Archive for the 'Football' Category
Last Gasp Fanfare For Ruiz And Ramis

Diverging destinations dominated CD Tenerife´s last home game of the 2022 – 2023 season. Coach Ramis is moving on after 123 games in charge, and 39 year old Carlos Ruiz ended his 10 year devotion to the heart of the Tenerife defence. A hard fought 2-1 home win over Burgos CF was a fitting send off, as Waldo and Mo Dauda showed glimpses of what could come next season. No longer a regular starter, the number 14 turned back the clock with a trade mark display of confidence and pride, and in the 14th minute the crowds prolonged ovation rung out.

Both teams were destined to finish just outside the promotion play off zone, even if they won both remaining games, but there was still business to be seen to. Burgos found home goalie Soriano alert during early breaks, but the role of party pooper went to Gaspar Campos who gave defender Mellot the slip after 40 minutes and grabbed the lead. There will be many summer changes at the Heliodoro, Mo Dauda has mainly had a late sub role, partly due to injuries, but taking over from Borjs Grces after 62 minutes, he pressed his claims for a bigger role next season.

 

Fast and strong, Mo squirmed and wriggled his way past the visiting defence and was unlucky to see his cclose up shot cleared. Coming back for more, the loan striker showed quick thinking to pounce on the ball at the post to level the game. The players showed they were keen to deliver the perfect result for their departing friends, Mo was in the mix again, allowing Waldo to cat another impressive game with an injury time strike. Despite drawn out deliberations from VAR, the goal stood despite claims of a hand ball bt Sergio Gonzalez. The final whistle saw Ramis hoisted into the air, and Carlos engulfed by appreciative players of both sides. The applause rained down from all sides of the ground as Carlos headed for the home goal for more cascades of thanks and admiration.

LAST ACT – A 1-1 draw at Real Zaragoza, at the end of the week, rounded off the season. Ex CDT player Mollejo pounced on a rare slip by goalie Soriano for a first half lead but Mo Dauda did it again with a superb injury time leveller from an acute angle past a defender and the goalie. CD Tenerife finished in 10th place in the Segunda and a few days later confirmed Asier Garitano as new coach. The players report back for pre season on 5 July, no rest for the club management though as strengthening the squad begins.

Gallego And CD Tenerife Friends Are Scene Stealers

Promotion hot shots Levante UD froze in the Santa Cruz spotlight as all the action came from the hosts. As Gerard Butler filmed his latest  movie just down the road, CD Tenerife shook off their negative tag for their own all action show, and were unlucky not to create a bigger margin than their 1-0 win.

The home defence made telling contributions to the early pressure with right back Mellot and confident loan centre back Kike Salas pushing forward. Belief grew for the white shirts as the red and blues struggled to keep up with the home pace. Gallego dragged a shot wide and Mellot blasted a shot wide of the other post. It was looking surprisingly one sided for Tenerife.

After the break, Alexandre tested the Levante goalie before Gallego grabbed a 53rd minute lead with a powerful header from a Nacho cross, the forwards 11 th strike of the season. Brazilian forward Wesley, a former Aston Villa player, showed a little resistance but Tenerife always looked comfortable.

 

Both teams made wholesale late changes, Alex Munoz got a mixed reception on his return to the Heliodoro in an away shirt, while Tenerife gave more playing time to fringe players. Mo Dauda shone in a free central strikers role that allowed him to show off his delicate lay offs. Pressure is a big leveller, Levante were cowering below their promotion task, but Tenerife were unshackled with the faint relegation threat evaporated. Just three league games remain, a new coach waits in the wings, young players have been promised more opportunities, and the feel good factor is seeping back in.

Slow Wind Down To CD Tenerife Season

No glorious ride into the sunset. More like a slow plod to mid table mediocrity for CD Tenerife. The visit of CD Leganes ended in a 1-0 win with hands making more impact than feet. Home coach Ramis had confirmed he would not be renewing his contract for the remaining five games and it added to the feeling of nothing to play for.

A Leganes hand ball foiled an early home raid, after the usual lengthy VAR discussion, Gallego stepped up to convert the penalty after 10 minutes. It was the 10th goal for the stocky forward, his previous strikes had already confirmed a contractual further year at the club. Some fans have been critical of Gallego, but there is a lack of team mates vying for his top scorer title, one of many areas that await the attention of the next coach.

Neither side showed much urgency but Karrikaburo came closest to levelling the score. Rearing down on home stopper Soriano, the striker was shepherded to a wide acute position in a superb master class of the goalies art. It was good to see Ramis giving second half run outs to Mo Dauda and briefly to Javi Alonso, both have something to offer the squad. Teto could have made the biggest impact, he clipped the crossbar soon after taking to the pitch.

It was a typical late season game from two teams in no mand land between promotion and relegation and hardly ruffled the feathers of the 11,000 crowd. Names of a new coach and incoming players are pinging around at the moment but just as important is to fight of overtures to the current best players. Waldo and Nacho are two of the more recent signings that have grown into their roles but the front line definately needs some new blood.

 

 

CD Tenerife Dictate The Tune To Demolish UD Ibiza

You can only beat whats put in front of you, or so goes the football saying. Even so, this rampant 4-0 home win for CD Tenerife over UD Ibiza, has to be measured by the visitors almost certain impending relegation. It took just 13 minutes for the goals to start flowing, left back Nacho powered down the flank before crossing for Romero to head past the keeper.

The spirited but limited opponents provided a great oportunity for Tenerife fringe players to stake their claims for next seasons squad. Waldo has only shown glimpses of his potential this season but he shone for the second goal, a left side raid, finished with a close up dribble that exposed the Ibaza goalie. Some of the more consistent Tenerife players are drawing admiring glances from rival teams, Right back Mellot was the instigator of a stylish third goal, his raid, finished with a close up dribble that exposed the Ibaza goalie, the French defenders long ball led to a hanging cross that Gallego hooked into the net from a tight angle.

The home pace slackened a little in the second half as changes were made, including home debuts for the January transfer window loanees Kike Salas, and Dirmisi. Sipcic has grown in stature this season with his defensive control, but the powerful centre back needs to show he can chip in with a few goals at the other end. Coming off the bench, the Montenegro international pushed up and delivered a bullet header past the goalie with his first touch of the game.

A satisfying afternoon in front of a 13,799 crowd, boosted by another ticket promotion – this one to mark the previous days International Day Of The Child. With six league games left, Tenerife have some big decisions to make in advance of the next campaign. Coach Ramis, perceived as favouring a defensive style, will point to this big win as he negotiates a possible contract extension. The introduction of more locally produced young players will also help the coach´s case. Promotion play offs are out of reach and any relegation threat is all but banished, so a push for the highest possible finish remains a noble cause.

Revelation As CD Tenerife Nail Derby Pride

Long serving CD Tenerife fans have always expected the unexpected from their heroes but this 4-1 home blitz of UD Las Palmas from Gran Canaria was as surprising as the high octane style of play that earned the bragging rights. Goals have been as fleeting as Haileys Comet in the Heliodoro but Enric Gallego took the game by the scruff of the neck within 25 seconds of kick off. A pacey raid down the right and the big striker picked out the top corner of the goal with precision and power.

There was hardly time to celebrate before Tenerife were two goals to the good, the big man latched onto a nifty build up and subtle pass from Romero, and cracked the ball past the bewildered keeper. Life has been getting better by the day for Gallego, he celebrated his goal haul and upcoming status as a first time father, as the near 18,000 crowd roared their approval. With Las Palmas praying for the halft time whistle, Romero put a weak shot wide, but he was back again with a deep midfield pass for the hard working Waldo to make it 3-0 from a tight angle at the break.

Las Palmas looked shell shocked and their travelling fans were stunned into silence. Tenerife kept up the pressure as the game resumed. Even changes to the starting line up failed to derail Tenerife, David Rodriguez, another youth product got a rare run out. After 81 minutes Las Palmas finally did something when Alvaro Jimenez threaded through the home defence to score a consolation goal. The final word had to belong to CD Tenerife, in injury time Cardona made a clumsy foul and Nacho stepped up to top a wonderful evening for the home fans.

 

 

 

 

 

High Heels And Blunt Forwards Have CD Tenerife Back Peddling

All the action happened before the CD Tenerife v SD Eibar game had even officially started. January loan signing Kike Salas was set to make his debut but pulled up with an injury in the warm up and had to be replaced with Jose Leon. Then the recently elected Santa Cruz Carnaval Queen made the ceremonial kick off ahead of the World Day Of The Woman. Alas, the honoured guests flick of her high heels was about the best foot home work to be seen all evening as Tenerife´s lack of cutting edge played a big part in their 0-1 defeat.

Eibar were strong and well organised but Tenerife showed hopeful signs with Mellot and Nacho pushing up from the full back slots. On the half hour Tenerife had their first decent goal chance but a soft shot gave the visiting keeper few worries. Eibar then gave a lesson in decisive finishing, Corpas sliced through two defenders and from an acute angle fired the ball just beyond the despairing fingers of Soriano to take the lead.

Regular Tenerife fans know better than to expect assistance from the referee, and it proved true again just into the second half when Garces beat the goalie but the ref ruled a handball against Alexandre in the build up. VAR wasn´t even offered as a check, and later replays showed it was the slightest of contact at worst, and in no way intentional. Eibar boosted by a 100 or so travelling fans, kept their game tight to restrict Tenerife. The home changes came late, after 72 minutes with Jose Angel Jurado and Elady for Aitor Sanz and Garces, but the lack of fire power looked just as glaringly obvious. The 13,220 crowd were not to get any last minute elation, the weekend ended with Tenerife in 13th place and hopeful eyes looking to the home derby with island rivals Las Palmas in two weeks. Mid table mediocrity seems the best the faithful can hope for this season.

VAR Decision So Good – Ref Names It Twice For CD Tenerife Carnaval Win

Even the city that never sleeps might have stifled a yawn as CD Tenerife were the slightly better of two poor sides. Grinding out the 1-o win over Mirandes was encouragement enough for the colourful costumed, all singing, all dancing  12,419 crowd to celebrate the New York themed Carnaval that packed out the Tenerife capital city.

Tenerife started brightest with a shot across the goal face, but home goalie Soriano was soon earning his pay at the other end with a superb tip over that was bound for the top corner of the net. It wasn´t quite coming together for Tenerife, coach Ramis made two good changes at half time, adding the close control and vision of Alexandre for local youngster Teto. The first season forward has bags of enthusiasm and skill but still lacks strength and power and needs to beef up.Big front man Elady also arrived for Jose Angel Jurado.

Mirandes showed little ambition but produced a low shot from the edge of the box, Soriano showed he is the master of saves on the ground as well as in the air. A draw looked to be looming after 79 minutes until Vicente fouled Nacho in the box. The ref blew for a home penalty and waved a red card for the newly arrived Vicente. Hearts sank among the crowd as it was referred to VAR, but after several raw verdicts in recent games, the card was reduced to yellow and the spot kick was kept and duly converted by Borja Garces.

 

Not a classic win for such a special day, but very welcome. Tenerife are reportedly considering a contact extension for coach Ramis, although he has idicated that he will not make any decision before the dust settles on the campaign. Mo Dauda got his usal meagre 20 minute run out, and the two late January window signings Kike Salas and Riza Durmisi sat out a third game hoping for their debuts. There´s always a bit of head scratching after a Tenerife game, and there´s plenty of twists and turns left to see if Tenerife can edge into the promotion play offs from their 10th place at the end of this game.

 

CD Tenerife Tip Toe Up The Table

Whisper it quietly, but after 8 undefeated games and 7 points in the last three matches, CD Tenerife lay 9th in the Segunda Division.

Fifth placed Albacete Balompie were a good bench mark, comfortable on the ball and quick to pounce on any stray passes, they brought the best out of home keeper Soriano in the opening 10 minutes. Borja Garces continued his upturn in form, his skills made room for Gallego, and a clumsy foul allowed the big forward to stroke home his penalty after 13 minutes.

As expected, Tenerife sat back as Albacete woke up and looked threatening. Alvaro Rodriguez just cleared the home cross bar with a timely reminder that it wasn´t going to be a stroll. Maybe wearing the pink shirts in honour of World Cancer Day, or the monsoon rain that swept across the ground helped to focus the attention of the Santa Cruz side.

Tenerife had a solid look in midfield with Jurado in a holding role, and Jose Leon  was solid in the heart of the home defence, covering for the suspended Sipcic. A rushed wide shot was the pick of the Albacete second half offerings, as CD Tenerife held their nerve and their advantage to the finish.

Tenerife only added two new recruits in the January transfer window, neither defence based arrival played a part in this game. Samuel Shasoua was missing again with injury, and Teto only made a fleeting appearance from the bench before the final whistle. Another suspension after an Aitor Sanz booking will also deplete the squad next game but Ramis often runs with a tight nucleus of players. Another ticket promotion produced a 15,000 plus crowd. Full marks to those in the uncovered upper stands who hung on as they took a soaking from the lashing rain.

High Expectations but Low Delivery From CD Tenerife

Like so many times before, CD Tenerife wilted on the big stage as 16,660 fans, responded to promotional tickets and upbeat plans by the new club management. The 0-0 draw wasn´t impressing anyone, another opportunity missed and another nudge towards a relegation battle.

Dreary football, like wading through treacle has alienated coach Ramis to the fans, even against lowly rivals, Ponferradina, the same lack of attacking ideas made the score almost a foregone conclusion. The mainland visitors had the best chances in the first half, Yuri, a thorn in Tenerife´s side on many past clashes, latched onto a good block by home goalie Soriano, but blasted his strike wide.

Sam Shashoua got a rare start as talks over a contract extension hung in the air for the English born play maker. As a link player he can open up opposition but Elady and Gallego were too slow to pick up on his hard work. Home grown striker Teto was missing with an injury and it left a creaking attack.

The disco show from the stadium lights brought the  best entertainment of the evening before the on field labours continued. Alex Corredera, on for Aitor Sainz after 63 minutes raised hopes but they came to nothing. Waldo Rubio on the left, another welcome sub also showed a glimmer of intent. Ramis remembered right winger Mo Dauda after 74 minutes and brought him on, although it was too late to make a difference. Mo must also be wondering if he has much future under Ramis.

With two away games coming up, the relegation trap door is looking menacing. The January transfer window offers the most obvious remedies to salvage a season of gloom, or maybe a bold change to the coach could inject new purpose. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

 

Negative CD Tenerife Drop More Home Points

With a decent tailor, a leopard might stride out with a passable spots makeover. Sadly for CD Tenerife fans, coach Ramis seems unshakeable from his defence based style of play. Right from the kick off FC Andorra found plenty of space and encouragment to attack as the home side back peddalled.

Fleet footed left winger Mo Dauda was used deep to back up defender Mellot, leaving an inviting wide launch pad for Jacobo to test the Tenerife defence. After 13 minutes, the move fed Carlos for the opening goal. The equality was restored after 31 minutes by an individual goal from Elady, cutting in and beating two defenders before unloading his shot just past the goalie. That should have been the green light for a home assault but caution was still the coach´s mantra.

Gallego lumbered and laboured to little effect as the main home striker but it was predictable and not enough to upset the composed away team. Ramis seemed content at all square, flair players are not his preferred option. Sam Shasoua got a miserly 23 minutes as a late sub for the inventive Dauda. Winger Arvin Appiah got a run out for the last five minutes but looked way off the pace. Worst of all, fit again Alex Corredera never got a look in, he is the entertaining player that the fans love to see. For the final 20 minutes, Tenerife rarely visited their opponents half, it was very hard to watch.

The coach´s line ups show no ambition and drain the enthusiasm from the fans. Lurking in 15th place, Tenerife need to make a vast improvement in the new year, but attracting transfer window signings to such a dour ship will be a tough sell. Somethng´s gotta give.