Second division - day 34

With eight games still to go, Valladolid made sure of promotion to the first division with a 0-2 victory at Tenerife. Goals from Víctor and Manchev made it seven wins in a row and 28 games without defeat, breaking the record books for the quickest promotion ever. It wont be long though before they are joined by Almería and Real Murcia. Almería came from a goal down to beat Poli Ejido 3-1, Michel scoring twice and Corona wrapping things up to hold on to second spot. And Murcia despatched Xerez 3-0, Jofre, Aranda and Noel-Williams getting the goals to maintain the fifteen point gap over the chasing pack.

The teams below them have virtually given up the chase, and it was draws all round for the sides in the top half of the table. Albacete drew 1-1 with Salamanca despite playing 80 minutes with ten men after Noguerol was sent off, Calle putting them ahead before Zé Tó equalised. The same result between Hércules and Sporting Gijón, Sendoa cancelling out Michel's earlier strike to leave the Asturians near the drop zone. And a 2-2 scoreline between Alavés and Numancia, Brit scoring twice for the visitors before the home side came back to save a point.

The two bottom sides Vecindario and Lorca also played out a 1-1 draw, a result which left them both a step closer to relegation. And the two teams above them also met, Castilla running out 3-1 winners over Ponferradina to move level with Las Palmas, although the Real Madrid B team are still in the drop zone on goal difference. Only ten points separate them from fourth spot though, and anything could happen over the next two months. Málaga seem to have turned the corner though after a 2-0 victory over Elche, Calleja and Chengue Morales scoring to make it seven points from their last three games. (22.04.07)

Only two games in the second division on Saturday evening, including a fixture between Cádiz and Ciudad Murcia, who both started the weekend in joint fourth place. In the end a last minute header from Cristian Díaz gave Ciudad a 1-2 victory, keeping alive their slim hopes of catching the top three. Pavoni had given the Andalusians an early lead, but an Ayoze strike on the hour mark levelled the scores. Elsewhere Castellón took a step further away from the relegation spots after beating Las Palmas 2-0, Natalio and Tabares getting the goals in the second half to make it six games without defeat for the locals. (21.04.07)