One nil down and the seconds ticking away at Badalona, next Sundays home leg of the promotion play off round was looking like a tall order for CD Tenerife. Cristobal pushing up from right back crossed the ball into the goal area and Zazo (above) launched himself among the flying boots for a brave bullet header that should shine the way into the next knock out round.

This was no classic performance from CDT, for much of the game they were struggling to cope with Badalona’s lively forwards, always looking for an opening and spreading the ball from wing to wing with ease to torment the Tenerife defence. Sergio Aragoneses was again immense making so many telling saves, although he will takee some blame for the home goal after failing to clear the ball. In theory this was the strongest line up for the blanquiazul, Cristobal and Llorente returned to full back duties but Llorente in particular had a poor game. Kitoko was back in midfield and when Kike Lopez charged straight at the home goal in the opening minute, the travelling fans had cause to hope for a win.

Kike set up Aridane a minute later but he fired over the goal. Then Badalona showed their qualities, Victor curled a free kick that Sergio did well to take and Munoz put the ball in the Tenerife net only to have it ruled offside in the approach play. Llorente got caught napping, it took a sharp interception from Kike to snuff out the danger, then Llorente got booked for a wild swinging tackle. Pablo blocked at the post, Kitoko made a good clearance, and Sergio stopped another Garcia shot. Tenerife made little headway up front, Perona was wasted playing deep and only came to life just before the break putting a Chechu pass just wide, and flicking on a header to Kike who also missed the target.

The second half opened with a body blow to Tenerife, the defence dithered and Sergio couldn’t hold onto a shot leaving Goikoetxea to pounce and make it 1-0 to Badalona. Tenerife led a charmed life as Badalona scraped the bar and Victor shot just wide of Sergio and the post. Bravo came on for Kike and had a clear chance after Perona flicked the ball onto him, the final shot was wild and wide. Kiko Raton replaced Aridane and missed after a turning and unleashing a rushed shot. At the other end Sergio was busy, a long free kick was gathered at his feet and with his defence deserting him he had to race out of his goal, first to chest the ball away and then to tackle a home player bearing down on goal.

Badalona must have fancied coming to Santa Cruz and trying to nick an early goal to make it near impossible for Tenerife, it needed something special to give Tenerife a vital away goal, thankfully Zazo’s determined dive made the difference and his late goal sent the Tenerife fans wild. Zazo had the goal in his sights again when Munoz upended him and got a red card, a little scuffle followed but the draw was safe. Tenerife will need to play a lot better to reach their promotion goal but they are well placed for next weeks return leg at 5.30 pm at home.