This was a much better performance from Tenerife, but Sevilla looked a class act full of skill, speed and power, but they were still a little lucky to win 2-1. The pre match signs weren’t good Kome (injured) and Alfaro (his loan forbids him playing against his parent club) were missing and Sevilla were in a hot vein of form. Just before kick off there was a minutes silence for German goalkeeper Robert Enke, on loan at Tenerife in 2003, whose depression fuelled suicide shocked football.
From the off Sevilla showed their attacking flair, former Spurs and West Ham forward Kanoute dominated up front and speedy wingers Perotti and Navas were a constant threat on the flanks. Tenerife coach Oltra had another go at filling the problem right back slot, this time putting Luna there, and he had a torrid time. Mikel Alonso came back in midfield and had a great game for the home side, directing play and prompting his team mates.
Konko went close in the 2nd minute heading past the Tenerife goal and Kanoute had a great chance 10 mins later but fired it at Sergio Aragoneses in the CDT goal. Mikel forced a save with an ambitious long shot as Tenerife matched their 3rd placed visitors. Sevilla turned on the style at the half hour mark, Bellvis lost the ball at left back and Navas nipped in and cantered down the flank before crossing for Perotti to score. Ricardo ended the first half, forcing a save out of the Sevilla keeper.
Tenerife raised their game in the second half, Juanlu headed wide and Nino was flattened in the box, but no penalty was given. Sevilla made it 2-0 with a thunderbolt from Renato, and Tenerife were facing a near impossible task. That didn’t deter them, Nino was isolated up front but seemed to be relishing the challenge, showing some of his old confidence, he blasted a strong shot just wide and the 20,552 crowd responded, urging a hopeful revival.
Sevilla were always dangerous on the break due to their lighning reflexes, Navas fired a shot high over the Tenerife goal. Tenerife stuck to their task and got their reward after 74 minutes, Juanlu came in from the right and set up Nino who struck the ball perfectly to pull a goal back. Tenerife tried to get a deserved equaliser but Sevilla sat on their lead as the game ticked away. With just a few minutes to go Luna picked up a booking that will sideline him for next Sundays game at Valladolid, but Tenerife showed enough character and determination in this game to give then renewed encouragement for the next few games.