Tenerife B Beat Sanse 2-1, Viti Double Boosts Promotion Hopes

Tenerife B ended the year on a high, securing a crucial win in their final match. In an effective rather than spectacular performance, the reserve team beat second-placed Sanse in Matapiñonera. Viti, in great form, scored both goals, while Sanse struggled to create chances against their opponents. This fifth away victory also puts Tenerife just one win away from the promotion places, should they win their postponed game against Rayo Vallecano B.

Coach Mazinho was boosted by the return of Julen Zubelzu, who partnered Kevin Martel at left centre-back. The captain's reappearance after a month out meant the full-backs could play in their usual roles, adding much-needed stability to Tenerife's defence, which had often struggled without the San Sebastián-born player. Yerover and Dylan once again formed the midfield partnership, while Viti played up front – a successful tactical decision by the coach, as it turned out.

The reserve team approached the game determined to regain confidence and prove themselves. They pressed high up the pitch fearlessly and patiently built their attacks, using safe passes and switching play to keep possession. This frustrated Manolo Sanlúcar's side. Tenerife, despite creating few chances from wide areas, executed their strategy effectively, even with a lack of clear-cut opportunities from open play.

The opening goal came from a distant free-kick. Dylan chose not to shoot directly; instead, Omar delivered the ball into the box for the onrushing Ybarra, who quickly laid it off in the six-yard box. Viti was there to slot home his first goal of the game with a powerful shot across goal, giving Lejárraga no chance. Tenerife held onto their lead until half-time, preparing for the second half.

Sanse, needing to push forward, started the second half with great intensity. Just three minutes in, Álex Blanco – who was playing both as a full-back and an attacking winger – equalised with a shot from the edge of the box that took a deflection, wrong-footing Aragoneses.

Mazinho's team, reverting to their original game plan, sensed an opportunity due to the opposing centre-backs' vulnerability. Five minutes later, Trilla played a direct pass to Viti. In what was arguably the most brilliant moment of the match, Viti controlled the ball and shot with his 'weaker' foot. With Lafarge's marking failing, Viti took a first-time touch with his left foot and unleashed a superb, unstoppable left-footed shot that flew into the top corner.

With still a third of the match remaining, Mazinho made tactical changes, bringing on the versatile Joel Pérez as a false nine ahead of the central midfielders, and refreshing the wingers and striker. These substitutions strengthened the reserve team, who only faced one real threat: a header from Fer Ruiz (78’) that Aragoneses brilliantly saved with an outstretched hand. Later, Adri Toledo (86’) and Marcos Marrero (90+3’) had chances to add to a victory that was already well-deserved by the dominant team.