Second division, day 40

Recreativo will join Nàstic in the first division next season after a convincing 0-3 win at Numancia on Sunday lunchtime. Mateo, Viqueira and Gastón Casas got the goals to take the Andalusians back just two years after they were relegated. The third promotion spot is still wide open though after Levante and Lorca both failed to win. Levante were trailing at bottom club Eibar right up until the second minute of injury time, when Diego Camacho scrambled in an equaliser to make it 1-1. And Lorca threw away an early lead to lose 1-2 against Lleida, late strikes from Jacobo and Bilic turning the result around after Maldonado's second minute strike. Levante and Lorca play next weekend, with Ciudad Murcia waiting in the wings.

Lleida's win keeps them on track for an amazing escape act, and they are now only two points behind Castellón after Pepe Moré's side were held to a 2-2 draw by Málaga B. The Catalans have a difficult end to the season though, with games against Almería, who still have a mathematical chance of going up after coming from two down to beat Castilla 3-2, and Levante. Poli Ejido seem to be safe after a 0-1 win against a disappointing Valladolid, and Hércules are also just about sure of staying up following a 2-1 victory against Albacete.

The first games of the second division B promotion play-offs also took place this weekend, with Las Palmas getting off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad B, and Salamanca putting one foot in their group final after beating Gramanet 2-3 away. (04.06.06)

Nàstic are the first side to ensure their place in the first division after holding Xerez to a 0-0 draw. The Catalans won promotion for the first time in 56 years, and they could be followed by Recreativo if they can beat Numancia tomorrow. The third place is still up for grabs though, and Ciudad Murcia put in their claim with a 1-0 win over city rivals Real Murcia, Falcón getting the only goal in the last minute. Meanwhile Sporting Gijón beat already relegated Racing Ferrol 3-1 with two from Biagini to make sure they stay up, and Tenerife inched further away from the danger zone with a 0-0 draw against Elche. (03.06.06)