One of the season’s key matches is taking place today in La Coruña: Deportivo hosts Andorra at Riazor Stadium. For the home team, this is one of three remaining chances to secure direct promotion to La Liga. The atmosphere surrounding the match is intense: a full house is expected, and the city is fully behind the team, which is unbeaten in ten consecutive rounds.
Deportivo’s opponent, Andorra, despite having only slim chances of reaching the playoffs, comes into the match in excellent form. The team has won its last three away games and has scored 14 goals in the past month against opponents such as Málaga, Racing, and Las Palmas. In the first half of the season, Andorra already defeated Deportivo 1-0, adding intrigue to today’s clash.
For Deportivo, this match is an opportunity to consolidate their advantage: after a win in Cádiz, the team now depends solely on its own results. A victory over Andorra and one more win in the remaining rounds will guarantee the Galicians a place in the top division. Even in case of defeat, their chances remain alive — it will be enough to beat Valladolid and Las Palmas. Importantly, Deportivo has the head-to-head advantage over Almería, who lost in the last round.
The home lineup has undergone changes: Yeremay Hernández, who recently avoided suspension after a controversial yellow card, is ready to start. Along with him, six other players are at risk of missing the next match due to an accumulation of cards. Central defender Lucas Noubi will miss the game due to suspension, and his place will likely be taken by Arnau Comas. The young Dipanda from the reserve squad may also be included in the squad, as Patiño is dealing with health issues.
Andorra has also been reinforced: Lautaro returns after an injury, and Olabarrieta is back from suspension. However, Petxarroman will not play due to a ‘fear clause’ and Imanol is out with an injury. In attack, Marc Cardona stands out: he has scored three times in the last four matches and is fighting for a new contract. To fill the squad, coach Carles Manso has called up young Victor Chumachenko from Nàstic Manresa.
The refereeing issue is once again causing discontent in La Coruña: Melero López has been assigned to VAR, who recently found himself at the center of a scandal after a controversial penalty in the match against Leganés. This adds tension to the fixture, where not only points are at stake, but also the fate of the season for both teams.
The situation at the top of the table remains tight: Racing has already secured promotion, while Deportivo and Almería continue to fight for the second spot. As noted by russpain.com, a similar intrigue is unfolding in other season-ending matches — for instance, UD Las Palmas is in a similar situation after losing to Andorra, and now must battle for direct promotion in the remaining rounds (details on Las Palmas’ fight for promotion).
For reference: Deportivo is one of the most decorated clubs in Galicia and has been trying to return to La Liga in recent years after relegation. Andorra, despite being a newcomer, has already established itself as a tough opponent for the leaders. The outcome of today’s match could determine not only the future of the teams, but also the balance of power in the race for promotion in Spanish football.