Second division, day 10

If anyone had been asked to bet money on which sides would be occupying the top three spots a quarter of a way through the season, it is unlikely that they would have chosen Xerez, Eibar and Poli Ejido. But if the league were to end today, those are the three clubs who would go up. Xerez opened up a two point gap at the top after a 0-1 win at Terrassa, Mena getting the only goal of the game five minutes from the end. Eibar move up to second spot after a 2-3 win at Pontevedra, Llorente getting the winner after the Galicians had cancelled out a two goal lead. And Poli Ejido hang on to third place after fighting back with a late goal from Sierra to draw 1-1 against struggling Real Murcia.

Elche are only just outside of the promotion spots though after they beat Sporting Gijón 4-0 on Sunday lunchtime, a repeat of their midweek cup victory against the Asturians, and Racing Ferrol are a point behind them after drawing 1-1 at Málaga B in another match which kicked off at midday. Lleida are level with Ferrol on points after winning 1-2 at Ciudad Murcia, their fourth away win of the season. The result leaves both Murcia based sides in the relegation zone.

Three of the theoretical favourites, Celta, Valladolid and Recreativo, did at last raise their heads this weekend with much needed victories. A free kick from Angel gave Celta a 0-1 win at Salamanca, their first win in eight games, taking some of the pressure off manager Fernando Vázquez. Valladolid also won 1-0 against Nàstic, Hornos getting the goal a quarter of an hour from the end, and two goals from Calle gave Recreativo a 0-2 victory at bottom club Córdoba, the first time they have scored more than one all season. Tenerife had another disappointment though, losing 1-3 at home to Almería, for whom new signing Nanni scored twice. (31.10.04)

Only one match on Saturday in the second division, with Alavés winning 0-1 at Cádiz to move up to third place in the table. The only goal of the match came from Bodipo twenty minutes from the end after the game had been stopped briefly due to a power cut. (30.10.04)