FC Andorra Secure 1-1 Draw at Granada
FC Andorra extend unbeaten run to four matches with hard-fought point against Granada CF, moving eight points clear of relegation in Segunda División.
Key Points
- Granada scored first via Arnáiz corner deflection (22'); Imanol equalized with long-range strike (27').
- Owono's key saves preserved draw; Olabarrieta's stoppage-time chip ruled out for foul.
- Andorra now on 39 points, 8 above drop zone, chasing 50-point survival mark.
- Coach Manso hails resilience despite absences, eyes Eibar clash.
**FC Andorra secure valuable point in 1-1 draw at Granada**
FC Andorra earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Granada CF in Spain's Segunda División, extending their unbeaten run to four matches with 10 points from the last 12 possible. The result lifts the Tricolors to 39 points, eight clear of the relegation zone, as they chase the 50-point mark traditionally linked to survival.
Playing at the Nuevo Los Cármenes stadium before 14,645 spectators, Andorra started strongly, dominating possession and creating early chances. In the fifth minute, Minsu delivered a cross for Gael Alonso, whose header was parried by Granada keeper Luca Zidane; Diego Alende's follow-up shot met the same fate. Josep Cerdà also tested Zidane with a driven effort soon after.
Granada struck first in the 21st or 22nd minute when José Arnáiz capitalised on a corner routine. After Owono denied Arnáiz one-on-one, the forward curled a shot that Imanol García inadvertently deflected into his own net. Andorra responded swiftly: five minutes later, Imanol atoned with a powerful long-range strike into the far corner, beating Zidane.
The second half grew scrappier, with Granada pushing forward through Arnáiz and quick substitutes like Izan González and Jorge Pascual. Goalkeeper Jesús Owono proved decisive, producing superb saves—including on Pascual's curling shot and Pablo Sáenz's late free kick—to preserve the tie. Substitutions for Andorra included Álvaro Martín, Yeray, Aingeru Olabarrieta, Petxa, and Marc Cardona.
Drama unfolded in stoppage time. After clearing a Granada corner, Olabarrieta raced clear on a counter, chipping Zidane for what seemed the winner. Referee Marta Huerta de Aza disallowed it for a foul on Sergio Rodelas—contact Andorra deemed minimal—and VAR did not intervene, leaving a sour taste despite the point's merit.
Coach Carles Manso praised the squad's resilience despite six pre-match absences from injuries and suspensions. "The point is good against such a rival in this setting, but we're not fully satisfied—we had chances to win," he said, respecting the call while disagreeing. He credited recent form, starting at Almería, for rebuilding confidence: "It confirms we're on the right path and not inferior to anyone."
Andorra host Eibar at Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp on Saturday at 4:15pm.
**Granada CF (1):** Luca Zidane; Diaby (Naasei 61'), Lama, Williams; Sola, Trigueros (Sáenz 61'), Ruiz (Hormigo 80'), González, Diallo (Rodelas 61'); Diocou (Pascual 67'), Arnáiz. Coach: Pacheta. **FC Andorra (1):** Owono; Carrique (Petxa 89'), Alende, G. Alonso, Imanol; Molina (Martín 65'), Domènech, Villahermosa (Cardona 89'); Cerdà (Olabarrieta 73'), Minsu (Yeray 65'), Lautaro. Coach: Manso. **Goals:** Arnáiz 22', Imanol 27'. **Yellows:** Lama, Ruiz, Arnáiz (Granada); Villahermosa, Molina, G. Alonso (Andorra).
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Altaveu•
L'endemà d'una jugada que ho podia canviar tot
- El Periòdic•
Manso fa bo el punt contra el Granada, tot i reconèixer que el regust és amarg després del gol anul·lat a Olabarrieta
- Diari d'Andorra•
Punt amb ànima a Granada
- Bon Dia•
Owono, l'artífex de l'empat
- Altaveu•
Owono salva un punt polèmic a Granada
- Diari d'Andorra•
L'FC Andorra suma un valuós punt a Granada (1-1)
- El Periòdic•
L’FC Andorra s’endú un punt de mèrit del Nuevo Los Cármenes després d’empatar amb un golàs d’Imanol (1-1)
- Diari d'Andorra•
L’FC Andorra vol allargar el moment