FC Andorra Host League-Leading Racing Santander in Crucial Easter Clash

FC Andorra faces league leaders Racing de Santander this Easter Sunday at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, with kick-off at 4:15pm.

The Tricolors, managed by Carles Manso, head into the match on an upward trajectory, having lost only once in their last seven outings and collected seven points from three games in a week, including a thrilling 3-3 draw with Málaga. Twelfth in the Segunda División with 43 points, they sit nine points clear of relegation and seek to lock in safety while gaining confidence. Manso emphasised the need for near-perfection against a top side: "It's an important week, we want to take seven out of nine and position ourselves with more assurance." He added that the team has shown character and ambition, aiming to deliver a strong performance for three points. The coach noted opportunities after reviewing the reverse fixture: "We've spotted situations where we can hurt them," while stressing the importance of handling high pressing, quick players behind the defence, and shifting game phases.

Andorra's forward line has improved markedly, with Lautaro scoring seven goals this season and Cerdà claiming five in the last month and a half. Home record lags, though, with just five wins from 16 league matches at the venue. Minsu and goalkeeper Aron Yaakobishvili return from international duty, captain Sergio Molina remains a doubt with pubic issues, and Álex Calvo plus Èdgar are out injured.

Racing top the table on 62 points with the league's sharpest attack—65 goals—led by Andrés Martín (17), Asier Villalibre (12) and Iñigo Vicente (14 assists). Fresh from a 3-1 victory over Sporting Gijón, they target direct promotion. Coach José Alberto expects a stern test: "Andorra are brave with the ball, they pin you back and have quick players. We'll need to stay focused, solid defensively and effective in attack." He highlighted the late push against Sporting as a turning point and praised over 200 Cantabrian fans after tickets sold out.

Racing will be without forwards Arana and Manex Lozano, plus Mantilla and Sainz-Maza.

Expect Andorra to dominate possession and territory, Racing to blend high press with counters. Manso underlined controlling transitions and fine details.

**Probable line-ups** **FC Andorra**: Owono; Carrique, Gael Alonso, Alende, Martí Vilà; Molina, Marc Domènech, Villahermosa; Minsu, Cerdà, Lautaro. Coach: Carles Manso. **Racing de Santander**: Ezkieta; Javi Castro, Hernando, Pablo Ramón, Mario García; Damián Rodríguez, Puerta, Canales; I. Vicente, Andrés Martín, Guliashvili. Coach: José Alberto. Referee: To be confirmed. Stadium: Nou Estadi de la FAF, Encamp.

Off the pitch, FC Andorra hosts an open training session on Wednesday 8 April at the Estadi Comunal and offers an Easter mona pastry by Oriol Balaguer at Hotel Isard.