Last-gasp Alende strike sends Andorra through to Copa Catalunya semis

Andorra FC secured their spot in the Copa Catalunya semi-finals with a dramatic injury-time winner against Europa, having earlier surrendered a comfortable two-goal advantage.

Fast start undone

Gerard Piqué’s men looked to be cruising into the next round after racing into an early lead. Debutant Yeray Cabanzón pounced on a poor pass from Lucas García to finish coolly in a one-on-one situation just ten minutes in.

The tricolores doubled their advantage less than ten minutes later when Josep Cerdà finished off a flowing move. Théo Le Normand received a long ball behind the Barcelona-based side’s defence before teeing up the Mallorcan, who placed his shot perfectly into the far corner.

Europa fight back

With their backs against the wall, Europa responded brilliantly. They pulled one back in the 27th minute when Àlex Pla capitalized on a poor clearance from Bomba, firing home from the edge of the box with a strike that Andorra keeper Nico Ratti should have handled better.

The momentum shift continued after the break, with Europa levelling matters just two minutes into the second half. Jordi Cano showed quick feet to create space before unleashing a left-footed drive that again left Ratti red-faced between the sticks.

Late drama

Despite regaining control of possession after the equalizer, Andorra struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances. The match seemed destined for a draw as the clock ticked towards full-time with the scoreboard showing 2-2.

However, just when extra time looked inevitable, Diego Alende emerged as the hero. The defender reacted quickest to a Dani Villahermosa ball that had flashed across the area, firing home first-time in stoppage time to send Andorra through to the semis.

The victory keeps Andorra’s cup hopes alive as they continue to balance their Segunda División campaign with this regional competition.