A great away point for CD Tenerife, especially a they played the last 18 minutes a man down after Bertran was sent off for a second yellow card. The 600 plus CDT faithfull that travelled to Rayo Vallecano can enjoy a few beers in Madrid knowing that Rayo will view it as 2 points dropped as they snap at the heels of the blanquiazul.

Tenerife looked the better and more positive team, with Kome in sparkling form in midfield and Luis Garcia flawless in goal. Cobeno in the home goal also looked unbeatable, though Tenerife tested him thoroughly. Kome unleashed 2 powerful early long range strikes, bith over the bar and in between Garcia made 2 fine saves, particularly when smothering the ball as Jofre raced through alone.

Pachon was the main threat for Rayo, controlling the ball with his chest before forcing Garcia to tip over, and then heading wide just before the half hour mark. Alfaro had a good chance but the home keeper dived to save low at the post, and Juanlu headed over the bar. Nino lost a one on one with the Rayo keepr, who pounced on the ball, and Kome caused panic in the home defence, floating a cross in that a defender struggled to head away.

The second half opened with Tenerife still on top, Martinez heading wide and Nino beating 2 defenders only to be stopped by the keeper. Coach Oltra was looking for the win and brought on forward Angel for midfielder Juanlu after 64 minutes but he had to change his plans when Bertran was unlucky to get a second booking, forcing him out of the game. It was probably a wise move to bring on Clavero as defensive cover, even if it meant losing the creative influence of Kome. Rayo briefly rallied, Albiol made a good break but found Garcia ready to confound him. Former Tenerife coach Pepe Mel couldn’t seem to fire his current side up to exploit their man advantage, Pachon showed more of his skill controlling the ball before going for goal, but Garcia showed great determination to claw the ball off the line and push it wide. At the final whistle, it was clear to see which set of fans were happier, as Tenerife supporters cheered their heroes off. Other results on Sunday took Xerez top on 57 points, and left CDT and Hercules tied on 56, followed by Zaragoza on 43 and Rayo on 53.

Next Sunday (April 12) is the first of 2 Noon kick offs at home due to Canal Plus coverage. The Levante game will be followed 2 weeks later (April 26) by the derby return against the Pios from Las Palmas (to be confirmed), you would be crazy to miss either.