LANZAROTE´S INCREDIBLE RISE TO THE BRINK OF QUALIFICATION FOR THE PLAYOFFS
The Rojillos (The Reds) superb recent form of six wins and three draws in their last nine matches has lifted them to within one win in their final two games of guaranteeing qualification into the playoffs for promotion to RFEF 2 (Fourth Tier).
An away 0-1 win last Saturday in Gran Canaria against direct playoff rivals CF P.P. San Mateo has consolidated Lanzarote into third position in the league table and they have a three point cushion to UD Las Palmas B who are in the final playoff spot of fifth and the Rojillos have a better head to head record.
A win this Sunday 16th April at home versus mid table side UD Tamaraceite at 12 noon will not only ensure that playoff position but it could move Lanzarote up into second spot. Teams finishing in second and third positions will give them the home tie of the second leg in the playoffs. The team that finishes second will also have home advantage in the next round in the second leg should they win the first playoff. Another bonus of finishing in second is that you are in a draw with 18 other teams for the eight places available to qualify for the Copa Del Rey.
The winning team out of the four in the playoffs are still not promoted. They will face a final two legged tie against a team from mainland Spain with the winner promoted. It’s a hard slog.
Only becoming champion’s guarantees any side in this division promotion and CD Mensajero already has one foot in an immediate return to RFEF 2 (Royal Spanish Football Federation) and need just one point in their final two matches to achieve this. The La Palma side have a wonderful opportunity at home this Sunday when they face the already relegated bottom club CF Estrella.
Lanzarote are one point behind second placed side UD San Fernando but because of the Gran Canarians side better head to head record should they finish level on points San Fernando would be ahead of Lanzarote despite the Rojillos superior goal advantage. In reality Lanzarote need to gain two points on San Fernando but they have an extremely difficult away match versus CD Tenerife B who themselves are just one point and one position adrift of a playoff spot.
Lanzarote are the leagues in form side and only the league leaders have scored more goals this season, though this Sunday they are up against a side who have taken 10 points in their last five matches so it’s far from a foregone conclusion, however with a united home support Lanzarote will be full of confidence for victory.
