Second division - day 17

Málaga were unable to catch Numancia after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Hércules on Sunday evening. They were thankful for even that though after they equalised through a last minute Sergio Fernández own goal after César had given the home side the lead with ten minutes to go. Earlier in the day Sevilla Atlético moved back up to fourth after a 2-0 win over Gimnàstic, Pablo Sánchez opening the scoring before the break and Juanjo wrapping things up in the last minute. And Real Sociedad are only three points behind them after coming from behind to beat Granada 74 1-2, Díaz de Cerio getting the winner in injury time after Delibasic had cancelled out Luque's early strike.

Real are level with their opponents and three other teams, including Hércules, Celta and Tenerife. Celta were beaten 3-1 by Cádiz, with Dani scoring twice for the Andalusians to take them safely up to mid-table. And Tenerife won 2-1 against a Racing Ferrol side who drop into the bottom four after eleven games without a win, Oscar Pérez scoring early on for the Canary Islanders and setting up Nino for the winner in the second half. The Galicians are still three points above Xerez though after Casuco's side lost 1-0 to Castellón, who themselves climb away from the danger zone as a result. (16.12.07)

Leaders Numancia could only draw 1-1 at Alavés on Saturday night, and although they are now two points clear of Málaga, they could be off the top by tomorrow. Both goals came early on, Gabri putting the locals ahead before Del Pino equalised. The distance between the Soria based side and third placed Sporting Gijón remained the same though after the Asturians also drew 1-1 at Salamanca, with Michel equalising on the stroke of half time after Zé Tó had given the home side the lead. Fourth placed Elche could have overtaken Sporting, but they remain two points behind after throwing away the lead to lose 2-1 at Eibar.

Drama down at the foot of the table, with next to bottom side Albacete saving a point in a controversial 1-1 draw at Córdoba. Javi Moreno had given the Andalusians soon after coming on as substitute, but Barquero equalised in the last minute. That provoked a violent protest, and the referee had to abandon the game with a couple of minutes still left. The point (assuming that it is confirmed as such) keeps Albacete above Las Palmas, who were a goal up at Poli Ejido, but who ended up losing 3-1 after the locals scored twice in the last five minutes. (15.12.07).