LANZAROTE AWAY THIS SUNDAY IN GRAN CANARIA IN THE FIRST ROUND, FIRST LEG OF THE PLAYOFFS
Lanzarote travel to Gran Canaria this Sunday 30th April and face UD Villa Santa Brígida in the first round and the first leg of the playoffs at 12 noon with the return leg a week later at home in Arrecife.
There is little doubt that Lanzarote will be the favourites to progress but there will be no way that the Rojillos will underestimate their opponents. UD Villa Santa Brígida have been one of the best performing teams in Gran Canaria over the past 20 years and last Sunday they showed real grit when coming from behind and winning away 1-2 to snatch the final playoff position by a point.
Lanzarote finished in second position whilst Santa Brígida was fifth thus giving the Rojillos the advantage with the second leg at home. Another enormous benefit of finishing in second spot is that theoretically Lanzarote could qualify for the final of the playoffs without even scoring a goal. Over these two legs away goals will not count nor will there be extra time or penalties. The team that finished in a higher league position will qualify and play in the semi final. Once again if Lanzarote made the semi final and after the two legs if it was stalemate Lanzarote would proceed to the final. Finishing second was huge and this is why a big crowd will be expected for the second leg with locals believing the Rojillos can do it.
UD Villa Santa Brígida simply must score but they will hold no fear as they have already beaten Lanzarote in Arrecife 2-3 earlier in the season whilst the match in Gran Canaria ended 1-1.
Lanzarote have hit form at the perfect time ending their final 11 matches of the season unbeaten winning seven of those games and are the league´s second highest scorers only topped by the Champions CD Mensajero.
It is doubtful that winger Traoré will travel with the squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury but should be ok for the return leg. Another doubt is Rodrigo who will have a late fitness test after picking up an ankle injury in the away match versus CF Estrella last week.
There will be some travelling Lanzarote fans, many flying on the Saturday but unfortunately due to the lack of flights there won’t be as many as what was hoped but they will generate a lot of noise. To all those going to Santa Brígida it is a beautiful area of Las Palmas but it is also one of the coldest spots on the island so do remember to bring a warm top with you as well as a clear set of tonsils.
Unfortunately it seems as though UD Villa Santa Brígida won’t be live streaming the match though I will be updating on Facebook page Lanzarote football club.
VAMOS SAROTE!!!
