There was a lot of optimism at the beginning of the season with the arrival of the new manager Argentine Leonel “Pipa”Gancedo. The former River Plate and Osasuna player had played football at the top level but his reign as manager of the Rojillos lasted around four months. Even though his side was yet to lose a match, the club had felt his relationship with the players was poor and was deteriorating so the UD Lanzarote board decided to part ways with the 53 year old.

It was a massive decision for the hierarchy of the club to make because the backlash from the fans and press was huge but unless you are at the training sessions then it is impossible to give a non bias opinion. Nazareno Brindisi along with Sergio Hernández took over the responsibility.

Typically the Rojillos lost their first game following the departure of”Pipa”in a 2-1 away defeat in Fuerteventura versus CD Herbania, and in a season dominated by four clubs they slipped from first to fourth spot in an instant.

Raúl leading out the team with delighted club mascot Alejandro.

To compound the problems, on the final day of the winter transfer window the league´s best player and top goal scorer Di Renzo upped and walked out after receiving an offer from a team in a higher division leaving the club no time to find a replacement.

CRUCIAL MOMENTS

Despite the turmoil, the Rojillos then went unbeaten for the next seven matches winning five of those and had moved up to third spot before facing a tasty home match versus the league leaders CD Tenerife B. A win for Lanzarote would have taken them to within a point of their opponents.

Football is all about moments and every club will have defining moments over the course of the season. On this crunch day Lanzarote had three massive moments and none of them were good. In only the second minute wing back and without doubt one of the clubs best players Alex Cruz suffered an injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season.

The Rojillos persevered and were playing some great football, in the 25^th minute a wonder strike by Javi Martín from 25 yards struck the underside of the crossbar. The ball clearly bounced over the line but in that situation it is impossible to blame the linesman as he was in line with their last player on the edge of the box, so understandably he couldn’t be sure and therefore didn’t award the goal. Lanzarote continued to press and on the stroke of halftime were rewarded when Chucky Pierce fired home to take a well deserved 1-0 lead into the break.

The third big moment occurred in the 60^th minute, incredibly the same crossbar was rattled from a 10 yard blast by Tenerife striker Ethany, however the ball had clearly landed on the line but this time the same linesman awarded a goal amid huge protests from players and fans. I will defend the linesman on his first error but he had no defence on this occasion as he had a clear view and this “phantom” goal was a pivotal moment in this match and on the remainder of the season. The team was in disarray and the league leaders punished the Rojillos with a second and winning goal shortly after.

The fallout from this was that Lanzarote were now seven points adrift from the top and that only automatic promotion spot. Again the Rojillos fought back taking 22 out of a possible 27 points to reduce the gap to three points but it wasn’t enough as they finished in second spot.

DISSAPOINTING END

Confidence was high going into the playoffs and in the ¼ final first leg Lanzarote returned with a credible 1-1 draw versus CF P.P. San Mateo and knew that as long as they avoided defeat in Arrecife they would be in the semi final as the team with the better league finish has the advantage but only after extra time.

Many thought the result was a foregone conclusion and Lanzarote were already in the semis. The Gran Canarian side were having none of that and in the first half were much the better team and could feel aggrieved going into the break only on level terms.

A crushing end to the season.

Lanzarote improved in the second half but the visitors were giving as good as they got and the match was forced into 30 minutes of extra time. In under a minute of the restart San Mateo stunned the 2500 crowd with a well worked goal. The Rojillos fought back and Santi Rosa shaved the post in the 117^th minute and at the death, captain Ayoze Pérez struck from close range from a corner but the keeper smothered the ball and Lanzarote´s season had ended there and then.

Attendances have been superb this season.

Every Rojillo player gave their all in that match but they just didn’t connect as a unit and paid the ultimate price. Credit must also be given to CF San Mateo as they were positive from the start and played a superb match and deservedly progressed to the semi final.

RUMOURS

On many occasions I have been asked and I have seen on social media with absolute no credibility at all, the accusation that “the club does not really want to be promoted because it would be too expensive for them”. My wife in our shop in Costa Teguise has been asked this and I usually just laugh it off but once a ridiculous rumour has spread so much people actually believe this Daily Mail nonsense.

If Lanzarote were promoted the club would gain handsome funds from the Canarian government and the Spanish Football Federation covers the costs of flights and accommodation. It is cheaper for Lanzarote to be in the fourth tier rather than the fifth. There is no mention of any conspiracy with the Conejeros (locals), possibly because it is nonsense.

I don’t think people realize how insulting this is for anyone connected to the club but especially for the players. They read these posts and comments, and of course brush them off as foolish but nevertheless they see and hear it including our four captains Ayoze Pérez, Raul, Alejandro and Ruyman. Can anyone say that any of these four leaders don’t want promotion? The most remarkable thing I feel is if a fan does believe this fantasy then why would they waste their time and money watching them?

POSITIVES

Back to reality now and onto the many positives. The fans player of the season was Adrián Machín following a wonderful second half to the campaign where he scored on seven occasions and was a delight to watch.

UD Lanzarote player of the season 2023/24 Adrián Machín.

Another cause of celebration is the team’s qualification in Spain´s Premier Cup competition the Copa Del Rey. Lanzarote has a rich history in this competition beating La Liga sides such as Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca and CD Tenerife and losing narrowly to Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and the great Real Madrid side back in 2002. It is a dream but this is one of the reasons all of us love this sport so much because the impossible is made possible.

A great source of income for the club has been the match day raffle with its six great prizes. The club wishes to express its thanks to our formidable raffle team with Pilar leading at the front, Jacci in midfield and Lorraine in defence. Lately and with the good attendances Leigh has come in and performed a majestic role acting as sweeper, so you might as well have your one Euro ready for a raffle ticket and pass the girls with ease.

Our great raffle team being charmed by Antonio.

HELPING THE CLUB

Martin and Sarah from Colorworks has for the umpteenth year kindly produced our posters free of charge that are pinned up in all the bars by myself in Costa Teguise, Dave Bateman, Roberta, and also Jacci in Puerto Del Carmen whilst Sam and Kim cover Playa Blanca. Thank you guys, this has taken a heavy burden off my knees and I am, as is the club delighted in the dedication that you all show.

Bar Arenas and many others in Playa Blanca have our posters kindly put up by Sam and Kim.

I would like to thank Nigel Busby for once again informing me of my many errors when writing reports, updates, etc. The poor lad sends me an apologetic text so I won’t be offended informing me of my mistake(s). I hugely appreciate it Nigel.

There are so many people to thank including the sponsors, all who donate for the raffles and our superb photographer Chus Romero whose standard of photos is improving year on year.

I wish to thank our club president Juan Carlos Albuixech and all of the clubs directors for their passion, hard work and determination in their endless fight for promotion. I am confident that the club is in good hands especially with the incredible amount of work from the clubs general manager César Saavedra. If anybody has any doubt of passion that leads this club then I urge you to spend a week with this man, he, along with his wife Davinia are the engine of UD Lanzarote.

Winners Iain and Della of one of the Gran Rifa prizes being congratulated by the clubs general manager César Saavedra and President Juan Carlos Albuixech.

It would be impossible for me to dedicate so much time to the club if it wasn’t for our customers that visit our shop in Costa Teguise or the market stall in Teguise every Sunday morning to buy club merchandise, so to all of you, thanks. My wife Anna is usually in the shop and most people think that she is the lady that just sells the shirts but I couldn’t even begin to describe the work she puts in bringing every product to fruition.

Our shop in Costa Teguise is at CC Nautical, Local 25 (behind Café Oppa) and 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 Teguise market will be open every Sunday from 9.30am to 2pm.

Keeper Ruyman outside our shop in Costa Teguise.

Finally the heart of a football club is its fans and UD Lanzarote is fortunate to have the biggest following in the league, home and away. On behalf of all at the club we would like to thank everyone who comes to the matches, all our overseas supporters and a special thank you to those few who every year will buy their Goldcard especially from Overseas or that become members (socios). You guys must dread that email coming through normally in August asking if you will continue your membership. I will be in touch.

The Trifulka fan club are passionate about their club and those of you that don’t know them they are the noisy ones on the end. They sing from start to finish and create the atmosphere within the stadium. On occasions the other side of the stand is quieter but that is understandable as there are holidaymakers just wishing to see the match and sometimes people just want to enjoy the spectacle without the noise. It’s great when members of the Trifulka pass by and encourage others to clap, cheer and sing. Keep it up guys as we need every type of supporter.

Members of the Trifulka fan club celebrating with the players.

The 2024/25 season is likely to start early September but as most of you know the Spanish Football Federation only release the fixtures a few weeks before the start of the season. This is frustrating as so many people want to plan their trip around a match but as soon as the fixtures are released I will post them on Facebook, Lanzarote football club and the website www.lanzarotefootball.com. Season tickets will be available in August.

I hope that you all have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you all at the beginning of the 2024/25 season.

Ian

The post A  REVIEW OF SEASON 2023/24 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Argentine was brought into the club from Las Palmas in January following the departure of Leonel “Pipa” Gancedo.

He shared the duties of coach alongside Sergio Hernández and helped the club reach second position and also qualify for the Copa Del Rey.

The club wish to express their thanks in the professional manner he took on the role during a difficult time and wish him all the best for the future and have left the door open for him.

On a personal note Nazareno always had time to discuss issues and he has been a gentleman throughout his time on the island and he was particulary impressed with the huge following of foreign supporters.

I am sure that on behalf of all UD Lanzarote fans we wish you the very best for the future.

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Pepe Corujo´s men have reached the final and play their first leg away in Fuerteventura versus SD Villaverde this Sunday 9th at 12 noon with the return leg on Saturday 15^th at the football pitch in Altavista (opposite Spar “Agapito Reyes”) at 12 noon.

Unfortunately our home stadium Ciudad Deportiva is preparing for a concert but Altavista is easy to find and a great little stadium. Entrance will be 5 Euros on Saturday 15th at 12 noon.

The club is hoping for many fans to come and support the lads in their hour of need. If they can win promotion they would only be one league lower than the first team and by playing at a higher standard would make it much easier for those players to make the step up into the first team.

The post B TEAM IN TWO LEG PLAYOFF FINAL appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The visitors levelled the aggregate score midway through the first half but Lanzarote had countless opportunities to level on the night but the CD Tite goalkeeper made several tremendous saves.

Many of the first teams players and coaching staff were there cheering on the reserves.

Rojillos B Manager Pepe Corujo can be proud of his side over the two legs and will now look forward to a two legged final versus the champions of Fuerteventura.

It is extremely important for our B team to win promotion to Regional Preferente (sixth tier) as they would face sides that were relegated from the first teams division this season.

Promotion would mean playing better quality football and travelling within the islands which will obviously put the players in a better standing to gain a first team spot.

When the draw for the final is made we will post the dates.

The post FINAL SCORE (semi final 2nd leg playoff) UD Lanzarote B 0 CD Tite 1 (agg 1-1) appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

As the 2500 fans entered the stadium you could feel an air of optimism with many believing that this match was a formality and we already had one foot in the semi final. Lanzarote finished a massive 20 points clear of their rivals in the league but on a one off match of such importance that is nothing but a statistic as Man Utd proved the day before.

In the early stages of the match it was expected that the Rojillos would be in search of a killer goal but on the contrary it was the Gran Canarian side looking the more dangerous. In the 27^th minute a cross from the right by Raúl Sosa was headed by Ale Gemelo and forced Rojillos keeper Ruyman into an excellent save low to his left. Only a couple of minutes later Ruyman desperately saved the ball on the goal line as his team mates failed to gel.

Lanzarote did offer one moment in the first half. Striker Canillas shrugged off his defender and as he was about to strike at goal it did appear that he was pulled back and there were big shouts for a penalty but those shouts fell on deaf ears.

The Rojillos came out for the second half and looked a much better side but that only lasted for about ten minutes as the visitors held firm and once again began to impose their authority. On the hour mark a free kick from the right was headed powerfully downwards and Ruyman just managed to get his fingertips onto the ball brushing it onto the post and away to safety.

Around 2500 fans inside Ciudad Deportiva most of whom left disappointed.

Captain Ayoze Pérez and Javi Martín were both brought on and this began to give the Rojillos some creativity. Lanzarote had a wonderful chance to snatch the lead when defender Guize found himself on a one on one with the keeper, his chip beat the advancing goalkeeper but unfortunately went into the side netting, in hindsight a square pass would have found Ismael Traoré in acres of space and staring at an empty net.

The 90 minutes were up and 30 minutes of extra time were to be played. The visitors knew they had to score because if the scores would remain level then Lanzarote would advance into the semis because of finishing the league season in a higher position.

The fans had only just settled into their seats for the beginning of extra time and in under a minute San Mateo striker Ale Gemelo fired in an excellent low hard drive across the face of the goal and Cristian Padrón was at hand at the far post for a simple tap in to score a priceless goal for his side.

With four minutes remaining in the first half of extra time the visitors were reduced to 10 men as Ale Gemelo picked up his second yellow card. Lanzarote were dominant but could not open the Gran Canarian defence.

Late on and with every fan out of their seat willing the ball to somehow cross the line the Rojillos had two great chances. In the 117^th minute winger Santi Rosa hit an effort on the right from 12 yards that shaved the post then in the final seconds the ball fell to Ayoze Pérez from a corner kick and the 37 year old got his strike in but the keeper again saved low at his right hand post.

Congratulations to CF P.P. San Mateo for their deserved victory.

As the ref blew for full time Lanzarote´s season had come to an end falling in the first round of the playoffs for the second successive season losing on aggregate both times 1-2. There can be little complaints as San Mateo deserved the win.

GOALS

0-1 min 91 Cristian Padrón.

The post PLAYOFF ¼ FINAL 2nd LEG, LANZAROTE   0   CF P.P. SAN MATEO 1 aet (aggregate 1-2) appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The first leg in Gran Canaria finished 1-1 which means Lanzarote do hold an advantage. If the match finished in a draw after extra time then the Rojillos would progress into the semi final because they finished the league in a higher position. Penalties would only come into play in the Gran Final.

Lanzarote will not be taking anything for granted on Sunday as memories of a match several years ago at home versus CD Mensajero will come flooding back. The Rojillos only needed a draw to qualify for the playoffs at home and lost 0-1.

Once again it is very likely to be a well attended match though tickets can be bought on the day with the doors opening at 10am so to avoid any queues be there by 10.30am for the 11.30am kick off. Tickets can be bought prior to the match in our shop in Costa Teguise at CC Nautical, Local 25 though our hours are Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm.

In Puerto Del Carmen tickets are available every evening with David at The Irish Harbour Bar or Brendan at Dicey Rileys both in the Old Town. Please pay at the shop or at the bars in cash as the money goes directly to the club. You can pay for the tickets with Davinia at the club in Arrecife on Friday 24th at 10am to 12 and again at 6-8pm.

Adult tickets are 13 Euros (residents 10 Euros), Season ticket holders, club members and resident pensioners, the cost is 7 Euros. Goldcard members have every match included and all children under 16 years of age are admitted free of charge. It’s much quicker if you can pay with cash and correct change would be a bonus. Be early!

Prior to kick off local handball team LandBit Lanzarote will be presented to the home fans after winning promotion to the second tier of National Handball. It is a huge achievement for the local team in such a popular sport within Spain.

At half time the club will honour some of the people who have given up their time to help the club this season. Please give the handball team and the helpers a huge cheer and a big round of applause.

VAMOS ZAROTE!!!

The post LANZAROTE AT HOME THIS SUNDAY (26th May) AT 11.30am IN PLAYOFF SECOND LEG appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Tickets for this match are now available from the merchandise shop in Costa Teguise at CC Nautical, Local 25 (up from Decades Bar and behind Café Oppa) open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and also Wednesdays 5-7pm.

In Puerto Del Carmen pop in any evening to see David at The Irish Harbour Bar or Brendan at Dicey Rileys both in the Old Town as they have tickets for sale from Tuesday. Please pay for the tickets at the shop or bars in cash.

The club office at Calle El Isleño 4 is open Monday to Friday from 10am-12 noon and again from 6-8pm and you can pay for tickets with either cash or card.

Tickets will also be available from the ticket booth on match day from 10am. Be early and if possible pay in cash with correct change and it’s done in seconds though credit card payments are available.

PRICES

Adults 13 Euros (Residents 10 Euros)

Pensioners 10 Euros (Resident Pensioners, club members and season ticket holders 7 Euros). Must show season ticket or club membership.

Goldcard members and children under 16 years are admitted free of charge.

The Rojillos drew the first leg 1-1 and do hold the advantage because if the match ends in a draw after extra time there will not be penalties, Lanzarote would go through because of their higher league position finish.

Lanzarote will not assume passage into the semi final as last season they fell at this hurdle after finishing second whilst their opposition finished fifth. The club ask all their fans to come out in force and cheer their team into the semi finals.

The post TICKETS FOR SUNDAYS (26th May) HOME PLAYOFF AVAILABLE NOW (1/4 Final second leg agg 1-1) appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote took a 0-1 lead in the 28th minute when a powerful swerving strke from Ale Fuentes that flew in off the post from 20 yards.

The Gran Canarian side are looking for a quick return to fourth tier football levelled just after the hour mark.

Lanzarote finished the stronger side and had a couple of chances to regain the lead through Guize and Santi Rosa but the matched ended one a piece.

The return leg will be next Sunday 26th May at 11.30am at home in Ciudad Deportiva.

On Monday I will post where to buy the tickets and the cost.

GOALS

0-1 min 28 Ale Fuentes

1-1 min 62 Ramirez

The post PLAYOFF ¼ FINAL 1st Leg appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The return leg at home has been confirmed for Sunday 26th May at 11.30am. Pay on the door.

Lanzarote have been in good form unbeaten in their last six matches, winning five of those and have only lost three matches all season however their last defeat were to these opponents (2-1) on the 28^th March.

The post LANZAROTE AWAY SATURDAY 18th MAY IN PLAYOFF 1st Leg appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote had the best of the first half however it was the southerners that hit the woodwork.

In the second half Yaiza pressed but were met with a solid and well oiled defensive unit.

As the final whistle blew the 2500 mainly Rojillo supporters drew a sigh of relief then celebrations broke out as they will all evening.

Next Saturday Lanzarote will be in Las Palmas to face fifth placed side CF P.P. San Mateo at 11.30am in the first round, first leg tie of the playoffs.

The post LANZAROTE   0   U.S. YAIZA   0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.