Inter Escaldes Tops Andorra Primera Divisió After 2-1 Win Over UE Santa Coloma

Inter Escaldes claimed sole leadership of Andorra's Primera Divisió with a 2-1 win over UE Santa Coloma on Saturday evening at the FAF's Borda Mateu training ground, played under heavy rain or snowfall.

Antonio Otegui opened the scoring in the ninth minute, beating goalkeeper Pol Freixanet to put Felip Ortiz's side ahead. Maurizio Pochettino, son of US national team coach Mauricio Pochettino, doubled the lead before halftime. Francisco Pérez Palma, known as Fran Palma, reduced the deficit for Iñaki Alonso's team in added time, but Inter held firm for their first league points in nearly a month following the Christmas break and Copa Constitució commitments. The victory lifted them to 31 points from 14 matches.

Rangers strengthened their position with a 4-0 rout of FC Ordino, powered by a hat-trick from captain Armando León and a goal from Enrique Prieto, despite persistent administrative hurdles over player registrations for Luis Blanco's squad.

FC Santa Coloma bolstered their European aspirations, beating CF Esperança 2-0 with first-half strikes from Yenerey Betancor in the 30th minute and international Guillaume López. Debutants Mario Álvarez and Mikel Carro appeared for Víctor Vázquez's winners.

CE Carroi and Penya Encarnada played out a goalless draw, moving both 11 points clear of the promotion playoff zone and easing relegation pressure in a tepid clash. Atlètic Club Escaldes had a bye.

UE Santa Coloma dropped to second on 29 points, five clear of FC Santa Coloma in third with 24. The round 14 results have sharpened the title race as the season resumes.