Frustrated but ultimately triumphant CD Tenerife inched towards the champions crown after a 2-0 home win over a very unambitious Fuenlabrada team. Leganes kept their outside chance of claiming the Group One title alive by seeing off Rayo Vallecano B 2-0 so there is still a bit of work to do to. Fuenlabrada harboured an outside chance to crash the play off party but it didn’t show in their attitude, they played with one isolated attacker and tried to close down Tenerife and limit their chances and it worked for most of the game.

Rigo Baltasar was this weeks new hero, a cracking sixth minute shot forced the first of several fine saves from Basilio in the visitors goal. Dogged by niggling injuries since his January signing the central defender followed up last weeks solid away debut with an assured display of firm defending, accurate passing, and an ability to pop up as an extra forward at set pieces. Ayoze was dropped this week but Loro was back to his magnificent creative best up front and Inigo Ros was the midfield master. It was only a combination of bad luck and stubborn defending that stopped the scoreboard from rolling in the first half.

Fuenlabrada were strangers to Sergio Aragoneses in the home goal, even when they trespassed into the Tenerife half they were quickly deprived of the ball, Bruno made a well timed intervention after 14 minutes. Raul Llorente was busy on the left and set up Aridane who saw his header saved, Suso was his bundle of energy and ideas but that all important break through goal wouldn’t come. The second half opened with a half chance for Chechu that went wide and soon after another bite that the goalie blocked. Rigo tried to imitate Alberto’s wonder blast last week, he unleashed a powerful long shot that stung the keepers hands as he saved it.

Coach Alvaro Cervera showed his hunger for the win by replacing defender Bruno with Cristo Martin and his introduction added a vital spark to Tenerife. Cristo fed Loro and he found Aridane on the edge of the box and he jinked his way past the defence to rifle in his 21 st marker of the season. Four minutes later Loro slung a corner in and Rigo met it perfectly with his head to dispel any doubts. We could have had another magical goal as Loro took an acrobatic swing at an incoming ball but it didn’t quite fall for him.

Not one of the easiest wins but vital to keep the charge going, bookings for Bruno and Suso will sideline them for next Sundays game at SS Reyes but the squad has plenty of options to cover for them – a win will guarantee that top spot – start chilling that Dorada.