Thankfully he is not as hairy as Russell Brand but the big sloppy hug from Suso after his 26th minute wonder goal was very welcome by under fire CD Tenerife coach Alvaro Cervera. The final 2-0 victory over Barcelona B was even more welcome, especially with a clean sheet and vastly improved performances all round.

Let’s rip the wrapping open and go straight to the cherry cream delight in this chocolate box of a win. Raul Camara picked up the ball on the halfway line and fed Suso on the left, yes the left. The captain danced inside luring two defenders to him, he feinted past one and made a mug of Patric who tried to tackle him, then picking the top corner of the goal he flighted the ball beautifully into the net for the first marker.

Maybe the coach is learning that his over loyalty to some players is not being repaid, the starting line up was a pleasing one with Ifran preferred to Aridane and Uli Davila not even on the bench. From the start the home play was more flexible, Ricardo unleashed a long shot that Ortola in the Barca goal did well to touch over. Suso spent more of the early part of the game on the opposite wing from his normal right and it worked wonders.

Barcelona B always have plenty of skills on offer, tucking in behind thee home defence they set up a good chance but Roberto made a commanding save. They followed up with an effort from deep but this one sailed high over the bar. Tenerife had another strong chance just before the break, a cross from the right came to Ifran but the goalie was awake and snuffed it out. Ortola was wandering far out of his goal at times and the invite was there for more goals – something to ponder in the half time break.

Aitor Sanz was back in control in midfield, Hugo Alvarez continues to improve at centre back, and Ifran looked the part up front, early after the restart he did well to beat three defenders but the shot wasn’t quite as clinical. The second goal arrived within a few minutes, a corner landed just nicely for Ifran to muscle in between the defence to turn and shoot in one movement. There was a hint of handball but we wont argue with that and neither did Ifran as he dispatched the ball into the net.

Juan Camara went close for Barca but Tenerife were still shining, even when some of the floodlights clicked off at our end of the ground. Thankfully the ref didn’t seem bothered, and this one had better sight than most of the blinkered officials we get. Aridane came on for Ifran who left to a generous round of applause, the out of favour number nine slotted in nicely and was even spotted helping out the defence at one point. Guarrotxena replaced Ricardo with little disruption to the flow as Suso continued to torment the visitors. Patric had a torrid time in defence and launched a scathing challenge on Guarrotxena that earned him a straight red. Barca managed a few late efforts, Gumbau had a pop from long range but it curled over the goal with Roberto ready to cover it.

The biggest cheer of the night from the 9,062 crowd was for Suso when he was subbed with a few minutes left, he richly deserved the ovation he got, a truly inspiring captain. His replacement, 16 year old striker Cristo Gonzalez won a couple of headers, it was nice to see him get some time, on the same day that our last home grown hot shot Ayoze grabbed his first Premier goal for Newcastle. Everyone was happy at the final whistle but we know it’s just a start, at least coach Cervera could get a sound nights sleep.