A 0-0 home draw is not always the best way to impress but lapsed CD Tenerife fans, lured back by ticket deals, were given plenty of encouragement as form team Llagostera were outplayed for most of this game. Both sides had clear chances and had good cause to thank their keepers but Tenerife hit the woodwork twice and squandered some sitters in an entertaining game.
Abdon Prats started his first full game with Diego Ifran consigned to the bench amid worries about his fitness. Dani teased us all with a little juggle of a Pitu shot just after kick off but it was just a blip and the defence was in top form. Up front Maxi was his usual hustle and bustle but couldn’t quite wrap his boot around a soft 20th minute shot. Llagostera have rampaged through the lower divisions and showed a no nonsense style based on a strong defence built around man mountain Alcala, quick breaks, and a willingness to shoot on sight. Former home forward Juanjo got a generous welcome but didn’t really shine, Rios was keen to exploit the left flank but Moyano did a superb job on him.
Vitolo missed the last game because of his fiery temper but it was good to see him back displaying his fiery tackles, he’s a born competitor. When Llagostera did break through Dani was resolute, a strong clearing punch on the half hour made a commanding statement. Abdon Prats is slowly improving and got into good positions only to waste two decent chances, the clearest being a firm header wide. Carlos Ruiz added his effort to thee search for an opener but Sergio Leon gave the visitors the closing attempt of the half, Raul Camara and Dani combined to see off that danger.
Abdon showed his worth as a provider early after the break, he fed the ball to Maxi but he didn’t find the target. Modest beginnings and a surge of promotions has brought Llagostera many admirers but they tarnished that image with some farcical theatricals. Samuel deserved a gold medal for artistic impression when he squirmed and rolled like a speared pig after Suso brushed past him. Tenerife were going all out for a goal, Suso did a sweet lay off to the overlapping Moyano, a sharp defender just about snuffed it out. Cristo Martin replaced the subdued Juan Carlos, Llagostera put a free kick high and wide, and Suso made stopper Rene scramble to clear his close range prod.
The 10,475 crowd were urging the ball to hit the back of the net, Aitor Sanz could only find the roof of the net with his in swinging corner as the game ticked away. Diego Ifran took over from Maxi and Aridane lumbered on for Abdon, Diego looked fairly sharp and gave the visiting defence plenty to worry about as he shot at the keeper and forced a couple of corners. Goalie Rene joined the over acting club, dropping with a sudden leg injury and he really milked his spell in the spotlight. Back at the action Diego blasted the ball against the crossbar, Llagostera broke ending with a weak shot from Alcala straight at Dani, and Carlos Ruiz leapt to power a header at the bar. Five minutes added time gave renewed hope but it wasn’t to be and the draw was well received by the sun drenched stadium. The gap from the relegation zone is now six points, there’s more work to do in the eight remaining games and shooting practice will be high on the training agenda.