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Season review: Andorra

Published: Wednesday 12 June 2013, 10.27CET
Carlos Sánchez's arrival at FC Lusitans during the winter break ensured a second successive Premier Division title for the side while UE Santa Coloma enjoyed a Copa Constiuciò first.
by Álvaro Macho
Season review: Andorra
FC Lusitans were crowned Andorran champions for the second successive season ©Silvia Casals
Published: Wednesday 12 June 2013, 10.27CET

Season review: Andorra

Carlos Sánchez's arrival at FC Lusitans during the winter break ensured a second successive Premier Division title for the side while UE Santa Coloma enjoyed a Copa Constiuciò first.

In another exciting end to the latest Andorran campaign, FC Lusitans confirmed their status as the principality's new power by defending their Primera Divisiò title. A new name rose to the top in the Copa Constituciò, where UE Santa Coloma prevailed for the first time thanks to an incredible extra-time winner.

Champions: FC Lusitans
The team with Portuguese roots have emerged as Andorra's main force, adding this season's Primera Divisiò trophy to the one won last year. Carlos Sánchez replaced Salvador Estruch during the winter break and the coach enjoyed instant success as his side impressed both during the remainder of the regular season and in the title play-offs. Lusitans' 4-2 victory over UE Sant Julià saw them seal the championship with two games to spare.

Cup final: UE Santa Coloma 3-2 UE Sant Julià (aet)
Emiliano González's team lost back-to-back Copa Constiuciò finals to UE Sant Julià in 2010 and 2011 and were heading towards the same fate when they twice went behind at the Estadi Comunal. However, Jordi Rubio's double – the second a minute from the end – sent the showpiece into extra time, where Luis Miguel Do Nascimento struck a sensational shot from the halfway line to seal a first Copa victory for UE Santa Coloma.

European places*
FC Lusitans – UEFA Champions League first qualifying round
FC Santa Coloma – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round
UE Santa Coloma – UEFA Europa League first qualifying round

*subject to final confirmation from UEFA

Player of the Year: Bruninho (FC Lusitans), Eloy Casals (FC Santa Coloma)
Bruninho and Casals performed so admirably for the Primera Divisiò's first and second-placed teams that both are deserving of a share of the player of the year award. Bruninho – an attacker able to unbalance any opponent – struck 17 goals as Lusitans enjoyed league success. Casals, meanwhile, pulled off several notable saves and ended the campaign as the goalkeeper who conceded fewest goals as FC Santa Coloma finished as runners-up.  

One to watch: Marc Rebés (FC Santa Coloma)
The midfielder emerged as one of the big surprises of the campaign, his reputation growing throughout the season with his assured displays in the centre of the pitch. Rebés, 18, is already an Andorran Under-21 international.

Surprise package: UE Santa Coloma
After qualifying for the Primera Divisiò title play-off, UE Santa Coloma enjoyed a third-place finish for the second season running before trumping that with their Copa Constitució triumph.

Leading scorer: Bruninho, FC Lusitans (17)

Relegated: UE Engordany

Promoted: FC Ordino

©FAF

Number: 94
The Copa Constituciò final was 94 minutes old when football fans were left agog after Luis Miguel Do Nascimento sparked memories of Nayim's UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final strike that won the trophy for Real Zaragoza in 1995. A volley from the halfway line was a worthy winner for UE Santa Coloma in the showpiece against UE Sant Julià.

Quote: 
"When I came here the players weren't in good shape physically or mentally. We looked to put in more work on the training pitch and really tried to motivate the group. The board of directors were very clear that they wanted to win the league, which we've achieved. The players put in a great effort."
Lusitans coach Carlos Sánchez explains what made the difference as his team were crowned league champions.

Last updated: 23/06/13 0.17CET

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