Every year I receive dozens of emails and messages asking the same question: “When are the fixtures released?” The answer is usually late July or early August. It is frustrating that the Federation leaves it so late. I’m sure they don’t realise that many Rojillo fans, along with supporters of other clubs, try to plan their holidays around attending matches.

Training will probably begin at the end of July, with the first league match of the season usually taking place during the first week of September. Before then, there will be friendlies, pre-season tournaments, and the popular Open Beach Training Session, where children have the opportunity to train alongside the UD Lanzarote squad. No dates have been confirmed yet, but as soon as they are, I will share the details.

RENEWALS

The club has secured three of its four captains for the 2026/27 season.

First to renew was last season’s Player of the Year, goalkeeper Ruymán. At 38 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and, like a fine wine, seems to improve with age.

Ruymán

Club captain Raúl Fernández has also committed his future to the club, extending his stay for a remarkable 13th season. The 31-year-old may be a man of few words, but he is a giant at the heart of the defence. I have yet to hear anyone say a bad word about him. What you see is exactly what you get: strength, passion, and an unwavering love for his club.

Captain Raúl.

Defender Alex Cruz is the third captain to renew. Alex suffered several injuries last season which prevented him from reaching his best form, but his commitment to the club has never been in doubt. Just a couple of seasons ago, the now 29-year-old was voted the league’s best player.

Alex Cruz

The only captain yet to renew is goalkeeper Alejandro. As many Rojillo fans know, the 36-year-old suffered a serious knee injury a season and a half ago. He made a brief return before unfortunately suffering another long-term setback, causing him to miss the entirety of last season.

The good news is that his recovery from surgery earlier this year is progressing extremely well. Later this month, he will travel to Las Palmas to meet with the specialist who will give a final assessment of his condition.

Alejandro with my wife Anna at the Bingo event that he largely organised.

Alejandro is far more than just a captain. He organises events such as the club’s popular Bingo evenings, which are both great fun and an important source of revenue. He is also heavily involved in securing sponsorship from local businesses. Alejandro is truly the heart of the club, and it is difficult to imagine UD Lanzarote without him. On behalf of all Rojillo supporters, we wish him the very best with his recovery and look forward to seeing him wear the goalkeeper’s shirt once again.

Midfielder Javi Martín was the fourth player to renew his contract, extending his stay for a fifth consecutive season. The 28-year-old remains a firm fans’ favourite thanks to his elegant style of play and remarkable composure on the ball. Javi has also captained the side whenever the other captains have been unavailable.

Javi Martín.

The fifth renewal, for now, is the charismatic winger Nadjib. The 30-year-old was in outstanding form during the first half of last season, helping the club climb to second place heading into the New Year. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined him for several months, and the team’s form noticeably suffered during his absence. A fully fit Nadjib is a valuable asset to any side in this division.

Nadjib

NEW SIGNINGS

The club is delighted to welcome 23-year-old local striker Aco Hernández.

Despite his age, Aco already possesses considerable experience at this level. He is also well known to new manager Juan Antonio Machín and arrives with an impressive goalscoring record, having netted 12 goals for Yaiza last season. The new Rojillo frontman will undoubtedly add firepower to the squad.

Aco Hernández.

The second new signing is 24-year-old Oliver Viera, who came through the academy system of UD Las Palmas. An attack-minded left wing-back, Oliver has represented several clubs, including UD Las Palmas Atlético, CF Panadería Pulido San Mateo, and most recently UD Villa Santa Brígida.

Last season, he started 29 of the 30 matches he played, demonstrating both consistency and reliability. Although still young, he already has plenty of experience at this level and should prove to be an excellent addition to the squad.

Oliver Viera

If you would like to keep up with the latest news from the club, visit the official UD Lanzarote Facebook page. I will continue to provide updates every few weeks here as developments unfold.

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The UD Lanzarote board of directors were looking, if possible, for a local replacement and someone with experience.

Juan Antonio Machín fits those requirements perfectly and will guide UD Lanzarote as manager for the 2026/27 season.

Rojillos new manager Juan Antonio Machín.

I’m sure on behalf of all Rojillo fans we wish to thank Ángel for his hard work and wish him nothing but the very best on his next venture.

Congratulations to the new Mister Juan Antonio Machín whom I know has always held affection for UD Lanzarote and wish him success for the season ahead.

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Carlos Maño from the supporter’s club Trifulka presented Ruymán, one of Lanzarote´s four captains the memento whilst Club President Juan Carlos Albuixech gave his keeper a signed shirt from everyone involved in the club.

Ruymán was substituted in the 15th minute to give youngster Aythami his first taste of football in the fifth tier.

Ruymán is often the unsung hero and people tend to forget about saves but goals stay long in the memory. I believe that fans voted for him, not only for this season but he has deserved this award because of his form in previous seasons.

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The Rojillos have had little to play for over the last few matches but teams they have been up against were playing for a playoff spot so Lanzarote raised their game and had produced some good performances.

Both of these teams, no matter the result were going to finish mid table so the result pretty much sums up the contest.

The highlight of the day was goalkeeper Ruymán receiving his player of the season award from ex Rojillo player Pedro Cruz.

Congratulations to CD Atlético Paso who could only manage a 1-1 draw against relegated CD Herbania, however with UD San Fernando unable to win their match this made Atlético Paso champions and they are automatically promoted to RFEF 2 (fourth tier). Very well deserved.

Lanzarote´s four captains. The team gave Alex Cruz his newly born daughter Gia her very first football shirt.

Best of luck to all the teams in the playoffs and best wishes to those four teams who have been relegated.

In football there is always next season.

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As a mark of respect and appreciation the club wish to continue recognising ex-players who helped shape the proud history of UD Lanzarote by inviting them to present the award.

Pedro Cruz still a regular supporter at Lanzarote´s matches.

In recent seasons players such as Maciot, Vladi and Rosmen have all been acknowledged and this Sunday Pedro Cruz will do the honours.

Pedro was part of the first side that won promotion to Spain’s Segunda B (Third Tier) back in the late 90s. He also played in three of Lanzarote´s Copa del Rey classic matches.

The first of those was a remarkable 5-1 win versus Primera Liga side CD Tenerife. This was followed by Lanzarote’s most famous match ever when the Rojillos hosted Giants Real Madrid.

Number 4 Pedro with his eyes on Real´s Munitis

The Galacticos included probably the world’s best two players at that time, Zidane and Figo, others included Guti, Makele, Geremi and McManaman.

After going 0-1 down the Rojillos levelled through Vladi in the 41st minute and Pedro Cruz and his teammates went into the break with arguably the world’s best side with the score even at 1-1. Eventually Lanzarote succumbed to a 1-3 defeat.

In 2002 coach Luis Aragones brought his Atlético Madrid team to Ciudad Deportiva. Pedro captained the side and earned his team an early penalty as Lanzarote took a shock 1-0 lead.

A young Fernando Torres levelled also from the spot before the break. Atlético went on to secure a late 1-2 win.

Please show your appreciation to both Pedro and this season’s “Nina Gil” UD Lanzarote player of the season, goalkeeper Ruymán Fernández this Sunday just before kick off.

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Doors will open at 11am and simply pay on the door. If you wish to avoid any queues then match tickets are also available from our merchandise shop in Costa Teguise at CC Nautical, Local 25, The shop is open  Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and also on Wednesday 5-7pm.

Adults 10 Euros, Pensioners 8 Euros and all children 15 years or under are admitted free of charge (discounts for residents with I.D.) Cash preferred as quicker. Refreshments and club merchandise available inside the stadium on match days.

It looks as though there will be a terrific atmosphere at Sundays match with the supporter’s club Trifulka expected to be out in force for one last time so it should be noisy. Prior to the kick off, the presentation will be made to goalkeeper Ruymán Fernández for winning player of the season which can only add to the festivities.

Our Tenerife visitors are in 10^th spot and a win would see them go above Lanzarote on head-to-head meetings though they have been in dreadful form of late.

Lanzarote are in 8^th position and that’s as good as it can get after a disappointing second half of the season but their home form has been excellent with 11 wins, 4 draws and a single defeat.

At the top of the table there are two sides on level points but only one team will achieve automatic promotion. Club Atlético Paso have the advantage over head-to-head so UD San Fernando must hope that they can drop points against CD Herbania who must win f they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation.

Come and say farewell to season 2025/26 in Arrecife this Sunday.

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In the 7th minute great work on the right wing from Nadjib fed Nami on the far post who then pulled the ball back for Ale Fuentes to have a free strike from 8 yards but unfortunately, he sliced his shot and missed a great opportunity to give his side the lead.

The Batateros (Sweet potato farmers) controversially took the lead in the 16th minute from a corner kick. It looked as though Rojillos midfielder Dani González was pushed as he inadvertently headed the ball into his own net to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote enjoyed most of the possession and created the better chances with Nami hitting the side netting and a 25-yard strike from Pablo forced Agoney into a full stretch diving save but the locals went into the break with the 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote kept pressing and got their reward in the 53rd minute. Nami forever running down the channels was found with a clever pass from Pablo and from 10 yards blasted the ball into the top left corner to level at 1-1.

Nami, scorer of the Rojillos goal.

Tackles were flying in left, right and centre and the officials had difficulty controlling the passion of the players.

At the end of the match some San Bartolomé fans were insulting some of Lanzarote’s technical team and things began to boil over but thankfully it was brought under control.

With this point San Bartolomé have their destiny in their own hands for next week’s final match.

Lanzarote’s final game of the season is at home on Sunday May 10th versus Real Unión de Tenerife at 12 noon.

GOALS

1-0 min 16 (own goal Dani)

1-1 min 52 Nami

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The Pedro Espinosa “Colon” stadium will open its doors at 10.30am as it is expected to be a full house so it’s advisable to arrive early. Entrance is 6 Euros.

San Bartolomé have struggled this season and have been in and out of the relegation positions the whole campaign. With two matches remaining they are one position and one point out of the drop zone but are unbeaten in their last four outings and have notched up 8 priceless points.

The Rojillos are also unbeaten in their last four matches and will have no sympathy for the plight of the Batateros (Sweet potato farmers) as they play for their pride and want to end their season on a high.

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Lanzarote went 1-0 down midway through the first half and to be fair were holding on until halftime.

Ruymán captain in the absence of the injured Raúl.

The second half began with the Gran Canarian team on top but little by little Lanzarote fought their way back into the match.

Rojillos manager Ángel López brought on Nadjib, Pablo, Fuentes and Moha and you could feel the nerves take hold with Tamaraceite.

Deep into stoppage time Lanzarote got what they deserved when Moha smashed the ball in from eight yards.

Tensions flowed at the end of the match with Tamaraceite players chasing the Rojillo players into their dressing room.

Despite this Tamaraceite remain in third spot and are all but assured a playoff finish.

Lanzarote remain in eighth after this spirited display and next Sunday 3rd May play the local Derby match away in San Bartolomé at 12 noon.

GOALS

1-0 min 30 Rivero

1-1 min 90+5 Moha

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Goalkeeper Ruymán Fernández is UD Lanzarote´s Player of the Season 2025/26 as voted for by the fans. Ruymán is one of the clubs four captains and anyone that knows him understands his love and desire for the club. Over the past few years Ruymán and his fellow goalkeeper and friend Alejandro have always had their fair share of the votes and it is wonderful to see that the Rojillo fans have recognised this and awarded him the honour of winning the trophy.

The fans Player of the Season Ruymán Fernández.

UD Lanzarote President Juan Carlos Albuixech informed Ruymán today on his 38^th birthday that he was voted player of the season and as expected he was delighted.

Ruymán will have the honour of being presented the “Nina Gil” trophy on the pitch at the final home league game of the season versus Real Unión Tenerife on May 10^th by UD Lanzarote legend Pedro Cruz.

 UD Lanzarote´s second most voted player is last season’s winner, captain Raúl Fernández. Raúl is a quiet man and just does his no nonsense talking on the pitch. I cannot remember a game where he played badly however, he made one mistake in a playoff match a couple of years ago in Gran Canaria which led to a goal.Typically, I sat next to him on the flight home and I was old enough and wise enough to not utter a word, his expression told me everything.

Second place goes to Captain Raúl Fernández who was last seasons winner.

Third place goes to Javi Martín. Last season Javi was voted in fifth place but this season he has cemented third spot and I’m sure that he will want to continue the climb next season. Normally a midfielder but for parts of this campaign due to injuries he has played centre back and has excelled. He has brought that elegance and vision he possesses to the defence and in an instant, he can turn defence into attack with one of his trademark passes.

Midfielder Javi Martín in third place.

Incredibly four players share fourth spot Adrián Machín, Miguel Gopar, Yeray Tavio and Moha.

These are the top five most voted players for UD Lanzarote this season:

1. Ruymán Fernández (182 points)
2. Raúl Fernández (151)
3. Javi Martín (120)
4. Adrián Machín, Miguel Gopar, Yearay Tavio, Moha (54)

Congratulations to all the players and Happy Birthday to the ¨Nina Gil¨ Player of the Season 2025/26, Ruymán.

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