In a thrilling match on March 23, 2025, CD Tenerife secured a vital 2-1 victory against Cádiz CF at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium. The game was part of the thirty-second round of the Segunda División, and both teams were eager for points to advance their standings.
The first half saw an unexpected turn when Rubén Alcaraz of Cádiz inadvertently put Tenerife ahead with an own goal in the 25th minute, heading the ball into his net from a free kick delivered by Luismi Cruz. This misfortune gave the home team a crucial lead early on, despite the match not featuring many clear scoring opportunities.
The visitors struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and ended up trailing at halftime. The intensity of the game picked up significantly in the second period, as Cádiz made significant adjustments to their lineup and strategy, attempting to showcase a stronger attacking front. Coach Gaizka Garitano's changes included bringing in Carlos Fernández and Óscar Melendo, which visibly boosted their performance.
Just when it seemed like Cádiz would capitalize on their improved gameplay, Álex Fernández scored the equalizer for the visitors in the 78th minute. After Javi Ontiveros was fouled in the penalty area by Aitor Sanz, the referee awarded Cádiz a penalty kick. Álex Fernández converted it, evening the score and reigniting hope for Cádiz fans.
However, the excitement didn’t last long for Cádiz as Enric Gallego quickly restored Tenerife’s advantage. In the 84th minute, he scored from close range with an assist from Waldo Rubio, bringing the score to 2-1.
The final minutes featured intensified action as Cádiz pushed hard for another equalizer. Notably, Victor Chust had a chance but missed high with a shot from outside the area in the 90+6 minute. Meanwhile, their efforts failed to translate into goals, and Tenerife held on to secure an important three points.
With this victory, Tenerife continues to dream of salvation in the league, while Cádiz's defeat means they remain distant from the playoff positions, trailing seven points behind. They missed an invaluable opportunity given their competitors' earlier defeats.
Both teams exhibited resilience and determination throughout the match, but Tenerife's ability to capitalize on key moments and Cádiz's defensive lapses determined the outcome. This match not only highlighted individual player performances but also showcased the emotional stakes for teams fighting for survival and promotion.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to reassess their strategies moving forward, particularly Cádiz, which will be looking to reclaim lost ground in the playoffs. For now, Tenerife celebrates a much-needed triumph that keeps their hopes alive.
