Andorra once again played the role of spoiler in the fight for direct promotion to La Liga. After drawing with Málaga (3-3) and demolishing Racing (6-2) in April, they handed Las Palmas a crushing 5-1 defeat on Sunday, all but forcing the yellow side to settle for the playoff spot. Las Palmas took the lead through a Jesé penalty, but Andorra responded with a ruthless display, scoring five unanswered goals. Le Normand, an own goal by Mármol, Akman, Manu Nieto, and Marc Cardona completed the rout.
It was a harsh reality check for Las Palmas. Andorra, already safe from relegation, are seven points off the playoff places, but their performance was a joy to watch, especially for Gerard Piqué. The club president, despite being suspended and disqualified, watched the match alongside four other banned coaching staff members, including Carles Manso, all suspended following the incident against Albacete.
The match was entertaining for the hosts but painful for the visitors, even after they took an early lead. Jesé converted a double penalty in the 19th minute: first, Petxa brought down Manu Fuster, then Owono fouled Jesé in the same sequence. The referee pointed to the spot twice, and Jesé stepped up to deceive Owono and make it 0-1. Las Palmas had chances to extend their lead, with Kirian hitting the post in the 29th minute and Miyashiro missing a clear chance, but they failed to capitalize.
That gave Andorra the momentum. Le Normand equalized with a fine finish after a great assist from Cerdà, signaling the beginning of the end for Las Palmas. The second half was one-sided. Andorra turned on the style, tearing apart Luis García’s defense. Mika Mármol put through his own net for 2-1, a heavy blow, but worse was to come. Ale García left the pitch in tears due to injury, and the goals kept coming. Akman delivered a stellar performance to make it 3-1, while Manu Nieto and Marc Cardona added further strikes, the latter showing respect to his former club by not celebrating. In the final moments, Bomba was taken off on a stretcher, dampening the local celebration in Encamp. The win took Andorra into the Segunda top ten, matching their 2022-23 seventh-place finish.
Andorra
13 Owono
20 Marti Vila
5 Marc Bombardó
23 Alende (81′)
2 Alex Petxarromán
6 Dani (81′)
18 Marc Doménech
8 Efe Akman
21 Josep Cerdà
