From the top of the Pyrenees, the Inter Club D'Ascades prepares for one of the most imposing challenges in its history. The Andorrano champion, led by Felip Ortiz, will be measured on Wednesday to the FCSB (the historic Steaua de Bucharest) in the first Round of classification of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26. A tie that, as the coach himself has recognized in an interview in International Marker with Raúl Fuentes, “He has not been benevolent”but face “With illusion and ambition”.
The ex -managed man formed in the Barça quarry and with the past at the Nàstic, lives his second season at Inter D'Addes, with which he has managed to lift the league title in Andorra. “I already arrived last year to play the previous Conference, and repeat now in Champions after winning the League is a privilege”he states. Under its direction, the team has conquered its fourth domestic championship, consolidating itself as the second most laureate club in the country.
The rival, the Romanian FCSB, is a colossus compared. With a European Cup in its record and recent participation in the group stage of the Europa League, the Bucharest team starts as a clear favorite. “Looking at the coefficients, we probably have touched us the hardest rival of all. But this is football and anything can happen”Ortiz Judgment, aware of the difficulty but without giving up competing.
Image of Inter Club d'Ascades
The Catalan coach highlights the importance of these qualifiers, beyond the sports plane. “Falling in Champions allows youhe points out. A model of survival and growth for Andorran football that begins to give results.
And, as Ortiz remembers, the teams of the Principality have been paying better every season. “Santa Coloma touched the group stage last year, we spent a round … The level of the League has risen a lot. There is more investment, better infrastructure and more competitiveness”underline. Even the national team has shown symptoms of evolution: “England only won 0-1 in his recent visit. That was before unthinkable.”
Ortiz's personal history is also exciting. After hanging the gloves in the Nàstic, he began his journey as a goalkeeper technician in the Barça quarry, until he ended up as second coach of the subsidiary. Then international experiences arrived in China and Saudi Arabia with Vicente Moreno, and a brief but intense passage through the bench of the first Barca team as interim after Koeman's departure. “Being three games with Barça was an unforgettable experience,” Recognize.
Inter Club D'Addes players celebrating a goal
Now, his day to day passes between the tranquility of Andorra and the demand of the bench. “Life here is very quiet, although coach's work is always hard. There are not many fans, but that is normal with such little population. Even so, football is growing”concludes. This Wednesday, Ortiz and his team will write a new chapter in their particular European Odyssey.
Who knows if from Escaldes the hymn of the Champions League can sound later in the summer. For now, the illusion is maximum.
