It wasn’t sexy, it wasn’t flashy, and it wasn’t thrilling, but this 2-0 home win over Alaves was just what CD Tenerife needed and new coach Pep Marti has a hard working, solid platform to build on. The home players had to grind the result out but when you are at the bottom end of the table that is often what makes the difference.
With just a couple of training sessions and a collection of video nasties, the former captain was playing catch up after he replaced the sacked Raul Agne. German was axed after his disastrous game last week and in his place Jorge put in an immense performance in the centre of defence. The Spain under 19 prospect was majestic and commanding, Alaves must have been cursing him on the long trek home. The pick of the crop was 17 year old striker Cristo Gonzalez, his work rate was incredible and he showed mature awareness to go with his undoubted talent.
Alaves are one of the fancied sides for promotion but they looked very average, Toquero carried their main threat and despite some tricky little runs Jorge had him in his pocket. It took nearly 30 minutes before the visitors tickled Dani Hernandez gloves, his response was quick and decisive. Pedro Martin was trying hard to climb out of his dip in form and came close with a wide effort, a free kick went the same way but at least Tenerife were making chances. Alaves had their best spell just before the break, Femenia tried his luck but Dani saw it off with his finger tips, and just before the whistle Toquero had a half chance that Jorge cleared with an outstretched leg.
It was a nervous half time break, the 7,907 crowd could sense that Alaves were there for the taking and Tenerife seemed of the same opinion, they came out fired up, Jorge going close with a header. The 59th minute opener was a delight, Cristo laid on a top notch pass that eased Pedro between two defenders before burying his shot in the net. That didn’t stop the new coach from replacing him a few minutes later with Omar and he also looked hungry for the victory. Alberto nearly increased the lead before Tomas Martinez came on for Suso and slotted into his right wing position. The Argentinian showed a liking for that wider role, hopefully he can now start to live up to his River Plate reputation.
Marti was doing a thorough stock take, he added Abel for Cristo in the final minutes and he only had a short wait to sample some celebrations. In injury time Aitor Sanz picked out Omar and he hit a stylish second goal pulling his shot just wide of the keeper. It meant a lot to everyone and fans spilled onto the pitch to embrace players who had leapt the hoardings, an arrest and a booking was a cruel response. On the day the win was more important than showboat football, it will take a while for Pep Marti to impose his own style. The bulging inbox on his desk and the niggling injuries on the training pitch will awaken him to the size of his task but the Heliodoro was a good place to be again after this win.