It’s extremely doubtful that referee Ramon Arias Madrid had to send a Fathers Day card on Sunday, well that was the popular opinion among CD Tenerife fans and players. The jolly joker gave Alaves the softest of penalties and then booked one of their players twice without sending him straight off. The away goal in the 2-1 home win meant that Alaves got the Segunda B trophy after their 2-0 home win last week. Tenerife huffed and puffed but couldn’t blow down the visitors door despite having a two man advantage for the last 30 minutes.
We needed a whirlwind start to get back into the tie and that’s just what we got, Aridane went close from a first minute Cristo cross and Guillem Marti came out second best from a duel with the Alaves keeper a minute later. The team showed changes again, Guillem had a rare start and looked keen to mark the coach’s card for next season, he was floored as he put a ball into the box but Aridane saw a gap and nipped in to rob a defender and put the ball in the net for a 1-0 lead after 6 minutes – the chase was on.
Sendoa tested Roberto in the home goal, he was equal to the weak shot and Sergio Rodriguez was in good defensive form, this week in the left back slot. Alaves got away with some theatrical dives and rolls and the refs inaction just encouraged them. Aridane was brought down on the edge of the penalty area without even a free kick as consolation. Loro added fuel to the cause by sending in a well floated corner that Aridane’s head powered into the net (top pic) from the edge of the box – that’s 27 goals for the season but strangely some fans still seem unconcerned with him possibly leaving in the summer.
Alaves were quick on the break, they should have reduced the arrears quickly but skied a shot high over the bar. Never mind the ref was about to lend a hand, Juanma brushed past Sergio and went down and a booking and a joke penalty award followed, Viqueira slotted it past Roberto (above) and suddenly the task looked mammoth. Sergio made a good run at the other end and was floored trying to put in a goal line cross, then mayhem broke out as the ref booked Juanma a second time. He showed the yellow and just went on with the game, Tenerife tried to point out that the player should be off but he wouldn’t have it and the arguments raged as the teams went off for half time.
Someone must have shoved a rule book in the refs face as Alaves came back out for the second half without Junma. Tenerife had trouble settling but were handed a get out of jail card when Manu Garcia got his second booking – and the red after 59 minutes. Anything was possible now but Tenerife tried to be too subtle in front of goal instead of blasting from all angles. A triple substitution brought Carlos, Medina, and Ayoze on for Alberto, Bruno, and Sergio and although the pace of Carlos helped down the right flank, the finishing was still wayward. Urtzi in goal made some fine saves including one stunner from Ayoze but the game fizzled out with Alaves content to soak up the pressure.
It was a bit of an anti climax and with some younger fans running on to the pitch at the end the club cancelled a lap of honour from the players, a great shame as not all of them will return next season, they deserved the full praise of the 10,142 crowd for giving us back a higher level of football.
Only in Tenerife, we were nearly late for the promotion play off game in Granadilla as the car was stuck behind a house on wheels. Athletico Granadilla’s first leg was on the morning of the big Romeria fiesta and the traditional rural house style cart was loaded up with revelers in Canarian costume. The big game was a curtain raiser for the celebrations to come in the centre of town and many supporters were fully dressed and enjoying a few beers in the sunshine.
My only previous trips to the Estadio Francisco Suarez had been for evening pre season friendlies with CD Tenerife and didn’t do justice to the beautiful setting with the pine forests of Vilaflor rising in the distance. Granadilla took time to settle, their first decent chance came after 20 minutes when their keeper made a desperate punched clearance under pressure. Encouraged, the home side pushed forward, Amray was persistent on the right wing, veteran stiker Noah (I think he is the one from the bible) has lost some speed over the years around the southern clubs but is still good in the air and caused Jose in goal a few worries.
There wasn’t much to choose between the teams, maybe the visitors were a bit more direct but Marino (pink shirt) in thee home goal coped with them well. His rival stopper looked a weak link and had to scramble away a shot just before half time. Jony of Oviedo had a great opening early in the second half only to be denied by some smart work from Marino. Former CD Tenerife striker Ruben Rosquete arrived from the bench and could have opened the scoring within minutes if the ball had been passed to him in an unmarked position.
Oviedo were hoping to nick an away goal to give them a strong launch pad for the return leg and they started to apply more pressure on the Granadilla defence. Marino took a clout and had to go off with Alexis Oval taking over the gloves. The replacement did ok and Granadilla had the better of the later play, they thought they had scored but the ref ruled it as offside. The game drifted into injury time and Oviedo were under siege, it paid off as captain Ivan Martin floated the ball in from a corner and amid the jostling for position it ended up in the net the ball to the delight of the 1,100 crowd.
It’s a slender lead but the clean sheet could prove vital next week as Granadilla look to get through to the final home and away pair that can lead into the Segunda B. The late goal certainly helped the mood and as we left people were streaming down the hill into the town centre to mix football celebrations with the Romeria fun and games. There would be a few wobbly wagons later in the day.
Over in Alaves it was a much more low key game for CD Tenerife in the first leg of the championship decider for Segunda B. There were changes galore as fringe players were given a run out, Roberto in goal, Sergio Rodriguez at right back, Jesus Alvaro at left back and Ayoze as the main striker with Aridane putting his feet up.
It was a uninspired performance with Tenerife not troubling the home goalie until Sergio had a 58th minute shot. Alberto, Roberto, and Sergio were the pick of the bunch but Alaves had the better forwards with Viquera opening the scoring on the hour. It should have ended as a 1-1 draw as Tenerife had a clear penalty denied for a foul on Chechu in injury time. From there Alaves broke and Viquera scored again as a very disgruntled Chechu got sent off for a second booking. It will be hard to turn it around in next Sundays home leg to lift the trophy but it will be more about thank yous and farewells at the end of a very special season.
The linesman was on a loser, even at 1-0 down on the day and five minutes to go his pleas to the CD Tenerife bench to sit down were wasted – they were ready to taste promotion. The late away goal for Hospitalet in the 3-1 first leg win in Santa Cruz should have reminded us that it’s never that easy and a defensive lapse to give Cirio a 55th minute goal had strained the nerves. The wide open defence will be forgiven as they had an otherwise outstanding game and Aridane’s two missed sitters also pale away compared to his 25 goals this season, but it did all make for a nail biting, gut grabbing finish.
Tenerife’s tactic of containment in the first half had worked well all season and at a goal less half time it looked spot on again. Both sides had chances, Sergio Aragoneses was on top of his game to deny a header from Angel and reacted well to snuff out a Hospitalet shot after Bruno had missed a tackle. Bacari was the home sides most dangerous player as he had been in Santa Cruz, he wasn’t just a scoring threat, his high studs in Ros’s chest were like something from a martial arts movie and team mate Viale was lucky to avoid a red card after a childish slap to Cristo Martin’s face.
Bruno showed his better qualities to shield the ball back to Sergio as Bacari threatened at the opening of the second half. The defence was all over the place though for the goal after 55 minutes, Bacari worked his way past three static defenders and set up Cirio to score. Another unanswered home goal would have won the promotion place, thankfully Tenerife decided to chase the game rather than sit back. Suso came on for Cristo and Ayoze for Chechu. Aridane had another good chance, this time he hit it straight at the keeper and Suso hesitated when he should have shot, allowing a defender to get a foot in the way.
The last 20 minutes were agony to watch at home, the 1,300 CDT fans in the stadium did us proud and kept the vocals going as Tenerife forced a couple of late corners and Hospitalet launched one last assault in injury time that Sergio cleared with calm nerves. The ref blew the whistle and the Tenerife bench emptied onto the pitch but it was for a free kick so they had to withdraw for a few more excruciating seconds. The next whistle really was it and all the emotions spilled out as the celebrations began. Good bye Segunda B, it’s been interesting but we hope not to see you again or your early morning kick offs and agricultural pitches.
In the evening I headed for the airport and in the company of almost 2,000 delirious fans we welcomed the team back from their charter flight. The reception was amazing and left a lot of visitors impressed at what a show the tourist board had put on just for their benefit. The joy on the fans and players faces made all the set backs in Segunda B worthwhile, even President Concepcion managed a smile – or was that wind. The home game against the other promoted side Alaves for the Segunda B overall title should be another party and then the planning begins to ensure we are competitive back at the higher level. It’s going to be a good summer.
What a great party but the guests piddled in the punch just before leaving and CD Tenerife have a tricky task as they take a 3-1 home lead to Hospitalet next Sunday. Fans and players can be proud of the spectacle they produced as the Group One champions picked off their visitors only to be pegged back by a late away goal that gives Hospitalet hope.
The greeting for Tenerife was inspiring with the 16,546 crowd producing a wall of sound from the warm up and as the tifo flowed and flares billowed smoke, Hospitalet and their meagre support must have felt overwhelmed. Coach Alvaro showed loyalty to central defenders Rigo and Bruno despite a shaky game last week and they rewarded him with a sturdy display against a side with some genuine pace up front. Rigo made a strong decisive clearance in the first ten minutes and with Sergio Aragoneses back in goal the confidence spread. Loro was at his best after 11 minutes to open the scoring with a superbly flighted free kick over the wall and past the diving keeper.
Bacari was nippy up front for the visitors but Rigo and Bruno wouldn’t let him pass and 21 goal Cirio was hounded by Moyano when he broke down the left. Hospitalet got their chance when the Tenerife marking was a bit slack but Sergio charged out of his goal to mop up the potential shot. It was all good stuff and every home charge brought an even louder roar from the crowd.
Chechu was struggling to make an impact and skied a decent chance early in the second half but he was about to be given a lesson in forward play from an unlikely source, left back Llorente. The pony tailed defender weaved inside two defenders with ease and let loose a screaming shot that was just a blur to Craviotto in goal. It was one way traffic but Hospitalet made a double substitution and it briefly revived them. Osado fresh off the bench set off on a run, Moyano closed him down well and snuffed out the danger. Suso had been struggling for fitness in the week but replacing Chechu he set about testing the opposition down the right wing.
Medina and Ayoze soon followed onto the park in place of Alberto and Loro but it was the defensive Medina who grabbed the third goal. As Tenerife appealed for a blatant hand ball and penalty the ball broke out to Medina just outside the box and he picked his spot like an expert to leave the keeper floundering. Ayoze had an overhead kick that just cleared the bar and we were dreaming of a routine second leg but with a couple of minutes left Osado latched onto a half chance and belted the ball past Sergio to stop the runaway Tenerife train. It was a performance worthy of promotion but the away goal means a 2-0 win would shade it for Hospitalet. One more challenge, hopefully even the plastic pitch in Barcelona wont stop Tenerife in this form.
Job done after 20 minutes for CD Marino, 2-0 up against a weakened Guijuelo side the game fizzled out into a second half stroll but Marino looked comfortable and will spend all summer regretting a disastrous first half of the season.
I was looking forward to seeing CD Tenerife loanees German and Abel (below) but only the midfield half of that pair played and he had a quiet game. Balduino has had a good season for Marino and when goalie Carmona tried to clear his raid with his head in the second minute the ball fell to Sandro who sliced it straight into the net. Then Balduino showed some good close control before powering a low cross close to the goal that needed a strong defensive block.
Raul Barcos pushed up on the right and forced a low save from Carmona, and Rafa Hernandez should have done better with his shot from the right that whizzed past the post. Guijuelo had eight regular squad members missing and it showed, Marino were all over them and the second goal was sure to come. Raul Barcos ventured forward again and put in a perfect cross to Balduino, he controlled the ball well and in one smooth move lashed it past the keeper.
I was expecting Abel to exert some control on the visitors midfield but he played deep and was slow to link up with his team mates. Chema was giving full back Valverde torrid time, he was glad to see the keeper cover when he was easily beaten again by Chema. Abel had a sticky moment when he lost the ball with Marino bearing down, thankfully for him a nifty back pass closed that threat down. Winger Manu looked to have some pace but Raul Barcos shadowed him well and limited him to one decent chance when he got to a free header but his direction let him down.
Guijuelo made an effort at the start of the second half, Matias in the home goal finally had some work to do and made a good save. Marino replaced Balduino with Ramses but his initial burst soon susbsided as both teams seemed to remember that it was a game with no bearing on league placings. Jaime opened up the left side for Marino but couldn’t find a blue shirt with a clear chance at goal. Brit Sean Wilkins came on for the last 25 minutes but the game was winding down. Guijuelo were so laid back they swapped their keeper for young sub Rubi. Guijuelo could have made a late sting, Manu broke free on the left but Matias took the ball at the second attempt.
At the final whistle the Marino players clapped their fans before departing the pitch, life back in the Tercera division will begin soon enough but it seems certain the squad will undergo a lot of changes before then.
Over in Salamanca the final league game for CD Tenerife was merely an obligation to get out of the way before the play offs. After last weeks stormy baptism back up goalie Roberto could have done without a sloppy defensive error by Bruno after four minutes that gave him no chance of saving a Borja free shot into the net. After that Roberto looked solid especially denying Igor a header early in the second half. Soon after the group champions clawed their way back to level terms after Cristo squared the ball to Aridane for his 24th goal of the season.
A few minutes later a well measured pass from Moyano found Aridane who was only too happy to notch another on his seasons goal spree. Bruno had another rush of blood, out of position he threw himself to the floor to block a shot and it hit his hand, the penalty was a harsh call but the defender shouldn’t have been in that vulnerable position. Lazaro sent Roberto the wrong way and it ended as a draw. The play offs await.
How nice to have a 5pm kick off again. A leisurely Sunday lunch, a few cheeky beers with friends and a few hours soaking up the sun before some more Dorada. Only one thing spoilt it, a dreadful game that saw CD Tenerife slump 0-1 at home to Alcala.
Changes were always going to be made for this game as the group championship was in the bag and it is a good idea to give the less used players a game to sharpen them up in case needed in the play offs. Coach Alvaro Cervera went a bit too far and the team lacked shape, motivation, and hunger.
President Concepcion’s decision to charge season ticket holders for the play offs soured the mood and banners at both ends spelt out the anger while the opening 15 minutes was played out with no singing or chanting from the crowd. When the voices were unleashed it was to call for the President’s head but by then we could see this was not going to be a good day for football. It’s a good job Alcala needed the win to fight relegation, otherwise both sets of players could have set up camp in the middle of the park.
Tarantino at left back was a strange call, Alberto back in the centre of defence next to Rigo wasn’t convincing, and Fran Ochoa and Nico in midfield were hopeless and were hooked off at half time. Ayoze tried to lead the attacking line with valiant support from Cristo Martin but the service was woeful. The big spotlight was on back up goalie Roberto, he didn’t have too much to do in the first half but just before the break he was found wanting when a corner was headed in by Ivan Garcia. Roberto was at fault but his more experienced defenders have to take some blame as well.
Bruno and Loro came on for the second half, that was a bit better, only a bit, it was still painful to watch. Loro had the best chance of the game after Cristo fed the ball to him but Juancho did well in the visitors goal to deny him. Aridane had his sun bathing session on the bench interrupted as he replaced Rigo and Medina dropped back into the defence. Most of us had already written the game off when Ayoze broke through but couldn’t find any help. The final whistle was something of a relief, we won’t be seeing this game on the season highlights DVD.
Alberto got a late booking to earn his suspension next Sunday at Salamanca, let’s get that out of the way and then down to the real business of the play off games. The dream is still very much alive.
There’s a blue and white glow to the world today after CD Tenerife sealed their Group One title with a magnificent 0-3 away win at SS Reyes. This was another big test with Bruno and Suso suspended and Llorente injured but the squad showed it’s worth again, Sergio Rodriguez covered well at left back and Carlos Portero and Medina looked comfortable in midfield.
An early lead was just what was needed to settle the nerves, Rigo tested Eladio in the home goal and he could only parry the shot for Aridane to tap in. Carlos thought he had doubled the margin but the keeper stuck out a foot to foil him. Tenerife were well in charge and another good move made it 0-2, a defender got a head to a corner and Aridane spotted his chance and nodded the loose ball into the net.
Reyes, fighting to avoid the drop, had a little rally, Moyano made two good defensive blocks from Vicente, he later managed to get a shot in but put it wide. Aridane was looking for his hat trick and nearly completed it just before the interval with a wide shot after a deep break. Alberto got himself in a bit of a muddle soon after the restart but Rodriguez cleared the danger and Sergio took a high ball off the head of an attacker. It was pretty comfortable, Aridane was frustrated by the post after a good cross from Rodriguez and Nico and Ayoze replaced Chechu and Carlos.
Nico was enjoying his rare run out, a mazy run opened up a shot for Loro that Eladio saved and a pass to Ayoze went begging as the young striker could only produce a weak shot at the keeper. On such a great day Tenerife deserved every break they got, Ayoze had the last word finally breaking his scoring duck after taking two defenders wide before scoring. What a way to clinch the title. That’s the job part done, Alcala home at 5pm on Sunday will be party time as Tenerife wrap up the two last regular games before the big challenge of home and away play offs. No team should hold any fears for the mighty Tete, surely this is our season.
He should have been treating his mother on Spain’s Mothers Day instead referee Alvarez-Jesus did his best to ruin a cracking 3-3 draw as CD Marino took on Real Madrid C.
With Poncho leaving in the week and Rafa suspended Marino made changes but suffered the worst possible start as Chema handled the ball, got booked, and saw Saurez score from the penalty spot after 4 minutes. Dorta made a great defensive tackle a few minutes later and Jaime and Chema worked well down the left to cause Madrid a few problems. The C team were speedy on the break and hard tackling, Saurez clattered home captain Airam several times and crunched Balduino when he got near to goal. Burgui rounded the Marino defence and looked odds on to score but Aaron made a strong block.
Sandro was playing in a more withdrawn central role but once he was unleashed on the right after 30 minutes Marino took control and put the Madrid goal under siege. Too often Marino players got themselves offside but the ref was annoyingly late with the call each time. Balduino looked sharp and Airam was hustling to unsettle the visitors, after resisting several raids Madrid were unlocked by a Chema corner that was pounced on by Airam (below) as goalie Jacob clawed at thin air.
That equalizer was a great way to end the half and Marino continued to dominate at the start of the second half as a Sandro shot shaved the bar. Ayoze showed good skill looping a shot at goal from a corner and the Madrid starlets looked second best. Marino went ahead with a beauty after the keeper fluffed his clearance, the ball fell to Sandro just outside the box and he buried it with a delicate lob. The lead was soon wiped out from a Madrid break, pulled to the left and stroked the ball past Matias in the home goal.
Jaime went forward looking for a break and found Sandro but he snatched at his shot and it went wide. The ref had been cramming names into his book but went one better with Iker, the Marino striker went down in the penalty area after a 50 50 challenge but the ref booked him for diving, the surprised striker quietly asked why and was shown the red card – what nonsense. Madrid took this as their rallying call and pressed for a goal, Matias made a great low save to turn the ball aside. Balduino is normally an old fashioned powerful striker but he showed some sublime skill when he turned with his back to goal and fired the ball into the underside of the net to restore the lead.
It was all pretty even, Matias made another strong diving save as Madrid made their extra man count. Marino probably just about deserved to win but a late charge from Madrid produced an agonizing finish as the ball bounced off the post and crawled past Matias for a 3-3 draw.
Frustrated but ultimately triumphant CD Tenerife inched towards the champions crown after a 2-0 home win over a very unambitious Fuenlabrada team. Leganes kept their outside chance of claiming the Group One title alive by seeing off Rayo Vallecano B 2-0 so there is still a bit of work to do to. Fuenlabrada harboured an outside chance to crash the play off party but it didn’t show in their attitude, they played with one isolated attacker and tried to close down Tenerife and limit their chances and it worked for most of the game.
Rigo Baltasar was this weeks new hero, a cracking sixth minute shot forced the first of several fine saves from Basilio in the visitors goal. Dogged by niggling injuries since his January signing the central defender followed up last weeks solid away debut with an assured display of firm defending, accurate passing, and an ability to pop up as an extra forward at set pieces. Ayoze was dropped this week but Loro was back to his magnificent creative best up front and Inigo Ros was the midfield master. It was only a combination of bad luck and stubborn defending that stopped the scoreboard from rolling in the first half.
Fuenlabrada were strangers to Sergio Aragoneses in the home goal, even when they trespassed into the Tenerife half they were quickly deprived of the ball, Bruno made a well timed intervention after 14 minutes. Raul Llorente was busy on the left and set up Aridane who saw his header saved, Suso was his bundle of energy and ideas but that all important break through goal wouldn’t come. The second half opened with a half chance for Chechu that went wide and soon after another bite that the goalie blocked. Rigo tried to imitate Alberto’s wonder blast last week, he unleashed a powerful long shot that stung the keepers hands as he saved it.
Coach Alvaro Cervera showed his hunger for the win by replacing defender Bruno with Cristo Martin and his introduction added a vital spark to Tenerife. Cristo fed Loro and he found Aridane on the edge of the box and he jinked his way past the defence to rifle in his 21 st marker of the season. Four minutes later Loro slung a corner in and Rigo met it perfectly with his head to dispel any doubts. We could have had another magical goal as Loro took an acrobatic swing at an incoming ball but it didn’t quite fall for him.
Not one of the easiest wins but vital to keep the charge going, bookings for Bruno and Suso will sideline them for next Sundays game at SS Reyes but the squad has plenty of options to cover for them – a win will guarantee that top spot – start chilling that Dorada.
Celebrations were in the air at CD Marino, from the dressing room of visitors Leganes and another relayed from Oviedo to the grounds terrace bar but the home players had to settle for a consoling hug and handshake from their President as they lost their relegation battle.
Disastrous early season form marked Marino’s fate but since January they have been a match for most teams in Las Americas. They made a sprightly start again, Balduino carved out a neat cross in the first minute and Sandro thought he had scored but goalie Falcon just managed to stop the ball from crossing the line. Leganes needed a win to ensure their play off spot and played a tight controlled game soaking up pressure and looking to win the ball with crunching tackles to launch quick breaks.
Dani Gomez was particularly tough on Chema as he sped down the left looking to feed Balduino. The Marino forward didn’t help his cause by getting in offside positions and Iker was relying too often on scraps from Balduino rather than making his own chances. Leganes made few clear chances, the first fell to Vega and although the forward had the height to make a header he didn’t have the accuracy. Aicart wasted an opening blasting wide and Marino were hopeful of taking the break on even terms. A testing ball in from Dioni just before half time found the defence hesitant and Alberto off guard as the ball evaded the keeper.
Into the second half, Noah replaced Airam to bolster the attack and Balduino again got caught offside. Martinez went close from a free kick as Leganes pressed forward more and after 66 minutes a curling shot from Martinez got the better of Alberto and at 0-2 it was over as a contest. Noah made a chance from nothing as he skillfully dug out the ball from a goal mouth melee and set up Iker but he put his shot over the bar.
It was all or nothing so Ayoze pushed up from his central defence role and a shot from him caught the hand of Victor, it would have been a harsh penalty call but the ref didn’t even consider it. A loud cheer from the bar signaled CD Tenerife taking the lead at Oviedo, not really what Leganes wanted to hear but they were happy with the play off spot their win would guarantee. The final five minutes were cruel as Raul Barcos got sent off for a full bloodied foul. A late charge by Marino was frustrated by goalie Falcon bouncing the ball basketball style behind his goal before taking his goal kick, he repeated the trick and got a yellow card. As Marino traipsed off at the final whistle their heads were down but President Barrios made a point of showing his pride in their gallant but late fight back at the rear of the season.
Over at Real Oviedo there was a superb turnaround 1-2 win for CD Tenerife. Tarantino and Suso were dropped with Baltasar Rigo making his debut in thee centre of defence and Loro returning up front. Cervero gave the home side a 26 minute lead that they held until the 74th minute when Ayoze set up Loro who coolly stroked the ball into the net. The winner a few minutes later was sheer brilliance, a loose ball in the middle of the park looked no danger but the youngster spotted the goalie off his line and lobbed the ball perfectly over him from 50 yards. Four regular games to go and CD Tenerife have their section title well within their grasp and could seal it at home to Fuenlabrada next Sunday.