Arona Tenerife Guanches Reach Historic First Elite League Playoff Appearance

Arona Tenerife Guanches have completed a remarkable turnaround this season. Just a year ago, the club was on the brink of disaster, but they have since transformed into a top-tier contender. This weekend, the team reaches a historic milestone: their first-ever appearance in the Elite League title playoffs, following a second-place finish in the regular season. This success is the direct result of a major squad overhaul designed to boost both their competitive edge and mental toughness.

The team, led by Asier Gayoso, faces Rubí Cent Patins in the opening round—a rival they are eager to beat after being knocked out of the Copa del Rey earlier this year. The best-of-three series kicks off this Saturday at 7:00 PM. The Guanches hold home-court advantage, with the second game scheduled for May 2nd at 6:00 PM and a potential tie-breaker on May 3rd at 12:00 PM, both at the Las Galletas pavilion.

The path to the title is dominated by Molina Sport. The Gran Canarian side enjoyed a perfect regular season and is the clear favorite, having already defeated Cent Patins in the cup final. However, the Guanches have proven to be the only team capable of challenging them, and the mood in the Tenerife locker room remains optimistic.

A recent loss to bottom-ranked Castellón served as a wake-up call for the squad. While logistical issues and a lack of focus contributed to the defeat, the team views it as a necessary reminder that total concentration is required during these high-stakes matches.

For coach and player Asier Gayoso, the goal is more than just making the playoffs. To reach a potential final against Molina Sport—who must first get past Espanya HC—the team knows they must handle the pressure of this unprecedented stage. Having narrowly avoided relegation last season thanks to a last-minute goal by Eric Baldwin, the squad has developed the resilience needed to face this final challenge with confidence.