FC Andorra's Turbulent 2025: Promotion Glory to Mid-Table Survival

FC Andorra has endured a rollercoaster 2025, marked by promotion to Spain's Segunda División, a coaching carousel, a stadium switch, and a midseason resurgence that left the club mid-table at year-end.

The year began in Primera RFEF with struggles under Ferran Costa, including heavy losses to Arenteiro (3-0) and Bilbao Athletic (0-2). His dismissal paved the way for interim coach 'Beto' Company, whose tenure sparked a turnaround. Four unbeaten games, including late comebacks against Barakaldo (3-2) and Zamora (2-1), propelled the team up the standings. A strong finish—wins over Gimnàstica Segoviana, Osasuna B, Nàstic, and a 3-1 triumph at Barça Atlètic—secured a playoff spot despite a final-day loss to Sestao River at the Estadi Nacional.

June brought historic drama. Semifinals against Eivissa unfolded in Encamp due to the Estadi Nacional's commitments for the Small States Games; Nico Ratti's penalty save and Lautaro de León's goal clinched passage. The promotion final versus Ponferradina ended 1-1 at home before a tense 1-0 win at El Toralín on June 21, where Lautaro scored from a rebound off a missed penalty. Over 200 fans joined players, staff, and majority shareholder Gerard Piqué in celebrations, followed by an ascent of Comapedrosa mountain.

The club then parted ways with the Estadi Nacional, securing a permanent home at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp for greater stability amid professional demands and scheduling conflicts with rugby. Ibai Gómez took over for the 2025-26 Segunda campaign, backed by 13 signings and 15 departures.

Early promise faded into crisis. An historic start—draws at Las Palmas and Zaragoza, home wins over Burgos and Córdoba, plus a victory at Racing Santander—yielded 7 of 9 points and third place. But 10 straight league games without a win followed, including thrashings at Real Sociedad and Málaga, draws with Cádiz and Huesca, and home defeats to Leganés, Almería, and Castelló (1-3). Dropped into relegation spots after eight winless outings, Gómez offered his resignation post-Castelló and departed the next day.

A transitional trio—Aitor Yeto, Daniel Ortiz, and Carles Manso (as figurehead)—stabilized proceedings, with Piqué and sporting director Jaume Nogués involved. A near-win at Sporting Gijón hinted at recovery, though cup and Almería losses extended the drought. Breakthroughs came with a 90th-minute Minsu goal at Valladolid and a 1-0 home win over Deportivo de La Coruña, ending the year 13th on 24 points—six clear of relegation, three shy of playoffs.

Top scorers included Manu Nieto (14 goals) and Lautaro de León (12), with overall stats of 19 wins, 12 draws, 14 losses, 59 goals for, and 53 against. Manso, now in charge, praised daily progress amid winter transfer plans for at least two additions.