14 April 2012
Segona Catalana, Group 5
FC Andorra 1 CFJ Mollerussa 3 (att 200)
The second tier of Catalan football is also the sixth level of Spanish football, while FC Andorra are the principality's only side that plays in the Spanish, rather than the Andorran, leagues.
The main purpose of my weekend in the Pyrenees was to see a game in Andorra, and I had little idea what to expect from a game at this level ... my only previous football matches in Spain having been at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The standard of football was pretty good, with Andorra, second in the league and chasing the one automatic promotion spot, needing a win it was an exciting afternoon's entertainment.
The first half was goalless, but Mollerussa took a surprise lead early the second half. Once Andorra had drawn level I expected them to win the game, but as they pushed forward looking for a winner they were vulnerable to the break.
The visitors had a great chance to go back in front when they got a dubious penalty, but it was well saved by Andorra’s keeper.
After 83 minutes, with Andorra pushing forward in search of a winner, they were again caught out at the back. This time Mollerussa scored. The home side were furious, claiming offside, and Andorra's keeper, already booked after complaining about the penalty, received a second yellow card.
With Andorra down the 10 men, Mollerussa added a third in stoppage time.
FC Andorra play at Aixovall, a few miles south of Andorra's capital Andorra la Vella. The venue also stages matches in the Andorran leagues. It has an all weather pitch and a seated stand, which is the only area for spectators, other than watching from the road outside through the fence.
Surprisingly there was no admission charge, and the only refreshments available were from a cafe across the road, who seem to do a good trade before and during matches.
Having now seen a game in Andorra, I've got 18 UEFA nations left to visit. Next up should be Slovenia, next month.
Segona Catalana, Group 5
FC Andorra 1 CFJ Mollerussa 3 (att 200)
The second tier of Catalan football is also the sixth level of Spanish football, while FC Andorra are the principality's only side that plays in the Spanish, rather than the Andorran, leagues.
The main purpose of my weekend in the Pyrenees was to see a game in Andorra, and I had little idea what to expect from a game at this level ... my only previous football matches in Spain having been at Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The standard of football was pretty good, with Andorra, second in the league and chasing the one automatic promotion spot, needing a win it was an exciting afternoon's entertainment.
The first half was goalless, but Mollerussa took a surprise lead early the second half. Once Andorra had drawn level I expected them to win the game, but as they pushed forward looking for a winner they were vulnerable to the break.
The visitors had a great chance to go back in front when they got a dubious penalty, but it was well saved by Andorra’s keeper.
After 83 minutes, with Andorra pushing forward in search of a winner, they were again caught out at the back. This time Mollerussa scored. The home side were furious, claiming offside, and Andorra's keeper, already booked after complaining about the penalty, received a second yellow card.
With Andorra down the 10 men, Mollerussa added a third in stoppage time.
FC Andorra play at Aixovall, a few miles south of Andorra's capital Andorra la Vella. The venue also stages matches in the Andorran leagues. It has an all weather pitch and a seated stand, which is the only area for spectators, other than watching from the road outside through the fence.
Surprisingly there was no admission charge, and the only refreshments available were from a cafe across the road, who seem to do a good trade before and during matches.
Having now seen a game in Andorra, I've got 18 UEFA nations left to visit. Next up should be Slovenia, next month.
Comments
Post a Comment