FC Andorra Stumbles 2-1 to Ceuta in LaLiga Hypermotion Opener

FC Andorra lost 2-1 to Ceuta on Sunday in their LaLiga Hypermotion opener for 2026, conceding twice from corners despite dominating possession on a compact, rainy pitch at Estadio Alfonso Murube.

Ceuta struck first in the 27th minute as Youness Lachhab bundled a corner over the line with his shoulder after keeper Áron Yaakobishvili's punch fell short amid rebounds, with VAR upholding the goal. Captain Carlos Hernández made it 2-0 two minutes into the second half, rising above Jastin García to head Kuki Zalazar's corner at the far post during the goalkeeper's uncertain advance.

Andorra responded with pressure, pulling one back in the 80th minute via Manu Nieto's penalty after José Matos blocked his shot. Eight minutes of added time brought opportunities, including Efe Akman's long-range strike saved by Guillermo Vallejo and Unai Uzkudun's headed effort from a cross, but Ceuta held firm by sitting deep.

Drizzle affected the tight surface, where Andorra set the early tempo. Vallejo denied Jastin García's low drive after beating several defenders and Minsu Kim's effort from distance. Ceuta threatened from dead balls, with Yann Bodiger's free kick crashing off the bar around the 16th minute.

Injuries prompted changes near the hour: Jastin left after clashing with Anuar, replaced by Álex Calvo; Bomba made way for Josep Cerdà in an attacking shift; later, Nieto for Minsu, and Uzkudun plus Théo Le Normand entered late. Coach Carles Manso paired Bomba with Sergio Molina at center-back due to Gael Alonso's suspension, starting Jastin, Minsu, and Lautaro up front with Akman in midfield.

The loss ended Andorra's late-2025 wins over Valladolid and Deportivo. The squad flew from Lleida to Tetouan before busing across the Tarajal border. Absences included Jesús Owono post-Africa Cup of Nations and injured Martín Merquelanz. Ceuta, ninth on 29 points and unbeaten in five, coped without long-term absentee Manu Sánchez, suspended Rubén Díez, and Marcos Fernández (knee). Suspended coach Juan José Romero watched from the stands as debutant Marc Domènech, loaned from Mallorca, came on in the 68th minute with Ahmed replacing Salvi Sánchez.

Manso stressed discipline afterward: "To be competitive, beyond playing well, we can't shoot ourselves in the foot." Andorra eye Almería's Edgar González and attacking reinforcements ahead of Saturday's home game against Cultural Leonesa.

**Match facts** **Ceuta 2-1 FC Andorra** Goals: Youness Lachhab (27'), Carlos Hernández (46'); Manu Nieto pen. (80') Referee: Álvaro Moreno Aragón Attendance: 3,413 **Ceuta**: Vallejo; Anuar, Carlos Hernández, Diego González, Matos; Youness (Cristian Rodríguez 84'), Bodiger (84'), Kuki Zalazar (Bassinga 84'); Salvi Sánchez (Ahmed 68'), Koné (De la Fuente 74'), Obeng (Domènech 68'). **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).