In the 1996–97 season, CD Tenerife failed to improve on the previous season's fifth-place finish, although they made up for the league disappointment by reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals.

Tenerife scored 69 goals in the league and could have possibly finished higher were it not for their leaky defence, which conceded more goals than all but five of the La Liga teams not relegated during the season.

At the end of the season, manager Jupp Heynckes left to join incumbent champions Real Madrid; his assistant, Ewald Lienen, also left to manage Hansa Rostock.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.