the play-offs under former Andorra player Jacobo González and with international goalkeeper Iker Álvarez in goal, have lost their last two matches. Alende labelled the matchup "complicated" but affirmed the visitors' intent: "We'll go out with the same mentality as always, to win."