FC Andorra suffer late 3-2 defeat to promotion-chasing Almería

**FC Andorra suffer late defeat to promotion-chasing Almería despite spirited comeback**

FC Andorra lost 3-2 to UD Almería on Friday night in LaLiga Hypermotion matchday 26, played before 11,875 fans at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos. The result extends Andorra's winless run to four games, leaving them on 29 points in seventh place and just two points above the relegation zone occupied by Huesca.

Almería struck first in the ninth minute through Sergio Arribas, the league's top scorer with 13 goals. A misplaced pass from Andorra captain Sergio Molina allowed Arribas to drive forward and chip goalkeeper Áron Yaakobishvili. Andorra had survived early scares, including a one-on-one save from Yaakobishvili and a Gael Alonso goal-line clearance from Arribas' rebound.

The visitors improved after conceding, dominating possession—Andorra lead the league in this metric—and equalising in the 39th minute. Thomas Carrique surged down the right and cut back for Jastin García, on loan from Girona, to fire home via a deflection off Federico Bonini.

Almería coach Rubi made a triple change at halftime, introducing Daijiro Chirino, Baba and Leo Baptistao. Andorra took the lead early in the second half at the 52nd minute: Yeray Cabanzón's shot hit the post and Dani Villahermosa converted the rebound. Joy was short-lived; at the 57th minute, Miguel de la Fuente outpaced Alonso to lob Yaakobishvili and level at 2-2.

Andorra had a golden chance to regain the lead in the 68th minute when Chirino fouled Villahermosa inside the box. Lautaro de León's penalty was saved by Andrés Fernández, diving to his right. Villahermosa went close again soon after, denied by another strong stop from the Almería keeper.

Almería capitalised on Andorra's high defensive line late on. In the 83rd minute, Arnau Puigmal fed Baptistao for a clinical finish past Yaakobishvili, securing the points for the hosts—who sit among the direct promotion contenders with the league's second-best attack (47 goals in 25 games). Gael Alonso then limped off injured, with Iván "Bomba" replacing him and Marc Cardona entering up top.

Carles Manso named an initial 4-2-3-1 with Yaakobishvili in goal; Carrique, Alonso, Molina, Imanol; Marc Domènech, Villahermosa; Minsu, Yeray, Jastin; Lautaro. Substitutes included Olabarrieta, Álvaro Martín, Cerdà and Cardona. Almería missed Soko (personal reasons), Nico Melamed and Dioni Lopy to injury.

Andorra arrived on a poor run, earning just five points from their last 18 and two defeats—including 1-2 at home to Real Sociedad B. They were without Edgar González (loan clause from Almería), Álex Calvo (right hamstring injury, four weeks out) and Manu Nieto (grade II left knee ligament sprain, six weeks). Five players—Carrique, Villahermosa, Minsu, Jastin, Olabarrieta—were one booking from suspension ahead of a key Zaragoza clash.

Manso had previewed a tough test against Almería's high line and attacking threat, stressing maturity amid likely pressure phases. The windy weather in Catalonia disrupted travel plans, forcing training at the Estadi Comunal instead of Sant Cugat's high-performance centre before flying south.

Referee Germán Cid Camacho issued yellows to Andorra's Domènech, Carrique, Lautaro and Imanol, plus Almería's Chirino and Baba. Andorra could drop into the relegation places depending on results from Huesca, Valladolid and Real Sociedad B.