Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote suffer their second straight away defeat

Mr Lane watches as Lanzarote suffer their second straight away defeat.  The game is still on as the 2nd leg takes place in Arrecife next week.

U.D. ALMANSA 2 LANZAROTE 0
If Lanzarote are to make an immediate return to Segunda B (league 1) they are going to have to do it the hard way. A goal in each half for the Albacete side has left Lanzarote with a difficult, but not impossible task next Sunday morning.


The game began well for the Rojillos with Ayoze going close in the 9th minute and only three minutes later Rosmen forced the Almansa keeper into a fine save, following up was Jonathan Torres but his outstretched foot was inches away from connecting and stabbing home the rebound.

Totally against the run of play the locals went ahead in the 24th minute. A cross from the right wing by Rubén Jurado towards the near post was misjudged by the Lanzarote centre back Acai, his interception only guided the ball into his own net giving Almansa a 1-0 advantage.

The 1700 strong crowd were delighted by their good fortune which helped calm their team’s nerve as they began to look the better of the two sides. Ten minutes later and winger Santi outpaced Rojillos defender Eliot down the left wing. He cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot which the Lanzarote keeper Ruymán was relieved to see hit the post and roll away for a goal kick.

Just before the break striker Meca (brother of ex Lanzarote player Meca) came close with a header as the locals ended the half stronger.

After a good start the Rojillos found themselves a goal down and desperate to find an away goal which count in these play offs should the match end level.

Initially the Rojillos began the second half well but as time went on the home side soaked up the pressure with ease and gradually took control.

Mid may through the second half and Almansa found the goal which gives them breathing space. Winger Rubén Jurado received the ball on the edge of the box and his strike went in off the post putting the locals 2-0 up.

Lanzarote didn’t react well and late on the tie could have been dead and buried. Smelling blood Almansa finished with a flurry with sub Abellán forcing the Lanzarote keeper into a great save.

No doubt next Sunday the Lanzarote faithful will turn up in their droves because to get a result from this, the atmosphere would be electric. The odds are stacked in favour of Almansa. They are their leagues second strongest defence conceding just 25 goals in the 38 matches played. Should they score a goal then Lanzarote would need four due to the away goals rule.

Nevertheless never underestimate the Rojillos in these one match battles because Primera Liga sides such as Athletic Bilbao, Mallorca and Tenerife have all paid the ultimate price in doing so.

Prices will remain the same. 5 Euros Adults, 3 Euros pensioners and Children 15 and under are admitted free.

GOALS

1-0min 24 Acai (own goal)

2-0min 68 Rubén Jurado