Ceuta Edges FC Andorra 2-1 in Tense LaLiga Hypermotion Opener

FC Andorra fell 2-1 to Ceuta on Sunday in their LaLiga Hypermotion opener for 2026, snapping a two-match winning streak from late 2025 and leaving them 14th with 24 points after matchday 20, two points clear of the relegation zone occupied by Real Sociedad B.

Played under drizzle on the tight Estadio Alfonso Murube pitch, Andorra controlled 67% possession and generated chances, including eight shots on target, but struggled with finishing. Ceuta struck twice from corners, exposing vulnerabilities in set-piece defense. Youness Lachhab scored first in the 27th minute, bundling the ball in with his shoulder at the near post after Áron Yaakobishvili's punched clearance sparked rebounds in a packed box; VAR confirmed the goal. Captain Carlos Hernández doubled the lead two minutes into the second half, heading Kuki Zalazar's delivery at the far post while outjumping Jastin García as Yaakobishvili hesitated.

Ceuta had threatened early with Yann Bodiger's 16th-minute free kick crashing off the bar. Andorra responded with Jastin García's low drive from the edge of the box—tipped wide by Guillermo Vallejo—and Minsu Kim's long-range shot, also saved. After the break, Andorra pushed forward with more direct play. Minsu nearly scored inside the area only for Vallejo to block, while Álvaro Martín tested from distance.

Injuries forced changes around the 60th minute: Jastin, who collided with Anuar near the touchline, made way for Álex Calvo; Josep Cerdà replaced Bomba in an attacking shift to a back three featuring Sergio Molina and Martí Vilà. Further subs saw Manu Nieto enter for Minsu (74th), and Unai Uzkudun and Théo Le Normand late on. Nieto converted a penalty in the 80th minute after José Matos handled his shot. In eight minutes of added time, Efe Akman's strike from distance forced a save from Vallejo, and Uzkudun headed over from a cross, but Ceuta defended deep to secure the points. Debutant Marc Domènech, on loan from Mallorca, came on for Ceuta in the 68th minute.

Coach Carles Manso highlighted set-piece lapses as decisive: "To be competitive, beyond playing well, we can't shoot ourselves in the foot." He noted initial struggles against Ceuta's man-marking but praised recent gains in verticality: "We've been creating chances and making them suffer, though the reaction came a bit late." The team showed attitude throughout, he added, but must master small details to avoid suffering in key moments.

With Gael Alonso suspended, Jesús Owono unavailable after the Africa Cup of Nations, and Martín Merquelanz injured, Andorra traveled via Lleida, flight to Tetouan, and bus. Ceuta, ninth on 29 points and unbeaten in five, managed without Rubén Díez, Manu Sánchez, and Marcos Fernández. Links persist to Almería's Edgar González and Racing Santander's Yeray Cabanzón. Jastin García's ankle injury, sustained in the clash, awaits assessment and could sideline him for weeks.

Andorra host Cultural Leonesa on Saturday at Estadi de la FAF.

**Match facts** **Ceuta 2-1 FC Andorra** Goals: Youness Lachhab (27'), Carlos Hernández (46'); Manu Nieto pen. (80') Referee: Álvaro Moreno Aragón (VAR: Javier Iglesias Villanueva) Attendance: 3,413 **Ceuta**: Vallejo; Anuar, Carlos Hernández, Diego González, Matos; Youness (Cristian Rodríguez 84'), Bodiger (Bassinga 84'), Kuki Zalazar (de la Fuente 74'), Salvi Sánchez (Ahmed 68'), Koné (Domènech 68'), Obeng. **FC Andorra**: Yaakobishvili; Carrique, Bomba (Cerdà 60'), Molina, Martí Vilà; Akman, Villahermosa (Le Normand 89'), Álvaro Martín; Jastin (Calvo 60'), Minsu (Nieto 74'), Lautaro (Uzkudun 89'). Yellows: Obeng (43'), Koné (44') (Ceuta); Carrique (56'), Villahermosa (88') (Andorra).