Lanzarote stuttered in their opening two matches of the new season and earned just a single point leaving them in the relegation zone but of course this was early days.

The Rojillos bounced back and by the end of the first round of games they were sitting in the final playoff position of fifth spot.

Unfortunately Lanzarote’s reliable defence was torn in half as centre back Matheus and left back Cedenilla left the club in the January transfer window.

There is little doubt that this was one of the reasons that Lanzarote lost their next four matches and seemingly looked out of contention for a playoff finish.

A late goal from Captain Raúl to level against the league’s future champions CD Mensajero on the 12th February reignited the Rojillos playoff ambitions.

Seven wins and four draws in their final 11 matches not only saw Lanzarote reach the playoffs but they climbed the league table ending the season in second position.

Going into the playoffs the Rojillos were regarded as favourites but as we all know in knockout matches recent form means very little.

A 1-0 away defeat in the first leg to Gran Canarian side UD Villa Santa Brígida on the 30th April was a disappointing result. A week later in front of a 2500 home crowd Lanzarote could only muster up a 1-1 draw which saw the Rojillos season come to a crushing end.

Each person will have to make their own assessment to whether it has been a good season. Reaching the playoffs for UD Lanzarote is usually a minimum requirement but these past three seasons have tested the patience of the management, players and every supporter to the full.

Last season the Spanish Football Federation decided to restructure the league and an incredible amount of seven teams were harshly relegated.

Relegating almost half the league was a poor decision from the Spanish Football Federation especially as two of the three teams from this season that should have been relegated have been given a reprieve as the Federation has decided the league will return to 18 clubs. Only bottom club Estrella CF have dropped to the Regional Preferente league.

Last season Lanzarote had only avoided relegation by a single goal yet they were only four points adrift from a playoff finish which makes a bit of a mockery of the decision making of the Federation.

On a positive note, next season there will be another local club in the Tercera Division (Fifth Tier). San Bartolomé CF celebrating their 50th anniversary have been bordering on promotion over the past couple of seasons and with their experienced manager Juan Antonio Machín at their helm they deservedly won promotion for the first time in their clubs history last weekend. It is an enormous achievement which can only benefit local football.

What has made this season special has been the return of the fans. UD Lanzarote had the harshest restrictions out of all the clubs in Spain during the pandemic and it was only at the beginning of this season that all restrictions were lifted.

It may sound ridiculous but the club had to fight tooth and nail for the return of the refreshment kiosk. Prior to this, tourists visiting matches on a hot day naturally just expected refreshments to be sold in the stadium but the reality was that the club was not allowed to open the canteen and a tourist couldn’t even buy themselves a bottle of water. The politicians responsible should hang their heads in shame. That is no way to treat guests visiting the islands premier team.

The problems of the past two seasons have been slowly pushed aside and what has been inspiring is the help we receive from fans wishing to push the club forward.

People such as Jacci and Pilar are there every match day selling raffle tickets for the halftime draw and this is an important revenue for the club.

I would also like to thank Nigel and Lorraine Busby for always checking my reports and updates ,whether it’s poor spelling or on occasions wrong information, I am grateful to you both for informing me of any errors.

My friends Martin and Sarah from Colorworks have generously supplied the posters for free for the past 10 years which are pinned up in the bars in Costa Teguise and Puerto Del Carmen. It’s pretty time consuming and energy sapping covering all those bars however a huge thanks to Dave Bateman who covers part of PDC which helps me out enormously.

There are plenty of other people to thank including all the sponsors, fans and our superb photographer Chus Romero. Two massively important friends of mine who are invaluable to the club are fellow directors David Timmons and Brendan Byrne.

The three of us have little say on who the club sign or fire, if we did the club would be doomed, however those boys put their hands in their pockets when it’s necessary and also organize fund raising events as well as being a great source of information of when matches are being played etc.

David got involved with the club officially three years ago and at the worst possible time with restrictions for the club in their prime. Brendan was always helping in the background but became a director last year and these two men have totally gained the respect from their fellow directors and the club President. Personally I am loving having the craic with the two Irish boys.

Our manager Mateo García on occasions had been heavily criticized by understandably frustrated fans but this season he has shown the players, management and fans his true colours of being a fine coach and a total gentleman.

Nobody works harder at UD Lanzarote than our husband and wife couple César and Davinia. Their efforts are all behind the scenes but nobody in this club deserves as much respect as these two warriors.

It would be impossible for me to dedicate so much time to the club if it wasn’t for our customers who visit our shop in Costa Teguise or the market stall in Teguise to buy merchandise so to all of you, thanks.

Many of you would have met my wife Anna who is normally in the shop and does like to keep a low profile but without her support and hard work I would have crumbled years ago.

I would also like to thank our President Juan Carlos Albuixech. He became President just before the pandemic and has had to battle to keep the club afloat during difficult times with little help from the authorities.

On occasions he has had to dig deep into his own pockets to avoid the ship heading into rocky shores.

A football club is nothing without its fans. On behalf of everyone at UD Lanzarote I would like to thank every person who has come to see a match and also from all the support from the overseas supporters.

Often fans come up with ideas how to raise funds and this is appreciated however none of the directors get paid and time is limited as we have our own businesses to run.

Recently I spoke to one long term fan who mentioned businesses or private people could sponsor individually the shirt, shorts and socks of each squad player. This is a superb idea and I would give it my full backing as I believe would the club. If anyone would like to be in charge of this idea or has any other ideas that they would like to take forward I would love to hear from you.

As there will be 18 teams in our league I expect the season to begin late August/ early September. Prices of season tickets are yet to be discussed though I’m sure that they will be available in early August.

Our shop in Costa Teguise at CC Nautical, Local 25 (behind Café Bonjour) will be open throughout the summer with its normal opening hours of Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and also every Wednesday from 5-7pm.

The merchandise stall at the Teguise market will be open every Sunday 9.30am to 2pm.

A few days ago one of Lanzarote’s finest ever players Oscar Vladimir (Vladi) announced his retirement. Vladi began his football as a child with Haria CF and ended his footballing days with his local club at the age of 42. He played for various local clubs and also had stints with UD Levante and Puertollano CF but his heart has always been with Haria CF and UD Lanzarote. He will always be remembered in local folklore history for scoring the goal versus the Mighty Real Madrid to take the Rojillos into the halftime break 1-1 with the Galacticos back in 2001.

It is an honour and a privilege to work alongside UD Lanzarote and all of their fans. It is not always an easy ride but living on a paradise island and working with football is a dream come true and I will never forget that.

I hope that you all have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you all at the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

Ian

The post A BRIEF REVIEW OF THE SEASON AND THANKS TO ALL INVOLVED appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

UD Lanzarote and their manager for the past two seasons Mateo García have come to an agreement that he will no longer continue leading the Rojillos as head coach.

Mister has been in charge for two seasons and is highly respected within the club. His first season was under extremely difficult circumstances which ended in the club just surviving relegation.

Mateo received much criticism during that campaign but as a gentleman that he is fought back and last season took the club to second spot and into the playoffs and in most cases won over most fans.

I am sure that on behalf of all UD Lanzarote supporters that we would like to thank him for his service to the club and wish him the very best for the future.

Adiós Mister!

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Lanzarote went into this second leg of the playoffs trailing 1-0 from last week’s away match, nevertheless if the Rojillos had won this game by whatever score they would have progressed to the next round of the playoffs as they had finished higher in the league than their rivals.

On entering the stadium many fans were surprised and delighted to see a large digital scoreboard and an outstanding stereo system which all added to the carnival atmosphere for the 2500 fans.

Prior to kick off striker Gonzalo Di Renzo was presented with the trophy of “Player of the Season” by former Rojillos captain Rosmen and Pedro Cabrera from Cabrera Medina. Fan Dave Bateman who helped putting up posters in PDC presented Di Renzo with a signed shirt from his team mates and backroom staff.

Gonzalo Di Renzo receiving the player of the season award from Rosmen, Pedro Cabrera and Dave Bateman.

Lanzarote began the game well and in the 4^th minute Di Renzo broke through the heart of the defence but the ball just wouldn’t come down in time to lay it into the path of Traoré who was free to strike at goal.

Midfielder Fabricio then saw his effort from 25 yards just whistle past the far post, Keita saw his low shot beat the keeper but the ball was cleared off the line by a defender and in the 23^rd minute centre back Raúl forced the Gran Canarian keeper into a good save fisting the ball away from a 20 yard free kick.

The Rojillos were looking dominant but then out of nowhere attacking midfielder Josemi fired in a beauty from 20 yards into the left hand corner to give his team a 0-1 lead and send them 0-2 up on aggregate.

A terrific strike from Josemi to give the visitors the lead.

This goal took the wind out of Lanzarote´s sails but gradually they found their feet again and looked the more dangerous side as halftime approached. The visitors had defended superbly in this half and all was going to plan and with their only strike of the half being deadly giving them that two goal aggregate cushion.

Lanzarote continued to press and ten minutes into the second period captain Ayoze Pérez was inches away from connecting to a header inside the six yard box from a Keita cross.

On the hour mark the hard working Traoré began to tire and was replaced by Yeray Cruz. The player promoted from the B team immediately began to impress and a couple of minutes after coming on broke through two players in the centre of midfield and fed Ayoze Pérez on the edge of the box. Ayoze passed the ball into the path of Adrián Machín but from 12 yards he could only hit the side netting.

Finally in the 71^st minute a shot come cross hit the crossbar, Di Renzo was first to react and his header was saved but the rebound fell back to the league´s top scorer and he made no mistake nodding home on the second attempt to level the score. The Rojillos were now level at 1-1 but they trailed the Gran Canarian side 1-2 on aggregate.

The fans celebrating the Di Renzo goal in the 71st min.

There were 20 minutes remaining and with the crowd urging them on Lanzarote new that just one more goal would see them into the semi finals.

Credit to Santa Brígida as they regained their composure immediately and had done exactly what they had done this whole match and that was to defend superbly and slow the game down as much as possible in the soaring heat.

The Rojillos kept going but were just not capable of creating that one chance. The referee blew his whistle once the four minutes of added on time had been completed and ended UD Lanzarote´s season for 2022/23.

Ex captain Rosmen consoling current captain Ayoze Pérez.

Lanzarote may have failed in the playoffs and it is especially disappointing after ending their last 11 matches of the league season with seven wins and four draws but overall it has been a good campaign from manager Mateo García´s men. The club will now be working on the squad for season 2023/24.

GOALS

0-1 min 31 Josemi

1-1 min 71 Di Renzo

The post LANZAROTE   1   UD VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA   1   (Santa Brígida win 1-2 on aggregate) appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Doors open at 10.30am and it will be advisable to turn up early and avoid queues (bringing the correct change would be great) and also to get a good seat. The Palco (Directors area) will be cordoned off from top to bottom for the clubs sponsors and for the live stream.

It is extremely likely that this will be the largest crowd that Ciudad Deportiva has seen in at least five years but you can all fit in. Even if you are not keen on football the atmosphere will be electric and is something that I would advise everyone to witness. All photos shown on this post are from previous playoff matches.

Please wear a hat and sunscreen if you are not under the grandstand. To join in the carnival atmosphere inside the stadium you can get your face painted for the occasion for just 3 Euros by Christine.

Lanzarote trail 1-0 from the first leg but they need to just win whether the score is 1-0 or 5-4 it doesn’t matter as long as they win. The away goal rule does not apply; there will be no extra time or penalties. The team that finished in the highest position goes through to the next round and as Lanzarote finished second it would be them.

Prior to kick off Rojillo legend Rosmen our former number nine will present our current number nine Gonzalo Di Renzo with the trophy of Fans Player of the Season in front of the supporters.

If you are unable to attend the match you can watch it on the live stream for 5.90 Euros on https://udlanzarote.webdirecto.com

The post LANZAROTE PLAY THE BIGGEST MATCH IN THEIR RECENT HISTORY TOMORROW (Sunday 7th) AT 12 NOON AND YOU ARE ALL INVITED appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Mendilibar arrived as the clubs second choice manager with their first choice Josu Uribe agreeing terms but then decided to take over as manager of UD Las Palmas. This gave Mendilibar the platform to begin a remarkable career at the very top level of Spanish football.

In his first season with the Rojillos in 2002/03 the club finished in 3^rd spot and lost 1-2 in the Copa Del Rey to the mighty Atlético Madrid with a young Fernando Torres getting on the score sheet.

The 2003/04 was the clubs most successful season finishing as Champions of Segunda B but in those days there was no automatic promotion and once again Lanzarote missed out in the playoffs. Another brilliant display in the Copa Del Rey saw them lose out to a single goal by the Brazilian international Baptista in a 0-1 defeat to Primera Liga side Sevilla.

Mendilibar had been fortunate to arrive at a club at the right time. He managed to gel together a blend of local and mainland players and spent two glorious years leading the Rojillos.

Since then he has gone on to manage Primera Liga sides Eibar, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna, Real Valladolid and most recently in March this year Sevilla, who were flirting with relegation. In his nine league matches he has won six, lost two and drawn the other lifting Sevilla up to mid table and a distant 10 points from relegation.

On top of that Sevilla have reached the semi final of the UEFA Cup after humiliating Manchester United 3-0 at home after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. The 62 year old is living the dream and it all began on the bench at Ciudad Deportiva Lanzarote.

Mendilibar has recognized that his two seasons as manager of Lanzarote set him on course for a wonderful career and will always hold a soft spot for this little volcanic island.

The post DREAMS COME TRUE appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Gran Canarian side have the advantage following their 1-0 win last Sunday, however do remember that if Lanzarote win whatever the score they will qualify and go through to the next round. There will be no extra time, no away goal advantage and no penalties. Lanzarote finished the league in the higher position so would qualify.

The Rojillos Mister (manager) Mateo García popped in the Costa Teguise shop this morning to grab a shirt and to see how the ticket sales are doing. Earlier season ticket holders Stacy, Spencer and Jill came in to buy their match tickets so not to queue on match day. It was great to see that Jill has coloured her hair in the colours of UD Lanzarote for the occasion.

Tickets for the match will be available on match day so please don’t think that if you haven’t got one then you won’t get in. If you are there, you will get a ticket. The grounds capacity is around 6000 and expected turnout could be around 2000-3000 people so there will be room. Be early and try and have correct change.

Many fans realized that it is wise to buy the tickets beforehand so these people will not need to queue on match day and as the doors open at 10.30am they can sail through and head straight to the refreshment stand and find a good seat. Ticket sales have been excellent and are available from these places below:

The Merchandise Shop in Costa Teguise Friday between 10am to 1pm at CC Nautical, Local 25 but we are closed Saturday (please pay cash). Also in Costa Teguise is Sands Beach Resort Hotel which has a 24 hour reception and tickets are available there.

In the Old Town in Puerto Del Carmen any evening tickets are on sale at The Irish Harbour Bar and Dicey Reilly’s Bar (please pay cash).

In Arrecife Hairdressers César (near Visanta) is open Friday 9am to 8pm and also at the club in Calle El Isleño 4 Friday morning from 10am to 12 noon. Closed Saturday.

Prices: Adults 8 Euros (6 Euros Residents), Pensioners 6 Euros (Residents 4 Euros) with presentation of your season ticket the price is 4 Euros. Children under 16 years of age are admitted free of charge.

For those of you unable to attend the match the next best thing is to watch it on the live stream for 5.90 Euros on this link https://udlanzarote.webdirecto.com

This may help as a simple guide:

First screen select “Compralo”

Second screen “Comprar ahora”

Third screen your details:

Nombre = First name

Apellidos = Surname

Correo electronico = Email

Crear una contraseña para la cuenta = Create a password.

Fourth page will be your payment details.

The post INFO ON THE SECOND LEG OF THE PLAYOFF MATCH THIS SUNDAY 7th MAY appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

In an even match a rare mistake from Raúl led to the decisive goal in the 59th minute.

Both teams were reduced to ten men with passions running high.

Lanzarote will welcome Santa Brigida to Arrecife next Sunday at 12 in what is likely to be a big and hostile crowd.

Lanzarote must score and if they were to win by a single goal whether it is 1-0 or 2-1 they will get through to the next round.

If the scores are level on aggregate Lanzarote will progress. There will be no extra time or penalties. The team that finished higher in the league will play in the next round.

If there is one positive to take home that is the fans will come out in force and the atmosphere will be electric in Arrecife.

Tickets are available prior to the match but also on match day. If you turn up you will get in.

GOALS

1-0 min 59 Josemi

The post UD VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA   1   LANZAROTE   0 (Playoff 1st round, 1st Leg)) appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

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!!!

The post LANZAROTE AWAY THIS SUNDAY IN GRAN CANARIA IN THE FIRST ROUND, FIRST LEG OF THE PLAYOFFS appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The club is hoping for a big turnout from their fans and the price of entrance will remain the same as it has done all season at 8 Euros adults non residents (6 Euros Residents) Pensioners 6 Euros (4 Euros Residents). As always children under 16 years of age will be admitted free of charge as will all Gold Card members. All residents must show proof of residency, TIE card, etc.

The club especially wishes to thank its season ticket holders and members and for that loyalty the cost of their ticket will be 4 Euros. This can only be bought at the club in Arrecife or on match day at the ticket booth (Bring season ticket with you).

Due to the expected large crowd tickets will be available to buy as from today, Tuesday 25^th April for anyone wishing to avoid queuing on match day.

Match tickets are now available from these outlets:

• UD Lanzarote headquarters at Calle Isleño 4, Arrecife . Opening times: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday morning.
• César Hairdresser, Calle Doctor Ruperto González Negrín 3, Arrecife. From Monday to Friday from 09:00 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.
• Sands Beach Resort, Avenida Islas Canarias, 18, Costa Teguise. From Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day at the hotel reception.
• The Merchandise Shop at CC Nautical, Local 25 in Costa Teguise. Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Wednesday afternoons from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Irish Harbour Bar, Calle Teide in Puerto Del Carmen Old Town. Monday to Sunday from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
• Dicey Reillys Bar, Calle Jameos in Puerto Del Carmen Old Town. Monday to Friday 5:00 p.m. to 04:00 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 4:00 a.m.

The post TICKET PRICES FOR THE HOME PLAYOFF MATCH ON THE 7th MAY REMAIN THE SAME AS ALL SEASON appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Argentine has played 27 matches, 26 of those from the starting line up. The only game where he was used as a substitute was the final game of this season last week. In all of those 18 strikes not one goal has been from a penalty kick.

Di Renzo has become Lanzarote´s second top leading goal scorer in the Tercera Divison behind local legend Rosmen when he shared the Pichichi with two other players in the 2012/13 season notching 22 goals.

It will be Lanzarote´s former number 9 Rosmen that will present Lanzarote´s current number 9 Di Renzo the player of the season award prior to the second leg playoff match at home on the 7^th May.

The post GONZALO DI RENZO WINS THE LEAGUES TOP GOAL SCORER appeared first on UD Lanzarote.