Inter Escaldes and UE Santa Coloma Hold Lead with Dramatic Comebacks in Primera Divisió

Inter Escaldes and UE Santa Coloma preserved their lead at the top of the Primera Divisió standings with dramatic comeback victories on Sunday, while FC Santa Coloma climbed into third.

Inter Escaldes, led by Felip Ortiz, overcame a 1-0 deficit against Penya Encarnada at home to win 2-1. Juan Miguel Basulto, the veteran Mexican striker, gave the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute. David López restored parity in the 80th before Faysal Chouaib sealed the points eight minutes later. Penya Encarnada coach Javi García was dismissed late in the match. The leaders hold 44 points from one game fewer than their rivals.

UE Santa Coloma, under Iñaki Alonso, sit second on 41 points after a 2-1 triumph at Ranger's FC, owned by Mexican interests. Borja Morales put the hosts ahead in the 20th minute, but Pablo Margallo equalised on the hour mark and Alex Martínez, the international forward, struck in the 92nd minute. Ranger's player Jesús de Lucio was sent off.

FC Santa Coloma, coached by Víctor Vázquez, rose to third place with 34 points following a 2-0 success at Carroi. Guillaume López, the international striker, headed in the opener from a corner in the 49th minute, with Juan Camilo Becerra adding a late rebound finish from Pacho. The result lifted them above Ordino, who had a bye and stay on 33 points in the battle for European spots depending on the Copa Constitució outcome.

Atletic Club Escaldes, managed by Dani Luque, opened the round with a tense 2-1 win over bottom side CF Esperança at Borda Mateu on Saturday. Pablo Brian Brito scored early in the 11th minute, Diego Alejandro Nájera levelled for the visitors in the 73rd, and David Valero netted the decider in a chaotic finish littered with bookings. Esperança coach Rui Beja saw his side remain rooted to the foot of the table.