Unionistas de Salamanca have proven to be a tough opponent for Tenerife, as they secured another victory over them. After winning at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López, they repeated the feat at the Reina Sofía. In the dying moments, the visitors protested a penalty not awarded to Chapela.
Mounir, Vadik, and De la Nava were the new faces in Mario Simón’s starting lineup, while Cervera made more changes than expected, introducing up to seven alterations, notably giving Antal and Fran Sabina their first league starts.
The home side took an early lead when a cross from Mounir deflected off César and ended up in the net, catching Gabri de Vuyst off guard. The islanders tried to respond, but the second goal seemed closer than an equalizer when Jota missed his shot in the 11th minute.
Each Salamanca attack posed a serious threat to Tenerife’s hesitant defense. Gradually, the game evened out, and Juanjo had a good chance in the 25th minute but shot high from inside the box. Jota also squandered a golden opportunity in the 29th minute.
Maikel tried his luck from long range in the 32nd minute, but goalkeeper Marco saved comfortably. Tenerife improved and equalized just before halftime: a counterattack led by César ended with the full-back scoring a quality goal. Fran Sabina then had a chance to make it 1-2 with a backheel, but it was cleared off the line.
In the second half, the match became more balanced with fewer clear-cut chances. Only a tame shot that Gabri collected easily and a strike from Maikel that Marco held securely stood out. However, it was Olmedo who found the net with a well-placed shot to the far post, making it 2-1.
The blue-and-whites (wearing red this time) struggled to react, despite a triple substitution by Cervera in search of an equalizer. A double save from Gabri in the 81st minute prevented Unionistas from extending their lead.
Balde, one of Tenerife’s impact substitutes, created a good opportunity but failed to finish. In stoppage time, Iván Chapela was fouled in the area, but the referee did not deem it a penalty. Tenerife asked for a VAR review, but Pablo Morales stuck with his decision, ending their last chance to avoid a second away defeat.
