Second division, week 39

Levante took a big step towards promotion to the first division with a 0-3 win over Cádiz on Sunday evening, goals from Alexis, Sérvulo and Aganzo taking them four points clear at the top with only three games to go. Meanwhile Getafe moved into contention for a first ever place in the top flight after they came from behind to beat third placed Numancia. Two late goals from Miguel Angel were enough to take them level with the Soria based side on points, and also give them a better head-to-head record against their opponents.

Down at the bottom, Algeciras are the first side to be mathematically relegated to the second division B after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Elche. The other three relegation spots are still up for grabs, but after the five sides above Algeciras all drew it appears that they are the prime candidates. Las Palmas and Rayo Vallecano are looking the most likely though, the former after they drew 1-1 with Xerez and the latter after a 0-0 result at Recreativo Huelva, and if they do go down the league would lose two of it's most charismatic sides.

Three sides are level on 43 points, with Poli Ejido still occupying the last relegation spot on goal difference behind Leganés and Córdoba after drawing 0-0 against a poor Salamanca who themselves are not totally clear of trouble. Córdoba were held to a 2-2 tie with Terrassa, who stay a point ahead of Almería, 1-0 winners over Eibar.

Sides from regional groups I and III have taken an early lead in the four mini-leagues which will decide who is promoted to the second division "A" this year. Lleida, Racing Ferrol and Ourense have all won their two opening games, with Pontevedra, Lorca and Gimnastic Tarragona closely behind with a win and a draw. (30.05.04)

Alavés threw away a chance to move to the top of the table pending Sunday's games when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leganés. The Vitoria based side had Pablo sent off in the tenth minute, and although Palermo put them ahead, Macanás equalised before the break. Fourth placed Sporting Gijon failed to take advantage though, falling to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Tenerife. Corona and Vázquez got the goals for the Canary Islanders in the last ten minutes. And there were two late goals for Málaga B as well, both coming from Geijo in the last five minutes as they beat Ciudad Murcia 2-0 to pull way from the danger zone. One match in the promotion play-offs on Saturday as well, Ourense making it two wins out of two after beating Lanzarote 2-1. (29.05.04)