VPC Andorra Edges CN Poblenou 27-24 in Snowy Thriller to Stay Top
Dani Raya's side overturned a halftime deficit at Estadi Nacional, with Mateo Macchi's kicking proving decisive in a physical Divisió d’Honor B clash.
Key Points
- VPC trailed 17-10 at halftime but scored key second-half tries from Calvet, Gómez, Macchi, and Traversa.
- Macchi levelled with a try and penalty, then added points to secure 27-24 win despite late Poblenou response.
- Youth teams shone: U14s 85-5 win, U16s 31-29 victory, U18s 5-5 draw.
- Next match: Hosting BUC on January 31 after a rest week.
VPC Andorra secured a hard-fought 27-24 win over CN Poblenou at Estadi Nacional, remaining top of Spain's Divisió d’Honor B after trailing at halftime in a snow-affected clash.
Dani Raya's team turned the game around in the second half, overcoming an intense physical battle against the third-placed visitors. Poblenou opened the scoring with a penalty and later added two converted tries to lead 17-10 at the break, dominating territory at times with their powerful forwards. VPC struck back early through tries from Galdric Calvet and Jose Maria “Xema” Gómez, but the Catalans regained control before the interval.
The restart brought renewed resolve from the hosts. Mateo Macchi levelled matters with a converted try, then added a penalty to edge ahead 20-17. Ignacio “Nacho” Traversa’s try provided breathing room, and despite a late Poblenou score narrowing the gap to 27-24, VPC held on for a vital victory that reinforces their lead. Macchi proved decisive with his kicking throughout.
This result echoes VPC's 30-25 success in the earlier meeting with Poblenou. The team now rests next week before hosting BUC on January 31 in the first phase's antepenultimate fixture.
The club's youth sides also impressed: U14s crushed opponents 85-5, U16s edged a 31-29 win, and U18s drew 5-5 in a gruelling encounter.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources:
- Diari d'Andorra•
Triomf del VPC a casa per mantenir-se líder
- El Periòdic•
El VPC Andorra suma una victòria clau davant el CN Poblenou en un duel molt igualat a l’Estadi Nacional
- Altaveu•
El VPC Andorra consolida el lideratge amb una victòria èpica sota la neu
- Diari d'Andorra•
El VPC defensa el liderat davant del Poblenou