First Division - Day 37

Xerez 3 - Zaragoza 2

Xerez: Renan; Francis, David Prieto, Gioda, Casado; Víctor Sánchez, Alex Bergantiños; Orellana, Alustiza (Carlos Calvo 55'), Armenteros (Michel 63'); Mario Bermejo (Moreno 84'). 4-2-3-1.
Zaragoza: Roberto; Ponzio, Jarosik, Contini, Obradovic; Gabi, Abel Aguilar; Lafita (Arizmendi 90'), Ander Herrera, Eliseu (Jorge López 86'); Adrián Colunga. 4-2-3-1.

Goals:
1-0. 22. Francis. Swung in cross form right wing which went in over keeper's head.
1-1. 66. Ander Herrera. Picked up Lafita pass and drove low shot wide of Renan.
2-1. 68. Michel. Steered glancing header wide of Roberto from Víctor's centre.
3-1. 74. Calos Calvo. Header in on far post after Orellan's corner headed on.
3-2. 76. Gabi. Picked up Colunga pass and struck long shot into top corner of net.

Yellow cards: Jarosik 09', Orellana 29', Aguilar 36', Contini 46', 92', Obradovic 47', Bergantiños 63', Calvo 74' / red cards: Contini 92'.

Xerez are still fighting against all odds, and after a thrilling 3-2 win over Zaragoza they are only three points behind a group of four teams. The Andalusians started the day with a less than 1% chance of survival, but they could still stay up if they can beat Osasuna next weekend and at least three of their rivals lose.

Gorosito's side came out strongly, and only a great save from Roberto turned Orellana's early header against the bar. Midway through the first half though the locals took the lead when a long cross from team captain Francis floated over the head of the keeper in to the far corner of the net.

The visitors came back after that, Gabi and Colunga going close either side of half time. Roberto did well to save again from Armenteros, but soon afterwards Ander Herrera equalised with a shot from outside of the area after Lafita set him up.

Their joy only lasted two minutes though before Mivhel steered a looping header over Roberto from a Víctor Sánchez cross, and six minutes after that Carlos Calvo headed a third after Bergantiños nodded on a corner. Gabi scored an impressive second for Zaragoza two minutes later, but any hope of a comeback ended when Contini was sent off for a second bookable offence.