CD Tenerife was defeated 1-2 by Getafe in the final of the Santa Cruz City Trophy, which took place after a decade of absence. A goal from Zaid Romero in the 89th minute turned the score around.
CD Tenerife squandered an early lead and ended up surrendering the Santa Cruz City Trophy to Getafe CF, who came back at the last gasp of the match played this Wednesday at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López. Álvaro Cervera's team dominated the first half and went into the break with a goal from Víctor Moreno, but the changes made by the azulones after the interval turned the match around.
The start for the blanquiazules was promising. In the 38th minute, a play orchestrated down the left flank culminated in a cross from Marc Mateu that Pecar flicked on for Víctor Moreno, who scored with a precise shot past Diego Ferrer. The goal unleashed joy among the home fans, who filled the stands of the stadium to witness the return of this summer tournament.
Tenerife had warned earlier with several dangerous approaches. Krdzalic, very active in the first half, tried from distance and forced Ferrer to intervene twice. Noel López also posed a threat down the wing, although he was unsuccessful with the final shot. Cervera's side looked solid at the back and dominated possession against a Getafe side that barely troubled Dani Martín.
However, the script changed after the break with the introduction of six starters by Getafe, including Uche and Satriano. Bordalás's team gained intensity and found the equaliser in the 54th minute. Uche won a penalty that Satriano converted with a shot into the left corner of De Vuyst, who had replaced Dani Martín at half-time.
From then on, the match became more rough and tangled. Getafe resorted to constant fouls to disrupt Tenerife's rhythm, which generated protests from the Heliodoro crowd. Referee Manuel Ángel Pérez booked Uche and Riquelme, but failed to calm the game.
When it seemed everything was heading for extra time, Getafe found the winning goal in the 89th minute. Mario Martín, who had come on in the second half, collected a ball in midfield and tested De Vuyst, who responded with a great stretch to deflect the ball for a corner. From the corner kick, Kiko Femenía delivered the ball into the area, Mario Martín headed it on, and Zaid Romero, alone at the back post, pushed the ball into the net.
The goal sparked celebrations from Getafe and left Tenerife with a bitter taste. The blanquiazul team had done enough to win the trophy, but a lack of accuracy in the final minutes and the visitors' effectiveness decided the match.
For CD Tenerife, this match serves as the first test of the pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 season. Álvaro Cervera gave minutes to all available players, including youth players seeking a spot in the first team. The fans were able to see the first glimpses of the new project, which aims to improve on last season's ninth place in LaLiga Hypermotion.
The Santa Cruz City Trophy returned after a decade of absence, and Tenerife hoped to celebrate it with a victory. However, Getafe, a top-flight team, demonstrated their experience in high-pressure matches. Bordalás's side exploited their strengths to turn the score around and take home the trophy.
Tenerife's next fixture will be on Saturday against Las Palmas in a friendly that is already heating up the Canary derby. Cervera's men will look to regain good feelings and fine-tune their preparations ahead of the league start.
You may also like
