It’s all about the squad for CD Tenerife this season as they fight for a quick return to the Segunda Division. Winning 2-1 at Albacete was pleasing on so many levels, the quality of opposition, a club we are familiar with from recent seasons, and most of all making not so obvious changes and being rewarded for them.
Going into the game Perona was missing through injury, last week at home his early departure saw German fill the void but it didn’t really work. Many of us expected Nico to come in from the start in a supporting role behind Kiko but coach Calderon went for Ruben Rosquete and he had a fine game. Also last week it seemed that Marcos and Kitoko were trying to play the same midfield role, another surprise change with Abel drafted in for Kitoko, the local lad also impressed as he did in the first game of the season.
Bright new talents are making their mark at Tenerife this season but the old reliables are giving them plenty of confidence, Sergio was again outstanding in goal, particularly with a great save just before Kiko grabbed the lead after 24 minutes. Victor Bravo (above) adds his own special qualities to the mix and he made it 2-0 after 30 minutes with a direct free kick, Tenerife were cruising. The second half saw the coach use all three subs, Kitoko for Bravo after 60 minutes, Nico for Rosquete 8 minutes later, and new boy Chechu Flores for Abel after 77 minutes.
Albacete pulled one back after 73 minutes through Calle after a slip up by Meji (above) but Tenerife stood firm and had chances to increase the score, Ferran Tacon moved into a more central attacking role to support Kiko. It was a momentous win in front of a paltry 4,000 crowd, even if it was the early morning after the areas big fiesta. It leaves Tenerife top and clear by one point ahead of La Roda and Lugo who look strong with a game in hand and their own 2-1 away win at Oviedo. On Sunday Coruxo are the visitors to Santa Cruz for another noon kick off, the attendance should easily bust through the 10,000 mark, the fans like what they are seeing.