The second semi-final tie between Córdoba and Girona is in the balance after the Andalusians won the first leg 2-1 on Thursday evening. José Luis Oltra’s team raced in to a two goal lead with only twelve minutes gone, Xisco opening the scoring after Fidel’s shot came back off the post, and then getting behind the defence to turn Caballero’s centre past the second division’s leading goalkeeper Becerra for his second of the evening. Caballero hit the post with a wide free kick minutes later, but Cristian Herrera got one back on the half hour mark, hooking a shot past Razak after Richy’s first shot was blocked. After the restart the Catalans had the better chances, Richy going close with a header and Kiko Olivas bringing a good save out of Razak near the end, but the final whistle went soon afterwards, and everything will now be decided in the return match at the Montilivi stadium on Sunday. (09.06.16)
The play-offs for the one remaining promotion spot began today, with four teams meeting over two-leg semi-finals to decide the two finalists. Nàstic were favourites after just missing out on direct promotion on the last day, but they now have an uphill battle after losing the first leg 3-1 at Osasuna. Naranjo wasted an early chance and David García blocked an effort from Juan Muñiz, but Mikel Merino (on his way to Borussia Dortmund after the season finishes) opened the scoring for the locals after David García headed on a De las Cuevas corner. Some seven minutes later Merino got his second following a Roberto Torres free kick, the midfielder turning the ball in to the net after Reina pushed out García’s header, and a few minutes after the restart Kodro made it three after Merino put him free on the right of the area. Soon afterwards though substitute Jean Luc scored an important away goal for the Catalans, keeping alive their chances of turning things around in next Saturday’s second leg in Tarragona. (08.06.16)