Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote Fight for Survival Continues

Sol y Futbols Ian Lane reports from Arrecife on UD Lanzarote's fight for survival, which is looking a better prospect now than at any time over the course of the season.

LANZAROTE 3 RACING SANTANDER B 0

15th February 2010

Thirty seven minutes was all it took to blow away the Primera Liga sides B team and to carry on this astonishing turn around of form for U.D. Lanzarote. The opening goal came after only five minutes. Carlitos received the ball near the penalty spot and on the turn cleverly passed the ball into the right hand corner of the net beating the outstretched Racing keeper Pablo and giving his new club a 1-0 lead.

The Rojillos were not content and went in search of a second. In the 14th minute Rubén Rodriguez split his opponents defence with an inch perfect pass and Ayoze Pérez blasted goal bound from 12 yards, the goalkeeper couldn’t hold his stinging shot and Jonathon Torres as ever was there doing what a striker should do and toe poked home giving his side a comfortable 2-0 cushion.

The visitors almost caught Lanzarote off guard in the 24th minute when a quick break saw right winger Uri with a possible one on one with the Rojillos keeper but his first touch let him down and his shot drifted aimlessly across the goal.

The passing and movement from the home side was at times electric and manager Carmelo Hernández was urging his side to put the game to bed before half time. Rubén Rodriguez was having another outstanding game and nutmegged his opponent with a pass to Torres who in turn released Ayoze but his powerful strike went wide hitting the side netting.

Carlitos was proving to be a real handful for the Santander defence and never more so than in the 35th minute when he latched onto a through ball and was brought down inside the area, the Ref immediately ordered a spot kick. The sweet left foot of Rubén Rodriguez sent the keeper the wrong way as he buried the ball into the bottom right hand corner and Lanzarote were flying with a 3-0 lead.

The visitors had a great chance to reduce the deficit five minutes before the break. Uri beat his defender and cut the ball back from the right wing to his centre forward Docal. His strike was powerful and accurate but the Lanzarote keeper Vilches saved brilliantly with his feet making sure his side went into the break with their three goal advantage in tact.

As expected the Rojillos were a little more subdued after the interval though just before the hour mark Lanzarote were presented with four very good chances within the space of ten minutes. Rubén hit the first high over but five minutes later he caught the ball cleanly on the volley and only a fantastic save from Pablo denied his 20 yard strike from going into the top left hand corner.

A minute later and this time Torres was denied from eight yards as the Racing keeper saved well tipping the ball over the bar. Two minutes later and Rubén put through Torres. An accurate chip from 30 yards was all that was needed as the keeper had been caught in no mans land but unfortunately Torres chipped over but well wide.

With 20 minutes remaining Lanzarote decided enough was enough and took off their inspirational captain Vladi who had been carrying a knock then Rubén and Torres were also rewarded with an early shower as the game fizzled out with Lanzarote comfortable winners.

Lanzarote could live to regret not scoring a fourth. Racing beat the Rojillos by the same score line early on this season and should it go down to points and goal difference between the two sides Lanzarote would be relegated. If Lanzarote would have scored four they would have been safe as these are the rules that apply in Spanish football.

The Rojillos form of late has been devastating and over the last seven games they lie second in the form guide only bettered by the runaway leaders and Copa del Rey giant killing experts Alcorcón by a single point. Nevertheless the Rojillos still remain second from bottom but are now just two points from safety.

Next week Lanzarote will travel to the Spanish capital to face sixth placed side Conquense. The Madrid side are also in good form with only one defeat in their last seven outings and are sitting only two points off the play offs.