FC Andorra Faces Ceuta Test in Liga Hypermotion Opener

FC Andorra heads to Ceuta's Alfonso Murube stadium on Sunday for a 4:15pm kick-off against AD Ceuta, opening their 2026 campaign after back-to-back wins over Valladolid and Deportivo lifted them to 13th place with 24 points.

Ceuta, newly promoted to Liga Hypermotion, sit ninth on 29 points with the league's fourth-strongest home record, unbeaten in five straight matches there. Coach José Juan Romero, an Andalusian from Gerena known for bold, attacking play with quick passing, high pressing after losses and fierce starts to each half, has built the side's identity since joining in 2019. A promotion expert, he guided Ceuta from Tercera RFEF to Segunda RFEF in 2020-21, won ascent with Eldense, then returned in September 2022 for their Primera RFEF spell. Key threats include forward Marcos Fernández—now sidelined with a knee issue at Espanyol's request—winger Konrad de la Fuente and attacking midfielder Andy Escudero. Ceuta will miss long-term absentee Manu Sánchez and suspended Rubén Díez, but Romero regains Aboubacar Bassinga and eyes a debut for winter signing Marc Domènech pending paperwork.

Andorra coach Carles Manso reports players returned in top shape from the Christmas break, having completed assigned fitness routines. "They came back perfectly," he said, adding the week's training has been strong with no dip in rhythm. Absences include suspended Gael Alonso, Jesús Owono at the Africa Cup of Nations and recovering Martí Vilà, who has resumed grass sessions. Martín Merquelanz remains out. Manso anticipates Molina partnering "Bomba" at centre-back, Efe Akman leading midfield. He flagged Ceuta's dangers: wing-fullback overlaps, man-marking that harasses build-up even into Andorra's box, and 15-minute bursts at the start of halves. Andorra plans to impose its style—aggressive, possession-based, risk-taking yet structured—aiming to force adaptation. "We'll go out to win," Manso affirmed.

On transfers, Manso called for a "surgical" winter window, satisfied with the squad but eyeing upgrades without risks. Sporting director Jaume Nogués confirmed two deals near completion, targeting two or three additions. Central defender Edgar González is set to join on loan from Almería after ending his Hajduk Split stint, while winger Yeray Cabanzón's loan from Racing Santander—pursued since summer—nears finalization amid his push for minutes. Attack reinforcements are in play, alongside potential exits like Merquelanz. Owners Gerard Piqué and Jaume Nogués offer vital backing.

**Probable line-ups** **Ceuta:** Vallejo; Anuar, Carlos Hernández, Diego González, Matos; Lachhab, Kuki Zalazar, Cristian; Ahmed, Koné, Obeng. Coach: José Juan Romero. **FC Andorra:** Yaakobishvili; Carrique, Bomba, Molina, Martí Vilà; Akman, Villahermosa, Le Normand; Minsu, Lautaro, Manu Nieto. Coach: Carles Manso.

Referee: Álvaro Moreno Aragón (Andalusian committee). The squad travels Saturday by plane from Lleida to Tetouan, then road to Ceuta via Tarajal border.