UD Salamanca went four points clear at the top of the Spanish Segunda League this evening after edging a thriller against Islanders CD Tenerife.
Arsenal loanee Pedro Botelho shook off an ankle concern on Friday morning but was only named on the bench, Håvard Nordtveit was not involved after playing three times for Norway’s Under 19’s.
Both teams began well, exchanging attacks with some excellent movement as dusk descended over the traditional Spanish ‘party Island’. The opening goal did not take long in arriving, with just 11 minutes on the clock Quique Martín raced through and finished well, his third in two matches.
Salamanca were pushing hard at their hosts, yet it was a swift break which punished the Union. Kome showed enough composure to play Nino in, he finished underneath Alberto for 1-1. Just 4 minutes later Tenerife completed a shock comeback, Nino set up Juanlu for a shot, he lashed into the net to stun UDS.
Kome and Nino could have extended the lead, until Martín’s killer run created the space, a deft cross found Gorka Azkorra, the giant hit-man was on hand to apply the finish.
The stalemate was taken down the tunnel at the break, an exciting second period was promised.
Yellow cards were dished out in abundance as the hour mark approached, the aggressive manner was summed up as Héctor was sent off for fouling Martín in the box. The legendary Spaniard stepped up and wrong footed the stopper to put Salamanca in front. Quique getting his second penalty in as many games, and his 4th in two fixtures.
The traditional change was then made, Botelho replacing the only striker Azkorra. The Brazilian would play left midfield, in his preferred role where he can mix defensive cover, with his fantastic attacking qualities.
A late Tenerife surge was fought off – Botelho in the thick of the defending – his tall frame certainly helping via corners. Salamanca held on to claim the three points, promotion is starting to look like a very real possibility.
Pedro Botelho Played 39 Minutes
Article By – J.Sanderson
how did havard do for norway?
He scored three times and they’re through to the next round I think.
Did they win all three matches?
Know they won 4-2 and 1-0 in the matches Nordtveit scored.
I think Holland and Switzerland took the top two spaces. It’s a shame. Norway had a good team.
Pedro has said this week that he prefers to play left back and doesn´t want to play in the midfield, however I also think he is better in the midfield, he can be a good defender in the future, but needs to learn a lot a first.
Will the reserves match be played on Tuesday or will it be moved cause the CL game are played on the same date?
Did he Javier? where did he say this?. He isn’t showing that in his performances.
Same date I believe. Swegoo.
Yes, he did. He was asked about it after the game against Eibar in which he played in the midfield.
He clearly stated that wants to play left back and prefers to appear in the attack coming from the back.
J.S Just a quick quetion on the Youth Cup, what are the chances of Wilshere and Ramsey playing in it? They are both eligible but are first teamers now.
J.S Just a quick quetion on the Youth Cup, what are the chances of Wilshere and Ramsey playing in it? They are both eligible but are first teamers now.
Wilshere has a slim chance, Ramsey no way. The tournament will be for the Under 18’s/fringe Reserves.
Nice to see Salamanca doing well. It’d be great if Pedro and Nordtveit could taste what its like to be involved in a serious promotion push with a professional side at a decent level, and it looks like they will get that experience this season.
It’d also be great if they go up so future prospects will get to be blooded in La Liga. Although i hope they don’t do too well in the future or our kids will have a hard time getting a game and they might even decide the relationship we have with the club is no longer beneficial. But thats football…