Already four clear favourites for promotion to the second division after today's first leg finals. Rayo Vallecano could finally be up at the fourth attempt, Amaya getting the only goal midway through the second half in a 0-1 win at Zamora in the group A final. The locals were unhappy about the referee though, who awarded a hotly disputed free kick which lead up to the goal, and sent off Agustín soon after the restart and Iker Alegre late on.

Alicante are close to getting their revenge for their defeat two years ago against Ponferradina, who they beat 2-0 this time around in the group B final thanks to two goals from Joan Tomás. The striker opened the scoring with a quarter of an hour to go, and got his second of the night with the game already in injury time. Alicante are in the play-offs for the fourth year in a row, and their rivals are looking for a quick return after being relegated last year.

Huesca also won 2-0 against Écija in group C, both goals coming from the penalty spot. Lalo converted the first for Onesimo's side after Robert was sent off for bringing him down, and Edu Roldán got the second in the second minute of injury time. The Aragón based team will be looking forward to a local derby with Zaragoza next season if they can wrap things up next weekend.

Girona have the edge coming in to the second leg of their group D final after a draw 0-0 in the North African enclave of Ceuta. Keepers Lledó and Ponzo were the stars of a match in which the locals ended with ten men, Sandro getting himself sent off with ten minutes to go. The second legs of all four finals will be played next Sunday, together with the 18 third division finals. (08.06.08)