When Albert Rosas tucked away the opening goal in the 10th minute, the atmosphere at Estadi Nacional d'Andorra shifted from tentative to electric.

Here's the thing: the match was officially an International FriendlyAndorra la Vella, pitting the hosts against San Marino on Sunday, 13 October 2024. The hosts, governed by the Andorran Football Federation, fielded a line‑up that blended seasoned campaigners with a few fresh faces.

Match‑day details and key moments

Andorra’s starting XI featured goalkeeper Josep Gómes between the posts, a back four of Max Llovera, Christian Garcia, Moisés San Nicolás and Joan Cervós. In midfield, Marc Vales, Alexandre Martínez and João Teixeira tried to dictate tempo, while the attacking trio of Marc Pujol, Albert Rosas and Ricard Fernández (captain) stayed up top.

Within the first ten minutes, Rosas received a low cross from the right flank, nudged it past San Marino keeper Edoardo Colombo, and the stadium erupted. The second goal came just before the half‑hour mark when Marc Pujol slipped a through‑ball to Rosas, who laid it off for Pujol to finish with a cool finish. The 2‑0 cushion held, and even though San Marino pressed, the hosts’ defence remained resolute.

But wait – the story isn’t just about the two goals. Andorra made five substitutions, most notably swapping Pujol for Adri da Cunha in the second half, a move coach Pere Fernández said was “to keep the intensity up and give the youngsters a taste of international pressure.”

Historical context: a one‑sided rivalry

Turns out this isn’t the first time Andorra has walked away with three points. The head‑to‑head record stands at three wins for Andorra, zero for San Marino, and no draws. The most memorable previous clash was a 3‑0 win in Serravalle back in an unspecified October, a result that still haunts San Marino’s fans.

Andorra’s football journey began only in 1996. Their inaugural match – a 1‑6 loss to Estonia – was a baptism by fire. Since then, milestones include a historic 1‑0 win over St Kitts and Nevis in March 2022 and their first UEFA Nations League victory, a 2‑1 upset over Liechtenstein in June 2022 courtesy of a 60‑metre lob from Jesús Rubio.

Recent form leading up to the friendly

Andorra entered the game on a mixed spell. In the UEFA Nations League Group D2 they drew 0‑0 away at Malta (19 Nov 2024) but suffered three defeats to Moldova between September and November 2024, plus a narrow loss to Gibraltar in early September. San Marino, by contrast, was coming off a 3‑1 win over Liechtenstein (18 Nov 2024) and a 1‑1 draw with Gibraltar (15 Nov 2024), though they’d also slipped on the road against Moldova.

Those recent results explain why both coaches used the friendly as a testing ground – Andorra to fine‑tune a defensive block, San Marino to gauge attacking options ahead of World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Reactions from the dugout and the stands

After the final whistle, Andorra’s coach Jordi Fernández praised his side’s “clinical finishing” and highlighted the importance of depth, noting that the five substitutes who came on all showed “the hunger needed at this level.”

San Marino’s manager Francesco Valeriani was diplomatic: “We conceded two early goals, but the experience will help our younger players understand what it takes to compete against higher‑ranked nations.” He also hinted at a tactical shift for the upcoming qualifier against Kazakhstan, planning a more compact midfield shape.

Fans in the stands, many from neighboring Spain and France, celebrated the win with chants in Catalan and Spanish, while a handful of San Marino supporters waved tiny flags, chanting “Forza San Marino” despite the scoreline.

What this result means for the future

Andorra’s victory adds a morale boost ahead of their next Nations League fixture against Gibraltar in March 2025. More importantly, it reinforces the team’s belief that they can compete against opponents who, on paper, are still considered minnows.

For San Marino, the loss is a reminder of the gap they still need to close. Their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier against Kazakhstan on 4 September 2025 (held at San Marino Stadium, Serravalle) will be a stern test. The federation – the San Marino Football Federation – hopes the experience gained in Andorra will translate into a tighter defensive performance and perhaps a surprise goal.

Key facts

• Final score: Andorra 2 – 0 San Marino.
• Goals: Albert Rosas (10'), Marc Pujol (39').
• Venue: Estadi Nacional d'Andorra, Andorra la Vella.
• Attendance: estimated 3,200 spectators.
• Andorra’s head‑to‑head record vs San Marino: 3‑0‑0.

Looking ahead

Both nations will turn their focus to competitive fixtures. Andorra remains in UEFA Nations League Group D2, hoping to avoid relegation, while San Marino prepares for the daunting World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in Group H. The friendly showcased emerging talents – Adri da Cunha for Andorra and Nicko Sensoli for San Marino – who could become regulars in the months ahead.