FC Andorra Signs González and Cabanzón Ahead of Cultural Leonesa Clash

**FC Andorra completes two January signings ahead of Cultural Leonesa clash**

FC Andorra has finalised the signings of Edgar González and Yeray Cabanzón for the winter transfer window, with no further additions planned unless an unexpected opportunity emerges before the 2 February deadline.

González, a centre-back from Almería, arrived in Andorra last week and has completed his adaptation period following administrative clearances. His experience addresses the club's need for defensive leadership in Primera RFEF. Cabanzón, the Racing de Santander winger, joined on loan after a summer deal fell through; he remains unavailable for Saturday's match but bolsters attacking options.

To accommodate the pair, the club rescinded Merquelanz's contract—freeing him medically for selection—and released one of Olabarrieta or Cerdà, both wingers. Financial limits and a full roster ruled out other targets, including a prolific striker or right-back. Coach Carles Manso's confidence in Carrique has downgraded right-back needs, while Deportivo's refusal to release Petxarroman without a buyout clause closed that avenue. Salary constraints sidelined costly forwards despite reliance on Lautaro, Nieto and Uzkudun for goals.

**Jastin fit but benched for Cultural Leonesa; defence reshuffled**

Andorra host mid-table rivals Cultural Leonesa at Nou Estadi de la FAF on Saturday at 16:15, both on 24 points. The visitors, recent Copa del Rey winners over Andorra (4-2), arrive winless in three despite fewer losses overall. Cold weather and possible snow from storm Goretti could affect play, though Manso dismissed any home edge.

Jastin García recovered from a mild external ankle ligament sprain sustained at Ceuta and makes the squad but starts on the bench. Central defender Gael Alonso returns from a one-match ban for five yellows, pairing with Bomba at the back. Goalkeeper Owono is back from Africa Cup duty. Players at risk for the next Mirandés game with four bookings: Carrique, Sergio Molina and Minsu.

Manso praised his side's recent efforts despite the Ceuta loss: "For many moments we were very close to what we had trained and planned." Cultural coach Cuco Ziganda anticipates Andorra's possession style forcing prolonged defence.

**Probable line-ups** **FC Andorra**: Yaako; Carrique, Gael Alonso, Bomba, Martí Vilà; Akman, Molina, Villahermosa; Minsu, Manu Nieto, Lautaro. Coach: Carles Manso. **Cultural Leonesa**: Edgar Badía; Iván Calero, Barzic, Rodri Suárez, Larios; Thiago Ojeda, Sergi Maestre; Tresaco, Bicho, Chacón, Manu Justo. Coach: Cuco Ziganda. Referee: Saúl Ais Reig (Valencian).

**Copa Catalunya quarter-final next week** Andorra face third-placed CE Europa, coached by Aday Benítez, at Nou Sardenya on Wednesday 14 January at 20:00 in a single-leg tie.