Second division, day 36

The second division still has a month and a half to go before their season ends, but Recreativo took another step towards a return to the top flight with a 0-2 win at already relegated Málaga B. Uche got both goals in the first half to open up an eight point gap over the fourth placed side. Their closest opponents Nàstic lost 1-0 at Castilla earlier in the day, although they too are five points clear of third placed Lorca. Last weekend's third placed side Levante drop out of the promotion spots though after a 2-1 defeat at Ciudad Murcia, who move up to within two points of their rivals as a result. First half strikes from Luque and Goitom were enough, despite a second half penalty from Ian Harte.

No less than six teams are separated by three points though in the fight for third place, with Xerez rejoining the group after a 2-0 win over Racing Ferrol. The Galicians themselves drop further down into the bottom four, as do Lleida, who lost 3-2 at Valladolid despite the presence of their new coach David Vidal. Bilic got both goals for the Catalans to take him level with Soldado at the top of the Pichichi chart, but it was scant consolation as Llorente also got two to help his side move away from the danger zone. Hércules also distanced themselves from the bottom four with a 1-0 win over Poli Ejido, Sisi getting the only goal late on. (07.05.06)

Lorca moved in to third spot pending Levante's game on Sunday with a 2-3 victory at struggling Tenerife. All the goals came in the second half, with the visitors opening the scoring through substitute Sava before Cristian Alvarez equalised. Xavi Moro and Maldonado put the game out of the home side's reach though before Toñito got one back in the last minute. Almería lost ground though after a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Albacete. Aranda and Parri put the Manchegans two up with strikes late in the first half, with Jonathan Soriano replying for the hosts soon after the restart.

With six games still to go though any one of seven or eight sides could go up, and Numancia put themselves back in the running with a 3-1 win over Elche. Del Pino, Palacios and Montenegro scored the goals for Andoni Goikoetxea's side, with Toledo getting one for the visitors in between. Sporting Gijón are floating safety in midtable, but they will be disappointed with a 1-1 draw at home to bottom club Eibar. And Castellón appear to be out of danger after beating Real Murcia 2-1, their fourth win in a row under Pepe Moré. (06.05.06)