Hosting the second placed, unbeaten Sporting Gijon would have been met with dread a couple of months ago but this 2015 opener was relished by a confident CD Tenerife who deserved equal praise in a 1-1 draw.
Replacing suspended Carlos Ruiz in the heart of the defence could have been tricky but Jorge Saenz stepped up from the B team and repeated his glowing pre season friendly form. Aitor Sanz issued an early warning to Sporting when his shot just missed the post, Raul Camara tried to unlock the back door down the left but the keeper blocked well. It was easy to see why Sporting are flying high, they look strong in all departments and were always looking to break, Jony cut lose on the right but was wasteful with his effort. Diego Ifran is a lethal predator and a Lora foul was a gilt edged invite for his free kick which he curled over the wall and goalie to take the lead, that’s his sixth of the season and he looks capable of many more.
Ricardo won the ball in midfield and tested goalie Cuellar who was glad of a little help from his woodwork. There was even a little good fortune for Tenerife, Jony thought he had scored after 22 minutes but the ref called it as a foul on Carlos by Bernardo. Midfield was looking strong again with Vitolo showing his experience and class, Sporting were made to work hard for every ball and they were closed down when they looked for the breaks. It took a well worked goal to level, a long ball from Hernandez got a little help from the head of Guerrero before N’di chested it down and scored a peach.
It was finely poised now, Suso cursed his slow response when the ball pinged around the Sporting defence before breaking to him on the left. Back on his usual right wing Suso sent a long ball across to Diego but the keeper had it covered. Rivero took over from Ricardo and Iker Guarrotxena was given a warm welcome when he replaced Cristo. Sporting didn’t sit back, they wanted the win, Rivero came to the rescue to hook out a goal bound shot just in front of the posts.
Ifran is always sniffing for goals but at least one new forward would be very welcome in the January transfer window. As Ifran went off after 85 minute his replacement Aridane was met with whistles and boos, his days in Santa Cruz look numbered. Neither side could grab a winner but the 9,594 crowd were left with plenty of encouragement for the rest of the season.