Second division, week 36

The Sunday lunchtime promotion battle between leaders Numancia and fourth placed Sporting Gijón ended 1-1, leaving the top five sides only separated by three points with six games to go. Recreativo Huelva failed to join the leading group when they were beaten 1-0 by Xerez later in the day, and they have almost been caught up by Cádiz, 0-1 winners at Eibar. Elsewhere two goals by Juanma enabled Málaga B to come back from two down at Elche and win 2-3, taking them away from the relegation spots. The other two matches involving sides fighting to avoid the drop ended without goals, Leganés drawing 0-0 with Almería at midday and Poli Ejido ending with the same score against bottom club Algeciras. (09.05.04)

The promotion spots were thrown wide open once again after Levante and Alavés could only draw their respective matches on Saturday evening. Two goals from Rivera gave joint leaders Levante an early lead against Córdoba, but the Andalucians came back to level at 2-2 and could have taken away the three points in the end. Alavés meanwhile were held to a 0-0 draw at Terrassa, and they could be out of the top three again if Sporting can win at Numancia on Sunday. Getafe took advantage to close to within a point of the promotion spots after coming from behind to beat neighbours Rayo Vallecano 1-2. Rayo sink further into the relegation zone as a result, and they have now been caught by Las Palmas, who could only draw 1-1 against Salamanca. The other Canary Island side Tenerife are pulling away from the danger spots though, and they beat Ciudad Murcia 2-3 for their first away win of the season. (08.05.04)