Second division, day 41

The last relegation issue was settled today after Lleida lost 3-1 at Almería. The Catalans still had a chance of survival when Bilic equalised Jonathan's early strike, but late goals from Jonathan and Kalu Uche meant that clubs such as Tenerife and Castellón can breath a sigh of relief.

Almería also did a big favour to Levante, who are due to play at the Camp d'Esports next week with the third promotion spot at stake. Mané's side now only need a point to go up after they drew 0-0 with Lorca, and their other close rivals Ciudad Murcia were held to a 2-2 draw at Albacete later in the day.

Meanwhile already promoted Nàstic moved above Recre to the top of the table after drawing 1-1 with Hércules, and Eibar beat Poli Ejido 0-1 to at least try not to finish bottom of the table when the league finishes next weekend.

In the second division B, the four finals will be as follows:

Group A: Sevilla B v Salamanca;
Group B: Linares v Las Palmas;
Group C: Vecindario v Levante B;
Group D: Ponferradina v Alicante.

Matches will be played over two legs during the next two weekends, with the four winners being promoted. (11.06.06)

Tenerife inched away from the relegation spots with a 2-2 draw against Real Murcia on Saturday evening. Angel Luis and Ayoze saved a point with second half goals after Iván Alonso and Richi had put the locals two up. The result leaves them four points ahead of Lleida pending their game on Sunday. Meanwhile Castellón moved a point above Bernd Krauss's side in the table with a 1-2 victory at Castilla, Tabares getting both goals for the visitors. Valladolid are finally safe though after a Tote strike midway through the first half gave them a 0-1 win at already relegated Racing Ferrol.

Leaders Recreativo Huelva may be forgiven for losing their first game at home in 16 months, their 1-2 defeat at the hands of neighbours Xerez coming after a week of celebrations following confirmation of their promotion last weekend. Goals galore in the match between Málaga B and Numancia, with Ador and Montenegro scoring twice for their respective sides as the game ended 5-4. A completely different picture at Elche though, their 0-0 draw with Sporting Gijón ensuring the Asturians another year of second division football but not quite enough for the hosts to do the same.

Las Palmas are the first side to ensure their place in the second division B play off finals despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad B. It took a last minute goal from Nauzet to take them through though after the Basque side had scored twice late on. (10.06.06)