Even the club groundsman couldn´t cover as much pitch as 21 year old Teto, the new hero of the CD Tenerife fans. Making his first senior start, the local born forward drew on 10 years nurturing through the youth ranks to score a decisive goal to seal a 3-1 home win over Malaga CF.
Who cares if Malaga were a shambles even before a sending off left them a man short for 30 minutes. Tenerife were trying to break free from an injury crisis and learned a lot about the hidden depths of the squad. Midfielder Waldo Rubio showed his creativity from the left of midfield, Mellot was as solid as ever, defending behind him, and Gallego was the sharp and strong target man in front of goal. The powerful striker´s aim was true when Waldo beat two defenders and slipped the ball back to Gallego for a 17th minute lead.
It could have ben a false dawn, Tenerife have looked vulnerable when leading this season. Gallar levelled just before the break with a free shot after defender Sipcic´s soft clearing header fell at the visitors feet. Malaga didn´t have the quality to build on their good fortune, their desparate hacking of home players saw Bustinaza sent off for two bookings. Gallego wasn´t going to refuse a generous 76th minute home penalty to edge back in front.
It just needed someone to slam the door on Malaga. Sub Appiah had replaced Waldo on the left and his pace and a cross put the spotlight on Teto, who bulged the back of the net. Coach Ramis replaced Teto with a minute still on the clock, allowing the rising star to bask in the adulation of 10,177 fans chanting his name. The next step to climbing the table is for CD Tenerife to win away. Teto will have to fight to keep his place as players begin to return from injury, but he has the talent and temperment to earn more ovations.