The finger tips of Sergio Aragoneses the CD Tenerife goalkeeper will be stinging for weeks after he pulled off a string of stunning saves to keep the end of season defeat at dealy rivals Las Palmas down to 1-0. This was not a typical blood and thunder derby, Tenerife, already relegated, gave more B team players their chance, the squad that travelled included 10 Canarian born players. Las Palmas were just relieved to have escaped the relegation trap door and the 20,032 crowd was well down on previous match ups.
Nino sat out his game and within 20 minutes regulars Sicilia and Omar were off injured, Jesus and Bruno made their debuts and showed promise for next season. Las Palmas got the benefit of the doubt when Ricardo looked to have fouled just outside the box and Suarez converted the penalty after 26 minutes. Tenerife had lots of chances but their finishing was poor, Juanlu’s free kick at the end of the first half was crying out for a header but it sailed by with a touch from the home keeper pushing it wide of the post.
Sergio opened the second half with a great tip over, Luna let Suarez through for a shot but again Sergio was there to turn it aside. The second penalty was a clear cut case as Prieto made a crude challenge, Josico struck it well but Sergio defied him. More goals seemed inevitable but Sergio kept showing why the club should do all they can to hang on to him, a double save in the 84 th minute included an unsighted stop from an overhead kick – quite superb. Juanlu had the last touch of the game scuffing his shot at the Las Palmas keeper but wounded pride is the least that Tenerife have to reflect on after a disasterous season.
