FC Andorra Eyes Ceuta Upset in Revival Push

FC Andorra heads into 2026 looking to extend its late-2025 revival, with coach Carles Manso reporting players in excellent condition after the Christmas break as the team prepares for a challenging away fixture against AD Ceuta on Sunday.

Manso, previewing the Segunda División match at Estadio Alfonso Murube (kickoff 16:15), credited the squad's form to supplemental training assignments from the performance staff, which all players completed. The Tricolors sit 13th with 24 points after year-end successes—a 90th-minute winner from Minsu at Valladolid and a 1-0 home victory over Deportivo de La Coruña—while Ceuta holds ninth on 29 points, five points ahead and unbeaten in five home games as the league's fourth-strongest side at home.

The visitors will miss Gael Alonso (suspended), Jesús Owono (Africa Cup of Nations), and Martí Vilà (injured but resuming field training). Manso outlined Ceuta's threats under coach José Juan Romero, an Andalusian from Gerena known for engineering promotions and an attacking, associative style with pressure after loss. Romero, who rose through Betis Deportivo's youth ranks with talents like Rodri Sánchez and Loren Morón, took Ceuta from Tercera RFEF to Segunda RFEF in 2020-21, briefly left for Eldense, then returned in 2022 for another ascent to Primera RFEF. Key players include forward Marcos Fernández, winger Konrad de la Fuente, and attacking midfielder Andy Escudero. Manso warned of Ceuta's wide combinations between wingers and full-backs, intense 15-minute bursts at the start of each half, and man-to-man pressing that disrupts even centre-backs in buildup play.

To counter, Andorra aims to dictate terms with an aggressive, possession-based, offensive approach that takes calculated risks, forcing opponents to adjust. Leadership from Gerard Piqué and sporting director Jaume Nogués has lifted the side from relegation trouble to mid-table security.

On winter transfers, Nogués recently confirmed two deals are advanced, targeting only two or three signings. Manso echoed satisfaction with the group but stressed a "surgical" approach, confirming at least one incoming: Edgar González on loan from Almería. The club is assessing needs—potentially a full-back, creative midfielder, and finisher—without rushing, prioritizing maximum output from existing players.

The season so far reflects turbulence: promotion from Primera RFEF via playoffs, a strong start under Ibai Gómez, a 10-game winless slump prompting his exit, and stabilization under Manso after interim stints. Stats show 19 wins, 12 draws, 14 losses, 59 goals scored, 53 conceded. Leading scorers: Manu Nieto (14), Lautaro de León (12), Minsu (5), Josep Cerdà and Dani Villahermosa (4 each). Four coaches have led: Ferran Costa, 'Beto' Company, Gómez, and Manso.