Hércules are back on track for at least a place in the play-offs after a 0-3 victory over local rivals Elche on Sunday lunchtime. The goals didn't come though until the last fifteen minutes, Abel Aguilar heading the first past Juan Carlos and Aganzo making it two after connecting with Gilvan's cross on a quick counterattack a few minutes later. And Carlos Calvo wrapped things up with a shot from outside of the area, keeping his team in fourth place after a fourth win in row. Later in the evening Xerez moved closer to safety after beating Recreativo 3-1, a result which took Vicente Moreno's side three points above their neighbours in the table. First half goals from José Vega, Raúl Cámara and Tato put the game beyond Recre's reach, although Sergi Enrich got one back for the visitors after the break. (29.04.12)
Leaders Deportivo were beaten 2-0 by Almeria on Saturday evening, although they still stay five points ahead of their closest rival in the table. The East coast side had not won in nine games, but under new coach Esteban Vigo they have been improving recently. And although Esteban Andrés had to be at his best to keep out Bruno Gama ten minutes before the break, second division top scorer Ulloa headed in Rafita's cross to open the scoring five minutes later José Luis Oltra threw on all his fire power after the interval, but Ulloa almost caught out Aranzubia on a couple of quick breakaways, and with four minutes to go Aarón Ñiguez beat the keeper at the second attempt to take his side back in to the play-off spots. Depor ended the game with ten men after Colotto was sent off in the last minute.
Earlier in the afternoon Valladolid consolidated second place with a late 2-1 victory over Cartagena. Djukic's side totally dominated the first half, but they went behind on the stroke of half time when Abraham Paz beat Jaime with the visitors' first real shot at goal. With an hour on the clock Nauzet equalised from the penalty spot after Kijera was sent off for bringing down substitute Manucho, but Braulio came close to scoring a couple of times for Cartagena before another substitute Jofre got the winner, firing a shot in off the post with five minutes to go.
Celta stay five points behind Valladolid with a game in hand after coming from a goal down to beat Barcelona B 4-1. Kiko Femenía gave the youngsters a first half lead after picking up an assist from Deulofeu with half an hour on the clock, but Mario Bermejo levelled the scores soon after the restart, and then set up Orellana for a second five minutes later. Iago Aspas made it three after collecting Orellana's pass midway through the second half, and Aspas turned the ball past Oier for the fourth after Joan Tomás and Orellana combined down the left wing eight minutes before the final whistle.
The Galicians are now five points clear of fourth placed Alcorcón, who saw their run of five wins in a row come to an end when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Girona. Despite the result both teams had their chances, with keepers Dani Mallo and Manu Herrera the busiest men on the park, and Moha in particular heading against the post later on in the first half. Girona ended the day in twentieth place, now some seven points away from safety.
Numancia and Las Palmas virtually said goodbye to the play-off spots though after both lost at home on Saturday. Numancia were beaten 0-1 by Villarreal B, Kiko Olivas getting the only goal following a corner some four minutes in to the second half. And Las Palmas lost 1-3 to Huesca despite going ahead through Portillo early in the second half. Jorge equalised against his old side with a well struck free kick though, and Jokín and Roberto scored two more for the visitors in the last ten minutes, the first after getting behind the defence to beat Barbosa, and the second with a header. The wins take the two away sides well clear of the drop zone, although Villarreal B could still be relegated if their first team go down from the top flight.
Gimnàstic kept their slim hopes of survival alive with a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Alcoyano. Fernando Morán opened the scoring for the Catalans when he turned in Orbegozo's cross in only the eight minute, and with a heavy rainstorm falling, Rodri scored the second with a shot over the head of Dorronsoro from inside the centre circle. The result takes Nàstic off the foot of the pile, above Cartagena and to within five points of their opponents in the table. There is still a big gap though between the bottom four and the teams above them, Murcia distancing themselves nine points from the danger zone thanks to a 1-0 victory over Sabadell. Cristian "El Ruso" García got the only goal with a quarter of an hour gone, heading in Emilio's corner to take his side level with the Catalans in the rankings. (28.04.12)
Córdoba are back in to the play-off spots after a 3-2 victory over Guadalajara on Friday evening. The Andalusians had not won in three games, but they started strongly, Fede Vico and Airam having strikes disallowed before Charles picked up Borja's pass to open the scoring in the eighth minute. Borja hit the bar soon afterwards, but the visitors held on after that, and Jonan headed in Ernesto's cross to equalise five minutes in to the second half. Two goals in three minutes from Borja and Vico around the hour mark restored the lead however, and although Paco Jémez's side played the last fifteen minutes with ten men after Hervás went off injured with all three changes made, Guadalajara only managed to get one more back, Ernesto beating Alberto with a well struck free kick. (27.04.12)