After nearly a decade absent, the Ciudad de Santa Cruz Trophy is making a comeback. The Club Deportivo Tenerife has announced the revival of this summer tournament, with its first edition dating back to 1971. The inaugural match will take place on July 22nd at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López, pitting the home team against Getafe, a rival that evokes memories of a contentious promotion playoff.
Luis Padilla, author of the centenary book for Club Deportivo Tenerife, recalled on Deportes COPE Tenerife that the trophy's trajectory has been "marked by interruptions." The tournament began in 1971, coinciding with a successful period for the team after their promotion to the Second Division, and was a "great public success" in its first edition.
“"it has had a very intermittent life"
Following a second edition in 1972, the tournament disappeared, experiencing sporadic returns in the 70s and a more recent revival between 2013 and 2016 under the Copa Emmasa format. Throughout its history, the competition has borne various names, such as Chicharro de Oro or Farola del Mar, and has been organized by different entities including the City Council, the Island Council (Cabildo), and Real Unión de Tenerife.
The last edition, held in 2016, saw Tenerife face Getafe, with the home team winning 1-0. However, ten months later, an intense rivalry emerged after a controversial promotion playoff match won by the Madrid-based team, which was characterized by continuous time-wasting tactics from the team then managed by Bordalás.
“"A rivalry was generated that has not died, more for the way of losing than for the defeat itself"
Padilla also commented on the club's decision to charge season ticket holders 10 euros for this match, suggesting it "would be good if it were free for season ticket holders" as a gesture of loyalty.
