CD Laguna 1 UD Lanzarote 2
6th May 2012
The Rojillos have done all they can. An eleven point gap to the playoffs has now been reduced to one following eight home wins and two consecutive victories on the road however their destiny for a place in the Third tier of Spanish football is still out of their hands.
The Rojillos rivals battling for the final playoff spot are CD Vera. The Tenerife side scored two late goals against Corralejo therefore they will go into the final match of the season knowing that a win would clinch that fourth spot.
CD Vera will be at home on the final day but they will have to earn their points. They will be up against the league´s in form side Las Palmas B who have already guaranteed their place in the playoffs. The Gran Canarian side will be looking for a good result so to go into the playoffs with a positive frame of mind. There is never any love lost between Gran Canarian and Tenerife sides which can only favour Lanzarote.
The Rojillos will also go into the final league game of the season with a home match. They will be facing CF Estrella. The Gran Canarian side led the league table at Christmas but have only won once since the 12th February. Lanzarote will be expected to secure their ninth consecutive home win this Sunday.
This game had the intensity of a cup match. CD Laguna were fighting for their lives just one point clear of relegation whilst Lanzarote needed no reminding of the importance of a win.
The Rojillos began the game with more desire than the home side. The ever reliable centre back Adrián came close, heading into the side netting from a corner but only minutes later had another opportunity and made no mistake heading home at the far post to send the Rojillos 0-1 up.
The game was being played at a good pace but it wasn’t until two minutes before half time until either side had a clear chance. Rojillos winger Toñito was clear through on goal but his weak shot ended up in the hands of the Gran Canarian goalkeeper. Lanzarote looked comfortable going into the break but still it was only by the narrowest of margins.
In the 65th minute Toñito who had been causing the defence of the home side countless problems was upended in the box and the Ref rewarded Lanzarote a penalty. Venezuelan Alex Yunes buried the spot kick to give his side breathing space with a 2-0 lead.
Ten minutes later and the home side were back in the game. A shot from midfielder Maikel from just outside the area deflected off Sixto which wrong footed his keeper to give the Gran Canarian side hoping by reducing the score line to 1-2.
Lanzarote´s defence which has been outstanding all season withstood the expected 15 minute onslaught to make sure of victory and go into the final league match of the season still in with a shout. The home side slipped back into the relegation places and are two points from safety with one game to go.
Lanzarote must win this Sunday because if CD Vera were to lose and Lanzarote draw then both teams will end the season on equal points. Goal difference doesn’t normally decide which team goes forward it is normally how the sides did head to head. In this case Lanzarote won 2-1 at home but lost 1-0 away therefore goal difference will apply. The Tenerife side has a 15 goal superior difference so barring the Lord himself putting on a Rojillo shirt this weekend then Lanzarote will be doomed.
Sundays nail biting match has been confirmed against CF Estrella as a 12 noon kick off.
