Second division, day 8

Xerez and Real Murcia share top spot in the second division after Sunday's results. Last week's leaders Xerez were held to a 1-1 draw by an Elche side who started the day at the bottom of the table. The Andalusians missed a first half penalty, but Gastón Casas converted one at the other end after the restart before Jorge Luque equalised. Real Murcia put in their claim for a return to the top flight with a 3-0 win over Numancia, Aranda scoring a second minute penalty and Jofre and Antoñito getting the other two later on. And Sporting Gijón move up to third, just two points behind the leaders, after thrashing Tenerife 0-4. Gerardo scored twice and Congo got one in between before the half time whistle, and Andreu rounded things off on the hour mark.

Two goals from Mexico's Carlos Vela gave Salamanca a 0-2 win at Lorca, taking them up to fourth spot, level on points with Sporting. Albacete missed out on a chance to return to the top three though after losing 2-1 at Almería, Parri's second half goal not enough to cncel out earlier strikes from Acasiete and Michel. Earlier in the day Cádiz and Alavés cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw, Astudillo saving a point in the dying minutes after Coromina had put through his own net in the first half. And points were shared as well in the match between Ponferradina and Valladolid, where the locals came from behind twice to level the scores in a 2-2 draw. (15.10.06)

Third placed Ciudad Murcia were beaten 2-1 by Castilla on Saturday evening. Torrecilla had given the visitors a first half lead, but two goals in the last six minutes from Javi García and Negredo turned the scoreline around. Málaga were unable to take full advantage though after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Poli Ejido. Antonio Tapia returned to the Rosaleda stadium to see his side go ahead with a Toedtli penalty after the break, but César Navas saved a point with a late headed goal.

The Canary Islands derby ended in a 1-0 win for Vecindario against Las Palmas, David Dorta's first half strike taking his side off the bottom of the table and leaving their rivals back in the relegation zone. And Yosu Uribe got off to a good start at his new club Hércules, the Alicante based side drawing 0-0 at Castellón. (14.10.06)