Victories for the top five this weekend, and although there are still nine games to go, it appears that the three promotion spots will be between those sides. Xerez stay in top spot after coming from a goal down to beat Alavés 1-2, a result which leaves the Vitoria based team further down in the drop zone. Javi Guerra gave the locals the lead on the hour mark, but strikes from Calle and Momo turned the scoreline around. Earlier in the day Hércules stayed in touch with a 3-0 win over Girona, Sendoa scoring twice in the second half and Rubén Navarro getting one in between.
It was a good weekend for Córdoba, who beat next to bottom club Alicante 2-1 to move seven points clear of the relegation spots. Pierini and Asen got the goals, although Fernando got one back after that to set up a nail-biting last half hour. Elsewhere Murcia and Castellón drew 2-2 to remain safely in mid-table. The visitors went two up in the first half, but the locals fought back to save a point. (19.04.09)
Tenerife moved back to the top of the second division, and at the same time they saw off a direct promotion rival when they beat Real Sociedad 1-2 on Saturday evening. Abreu gave the Basque side the lead early in the second half, but Nino equalised from the penalty spot a couple of minutes later and then struck the winner later on.
Rayo Vallecano put in their claim for promotion as well with a 4-1 victory over Celta, and they are now in third spot pending Sunday's games. Aganzo scored twice as the Madrid based side went three up in the first quarter of an hour. Zaragoza stay a point behind Rayo after they beat Gimnàstic 1-0, although they left it late before Ayala headed in a corner.
Salamanca kept their slim hopes of promotion alive, and they move up to sixth after a 3-1 win over Albacete. Levante are three points behind them after beating Huesca 1-0, and Elche also moved up safely to mid-table after a 2-0 victory over bottom club Sevilla Atlético. Further down the table Las Palmas are closer to safety after a 1-0 win over struggling Eibar. (18.04.09)