With a sweet stroke of his boot Luismi Loro lifted the pressure building on CD Tenerife, a goal after three games and 37 minutes, and didn’t he take it well. It was already looking a better performance despite the frustration of a cynical Barcelona B side that hit the floor and milked every tackle, brush, or stray breeze. The long awaited goal came from a free kick out on the right, Loro wafted the ball over the defence and goalie for a deserved lead.

Aridane was the architect of this encouraging 2-2 draw, we have missed him so much, holding up the ball, taking the pressure off players, and providing a focal point he was magnificent. Tenerife had most of the first half play, the midfield still looked a bit creaky but with Suso getting stuck in Loro back to something like his best there was cause to feel hopeful. Suso clipped keeper Masip’s fingers and Aridane went close with an opportunist chip that had the goalie scrambling.

Nieto was Barcelona chief tormenter up front but he spent so much time rolling around in mock agony he made a mess of the chances that came his way. It was clear we weren’t going to get anything from the referee, his booking of Aitor Sanz just before the half time whistle was a disgrace brought on by Espinosa making three square meals of minimum contact. At least we had that Loro strike to ease our sense of injustice at half time.

It all came crashing down as the second half opened, the introduction of Denis Suarez gave Barcelona a new dynamic and they were encouraged by loose home defending. Espinosa finished off a good move started by the former Manchester City forward, five white shirts surrounded Espinosa but he still got through with ease to score. Then a few minutes later Roman picked out Nieto unmarked at the far post and he posted the second goal. It was a test of spirit now and Tenerife responded well, Ricardo on for Cristo put in a good shot and Moyano overlapping well found the keeper with his shot.

Ayoze replaced Kike Rivero and provided the key pass to Aridane who brought the ball down with his chest before making a mug of Planas and cracking a lovely goal. The ref compounded his blinkered view of the game by booking Aridane and Ayoze after more play acting by Barcelona. Ayoze had the best late chances but couldn’t quite control a shot on the turn and had his second effort deflected away off a defenders legs. Llorente was the last minute hero getting back to foil a sitter for Barcelona in front of the post – again unmarked. Maybe coach Alvaro Cervera will try some experiments in Wednesday nights Copa del Rey game at Eibar, we have no great expectations in the cup so there’s nothing to lose.