Seventh undefeated game and sixth clean sheet, including an unbeaten record. The match between SD Huesca and Andorra CF improved the impressive numbers that Antonio Hidalgo’s team hold at this crucial stage in the season. No one at El Alcoraz expected such a convincing victory from the Azulgranas’ team, who played with a one-man advantage since the first half and secured three points that mark a giant step towards their objectives, as they now lead by six points clear of relegation. With goals from Obeng and Elady, happiness was everywhere on Friday evening at the Altoaragoneses’ stadium.
SD Huesca found themselves in a much smoother scenario than expected before even reaching the half-hour mark. In the 27th, Samu Obeng was advancing towards the opposition’s goal with an advantage when he was brought down by Diego Alende, who received a direct red card. Like cause and effect, the Azulgranas took the lead from the resulting free-kick. Vilarrasa sent the ball into the box and Pulido redirected it to the far post where Obeng arrived, opening the scoring with his sixth goal of the season. These first minutes ended with Andorra attempting to impose their characteristic style, with plenty of possession but failing to convert chances against Alvaro Fernandez’s goal. The goalkeeper achieved yet another milestone in the club’s history by remaining unbeaten for 498 minutes, a record for the team so far. Hidalgo’s team could have inflicted more damage on Andorra: First, Elady’s shot was blocked by a defender on the goal line, and then the post denied Gerard Valentin’s attempt after a cross that turned dangerous. SD Huesca were comfortable at their stadium, but they were unable to increase their lead before halftime.
After the break, the feeling was still the same, with a 10-men Andorra struggling and Huesca finding spaces but failing to seal the deal. This continued as the minutes passed. A good run by Ivan Martos into the opposition’s half ended with a pass between defenders to Obeng, who couldn’t control the ball clearly and shot under pressure. It served as a warning, as just three minutes later, in the 64th, Elady managed to score the second goal. After a corner kick rebound, he fired from outside the box and, after getting through the defence, the ball found the net to put the game to bed. Although the Oscenses’ defence remained vigilant against Andorra’s late attempts, they could have increased their lead until the final minutes. Hidalgo made substitutions, first bringing in Vallejo and Kortajarena, the latter coming close to scoring the third goal after a great play by Gerard Valentin, but the goalkeeper saved it. Alex Balboa, Juanjo Nieto and Bolívar completed the manager’s substitutions, securing three points that are extremely valuable.
