Second division, day 18

Pontevedra and Racing Ferrol drew their Galician derby 1-1 on Thursday night, leaving the home side without a win at the Pasarón stadium all season. They were however able to save what was only their third point in twelve games thanks to a Javi Rodríguez penalty near the end after Bermejo had given the visitors the lead a few minutes earlier. (23.12.04)

Leaders Cádiz were unable to make it eight wins in a row after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Ciudad Murcia. It was a good start for local manager Julián Rubio, who took over from Miguel Alvarez on Monday. Alavés closed the gap at the top to two points after beating bottom club Córdoba 1-2, Rubén Navarro getting the winner just a minute after the restart after a Sarriegui own goal had levelled Bodipo's early strike. And Elche will be spending the Christmas break in the top three after beating Poli Ejido 3-1 with two goals from Nino and one from Alfredo, the result enough to take them above Eibar on goal difference.

Celta Vigo and Valladolid are hovering just a point outside of the top three though after winning their respective matches. Celta trounced Terrassa 1-4 with goals from Canobbio, José Ignacio, Juan Sánchez and Jandro to move up to fifth. And Valladolid beat local rivals Salamanca 3-2 despite playing all the second half with ten men, veteran striker Víctor coming on to get the winner near the end. Meanwhile the other side who were relegated last season, Real Murcia, kept their hopes of salvation alive with a 0-1 victory at Xerez, Cuadrado getting the only goal midway through the first half.

Nàstic extended their unbeaten run to eight games after drawing 1-1 at Almería, and the Catalans are now seventh in the table. Both goals came within two minutes of each other at the end of the first half, Acasiete heading the home side into the lead and Alfonso equalising straight away. Lleida lost ground on the leaders though after they were beaten 0-2 by Sporting Gijón, Ismael and Samuel (from the penalty spot) getting the goals before the break. And Tenerife were held to a 1-1 draw by Málaga B in the last match on Wednesday evening. Pontevedra and Racing Ferrol play their Galician derby match on Thursday. (22.12.04)

Only one game was brought forward to Tuesday, third place Eibar losing 1-2 to Recreativo to make it five games now without a win. Fagoaga put the Basques ahead in the first half, but Uche equalised after the restart and Viqueira got the winner with an injury time free kick, beating makeshift keeper Manuel who had to take over in goal after Iraizoz was sent off. Recre move up five places in the table pending the rest of the games. (21.12.04)