Fernando Estévez found the key. He carried the CD in hand and earned a victory this Sunday for Andorra (1-3). The goals came from Iván Chapela, Ortuño, Clemente, and a moment of silence from the stands signaled the team’s ascent in the standings. Deportivo played as if this category had been part of their history for years, reading the game with calm clarity, especially after halftime, even with only 21 percent possession.
An unstoppable start by Elda’s squad set the tone. After Mario Soberón warned the hosts early on, Iván Chapela opened the scoring three minutes into the match. A cross from Marc Mateu allowed the Cádiz forward to head the ball into the net, triggering delirium among more than fifty Eldense supporters who had crossed over into Andorra’s territory.
The Eldense delegation found themselves surrounded by a sizeable crowd as the match progressed, a visible symbol of the fervent support from their fans.
From there the game followed the anticipated script. Estévez had warned the home side about the intensity they would face, and Sarabia—sent off against Ferrol on the previous date—took possession and played only on Deportivo’s home ground. As minutes passed, Eldense gradually backed off, tightening lines and leaning into a disciplined defense to approach the target of Zubiaurre. The relentless pressure produced a draw by the half hour, a sequence that culminated when Pampín’s pass found Álvaro Martín finishing with precision inside the area, restoring balance to a match that Eldense had begun to dominate defensively.
The Eldense goalkeeper faced a series of stifling moments while the tricolor team pressed forward. Despite the increased aggression, Eldense remained effective in front of goal and, in turn, justified what was seen on the pitch as the visiting side grew more confident in their approach.
Eldense seeks third consecutive victory in Andorra
Andorra responded with renewed purpose, wearing white for the occasion as they openly sought to exploit the gaps left by the visitors. The Blaugranas controlled the ball for much of the first half, reaching a 1-1 stalemate as the clock ticked toward halftime. The sense that a draw would serve Deportivo’s interests persisted as the first 45 minutes ended with a balanced dynamic on the field.
The second half began with a similar pattern: the tricolor team in front, Deportivo waiting and looking to counter. Scheidler added a second for Andorra, a moment that did not ease Eldense’s resolve. Toni Abad appeared increasingly stretched by the local assaults, while Andorra’s forward moves remained predominantly concentrated on their own half. After the initial flurry, Eldense tightened again and pressed forward, hoping to stretch the hosts and create further chances. Estévez responded by bringing in Álex Bernal in place of Florin Andone and adding Manu Nieto for Sarabia, in an effort to refresh the attacking options.
In the 62nd minute, Soberón delivered a decisive pass after dueling with Sergi Samper. Sergio Ortuño redirected the ball past the goalkeeper, delivering Eldense their first advantage and signaling why Barça had won this game with a final tally of 1-2. The moment stood as a clear demonstration of Eldense’s effectiveness on the counter and resilience in the face of sustained pressure.
The third wave of action unfolded with less glamour but with core intent. A brisk run from Toni on the right wing linked up with Clemente, who looked certain to seal a third for Eldense. Petxarromán, however, recovered and kept the ball out, maintaining a slender margin for his side. Eldense maintained a steady grip on the match as Andorra struggled to sustain momentum, particularly in the first half where they failed to convert their pressure into a decisive advantage.
Estévez: “Eldense will play in Andorra without complexes and with his personality”
As a new counterattack reshaped the play, the score moved to 1-3 when Soberón assisted Jesús Clemente, who slid the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs in the 83rd minute. Andorra briefly closed the gap a minute later, but Álex Calvo’s shot was cleared by Zubiaurre, with Marc Mateu applying pressure on goal. In this encounter, Sarabia’s hopes to lift his team, who had conceded only four goals at home, were dashed.
Ultimately Eldense claimed a victory that sparked conversation across Spanish football as the team prepares for its return to the second tier. The next match will be held at home against Mirandés.
The match presented multiple moments of contention between the teams as they jockeyed for control, with Eldense leveraging their counterattacking speed to puncture Andorra’s defense on several pivotal occasions. The result highlighted Eldense’s ability to perform on challenging pitches and in hostile environments, reinforcing the idea that this squad can compete away from home and back in their own stadium with confidence.
DATA SHEET:
FC ANDORRA: Dani Martín, Pampín, Diego González, Adri, Petxarromán, Iván Gil, Sergi Samper, Álvaro, Lobete, Scheidler, Iker Benito.
ELDA: Zubiaurre, Toni Abad, Íñigo Piña, Carlos Hernández, Marc Mateu, Clemente, Sergio Ortuño, Timor, Iván Chapela, Andone, Soberón.
GOALS: 0-1 Iván Chapela, 1-1 Álvaro, 1-2 Sergio Ortuño, 1-3 Clemente.
JUDGE: Cid Camacho. Locals received cautions for Samper and Scheidler. Visitors Zubiaurre, Marc Mateu, and Andone also cautioned.
EVENTS: The match, part of the Hypermotion League schedule, attracted 1,931 spectators at the Andorra National Stadium.