FC Andorra Host Valladolid in Bid for Segunda Survival Confirmation
Ninth-placed Tricolors need one win to secure status, face struggling visitors who have never won in Andorra ahead of crucial matchday 36 clash.
Key Points
- FC Andorra (9th, 49 pts) host Valladolid (17th, 40 pts) in Segunda División matchday 36 to secure survival with one win.
- Andorra need victory for mathematical safety, 15 pts above drop zone; Valladolid never won in Andorra.
- Coach Manso urges focus despite form; probable lineups and injuries detailed.
- Valladolid threats include Chuki (7 goals) and Latasa (6 goals).
FC Andorra host Real Valladolid on Sunday at the Nou Estadi de la FAF in Encamp, with kick-off at 14:00, aiming to secure mathematical survival in Segunda División.
The Tricolors sit ninth with 49 points, 15 clear of the drop zone entering matchday 36, needing just one more win to confirm their status definitively. A victory would also position them to challenge the 59-point record from their debut professional season, though the playoffs remain nine points away with seven rounds left. Coach Carles Manso stressed the need for focus, calling the fixture "very complicated" despite the visitors' struggles. "Until it's mathematical, we have to go out to win the three points," he said in Friday's preview.
Manso praised the club's backing amid earlier winless streaks, crediting it for the recent upturn—only one loss in nine games. He downplayed playoff talk, urging "realistic and accessible" targets. On his future, the technician noted no formal discussions yet with owners Gerard Piqué and Jaume Nogués. Most of the staff hold contracts and remain open to any role. "We're club people and we'll adapt to whatever is decided," Manso stated.
Valladolid, 17th on 40 points and six above relegation, have drawn 0-0 at Eibar midweek but won just two of their last 12 away points under Fran Escribá. Recently relegated from Primera, they feature threats like Chuki (7 goals, 8 assists), Latasa (6 goals), and Marcos André. Escribá anticipates a "match with goals" against Andorra's attacking style, planning to strike first. The visitors have never won in Andorra; FC Andorra triumphed 2-1 here two seasons ago and 1-0 at Zorrilla this term.
Injuries sideline Andorra's Lautaro de León, Édgar González, and Álex Calvo (decision pending); Sergio Molina returns. Valladolid miss Iván Alejo (suspended), Guille Bueno, and Sergi Canós. Players at risk: Andorra's Imanol, Olabarrieta, Alende; Valladolid's Alende.
**Probable lineups** **FC Andorra:** Owono; Carrique, Gael Alonso, Alende, Imanol; Marc Domènech, Villahermosa, Théo Le Normand; Minsu, Cerdà, Manu Nieto. Coach: Carles Manso. **Real Valladolid:** Aceves; Michelin, Tomeo, Torres, Clerc; Juric, Ponceau, Chuki; Peter Federico, Biuk, Latasa. Coach: Fran Escribá.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Diari d'Andorra•
L’FC Andorra vol segellar la salvació
- Altaveu•
A celebrar la permanència davant d'un gegant ferit
- Diari d'Andorra•
Carles Manso deixa el seu futur a la banqueta en mans del club
- El Periòdic•
Manso avisa que el duel contra el Valladolid és “molt complicat” i situa la permanència com a objectiu prioritari
- El Periòdic•
Els tricolor preparen un partit exigent contra el Valladolid per assegurar la permanència a segona divisió
- Altaveu•
Manso, sobre seguir amb l'FC Andorra: "Som gent de club i ens adaptarem al que es decideixi"
- Bon Dia•
L'FC afronta nous reptes amb la visita del Valladolid