Second division, day 21

Málaga B and Terrassa drew 0-0 in the last match of day 21 on Monday night. (24.01.05)

Alavés moved to the top of the second division at the midway point of the season, earning themselves the honorary title of winter champions. Dmitri Piterman's team beat Sporting Gijón 1-2 with goals from Rubén Navarro and Quique De Lucas to take them above Cádiz, who were defeated 0-1 by local rivals Xerez earlier in the day. The only goal in that match was scored by Del Pino in the second half, giving new manager Enrique Martín a best possible start. Martín wasn't there to see the end though as he was sent off by the referee for protesting! Celta lost ground on the top three though after they were held 0-0 at home by Lleida. It was not for lack of trying however, visiting keeper Rangel making a string of first class saves and Gustavo López rattling the woodwork.

A scoreless draw too in the match between Real Murcia and Almería, and the two side's respective neighbours Poli Ejido and Ciudad Murcia also shared the points after their match ended 2-2. Elsewhere Salamanca move away from the drop zone after a 2-0 win over struggling Pontevedra, a result which probably saves the job of local manager Felipe Miñambres but which could cost visiting coach José Aurelio Gay his. Málaga B and Terrassa will belatedly round off the weekend's matches when they meet tomorrow night. (23.01.05)

Elche kept up their impressive home record this season with a 3-2 win over Valladolid, a result which ensures they stay in third place for another week at least. Víctor had put the visitors ahead, but goals from Moisés, Raúl Ivars and a Marcos own goal turned the scoreline around. Yosu Uribe's side stay ahead of Eibar on goal difference after the Basque side beat Racing Ferrol 0-1 thanks to a last minute strike from Kike Mateo.

Recreativo Huelva are not out of the promotion chase though, and they won 1-0 against Nàstic to hand the Catalans their first defeat in ten games. The only goal came from Manu del Moral in the first half. And bottom club Córdoba continued their revival after their new look side beat Tenerife 2-0, their second victory in a row since signing ten new players in the winter transfer market. (22.01.05)