Second division - day 3

Málaga still lead the table at the end of day three, but five sides are tied on seven points, just two behind the Andalusians. Newly promoted Racing Ferrol are a surprise second, a controversial free kick from the half way line by Jaime Junior putting them on their way to a 3-1 victory over Las Palmas. Javi Rodríguez and Charpenet added two more late on, and Fukuda's late strike was scant consolation. Numancia are third after a 2-1 win over Xerez, Brit getting two in the first half to cancel out Ramón's fourth minute header. And Hércules and Sevilla Atlético are level with them, Hércules beating Albacete 2-0 with a Farinós header and a Ferrón own goal, and Sevilla Atlético winning 1-0 against Alavés thanks to a Casado free kick.

Real Sociedad followed in the footsteps of Celta, a 0-1 defeat at the hands of Poli Ejido leaving them without a point or goal in their first two home matches. Jorge Molina got the only goal late on to take the visitors out of the relegation zone and level with the Basque side in the table. After losing in the cup as well, coach Chris Coleman is already under pressure. Cádiz recorded their second home win, Gastón Casas heading home early on to leave Salamanca level with Alavés at the bottom of the table. And Sporting Gijón and Elche shared the points in a 1-1 draw, Coelho cancelling out Barral's earlier strike. (09.09.07)

Málaga are off to a best possible start this season, a 4-1 win over Córdoba taking them clear at the top of the table. Rossato put them ahead with an early free kick, and although Cristian Alvarez headed one back, strikes from Helder, Hidalgo and Baha wrapped things up before the hour mark. Last week's joint leaders Castellón were beaten 1-0 by Gimnastic, who themselves move ahead of their opponents up to second spot. Jandro got the only goal from the penalty spot soon after the restart.

Celta are having serious problems getting going though since being relegated last year, and they were beaten 0-1 at home by newly promoted Eibar. A side packed with new faces lost thanks to a late goal by Zurutuza, and coach Hristo Stoichkov is already under pressure having only taken one point in the first three games. Meanwhile new boys Granada 74 got their first point on the board, a 4-1 victory over Tenerife taking them out of the relegation zone. (08.09.07)