Córdoba CF 4-2 Gimnàstic Tarragona

Córdoba strengthened their grip on their play-off place with a 4-2 win over relegation bound Gimnástic. Four different scorers on the scoreboard for the hosts and they’ll need this sort of finishing if they do end up making the play-offs. Gímnástic remain bottom of the table after this result.

UD Las Palmas 1-2 FC Cartagena

Cartagena have burst into good form but it might be too little too late with Girona being one of the form teams in the Segunda Division. Girona are the team just above the relegation zone after Villarreal’s relegation from La Liga results in their B team also being relegated. So just three teams will go down along with Villarreal B.

Saturdays’ Matches

UD Almería 1-2 Barcelona B

Barca B struck a huge blow in Almeria’s push for a play-off spot as they defeated them 1-2. Sergi Roberto had given the Catalans a 31st minute lead before Deulofeu’s brilliant 44th minute strike gave the visitors a 0-2 half time lead. Juanma Ortiz 96th minute goal was nothing more then consolation for Almeria.

CD Numancia 0-3 Deportivo La Coruña

Depor are a step closer to promotion with a comfortable away win at Numancia. Bruno Gama and Guardado were the starmen again for the league leaders as they grabbed a goal each.

Celta de Vigo 3-0 AD Alcorcón

Celta gave themselves the chance of joining rivals Deportivo in La Liga as their fate is in their own hands after Valladolid’s draw with Hércules. Iago Aspas moved his personal tally in the league up to 15 with a brace against a very good Alcorcón side.

Girona FC 5-1 CD Alcoyano

Girona are on fire and will be very confident of staying up after the news of Villarreal B’s relegation. DanI Nieto Vela took home the match ball with a hat-trick. As for Alcoyano, they look like a side that will be playing their football in the Segunda B next season.

Real Murcia 2-2 Guadalajara (ESP)

Emilio Sanchez last minute equaliser salvaged a point for Murcia vs. Guadalajara. Guadalajara still are not safe and need every point they can get to guarantee their safety.

SD Huesca 0-2 Recreativo Huelva

Recreativo won this lower mid-table clash as Javi scored a goal in each half. Both teams will hope for much better seasons next year especially the visitors.

Sundays’ Matches

Real Valladolid 1-1 Hércules CF

Advantage Celta again as the jump above Valladolid into 2nd because they have the better head-to-head record. Javi Guerra’s 21st minute goal looked like it had given Valladolid a much desired win before Manucho’s 95th minute own goal.

Xerez CD 0-1 Villarreal B

Villarreal have been relegated as a result of Villarreal’s relegation from La Liga. Joselu scored the winner in this one and should feature for the first team at this level next year.

Elche CF 1-1 CE Sabadell

Elche will regret sacking Pepe Bordalas two months ago, since then things haven’t picked up and any chance of reaching the play-offs seem to have gone. Nicki Billie salvaged a late point with his 83rd minute goal.

Wedsnesdays’ Matches

Guadalajara (ESP) 0-3 Celta de Vigo

Celta saw off Guadalajara 0-3, Iago Aspas scored another brace and his tally is up to 17 in the league. Toni scored the other goal and they didn’t regret Orellana’s missed penalty. This game had been played on Tuesday but after a floodlight failure, the last ten minute was played on Wednesday.

AD Alcorcón 3-1 Elche CF

Quini scored twice as Alcorcón moved to 4th as they capitalised on Hércules defeat vs. Numancia. Elche saw Javier Flano and Kike Mateo sent off in the last five minutes.

CD Alcoyano 1-3 Real Murcia

Alcoyano look set for relegation, with the scores at 1-1 Richi was sent off for the visitors but they still managed to win with two goals in the last fifteen minutes through Jove and Borja.

CE Sabadell 2-1 UD Almería

Almeria will miss out on the play-offs unless they can turnaround a six point deficit to Córdoba with only four games remaining. Two goals in two minutes from Arteaga and Baha gave Sabadell a two goal lead before the leagues top scorer Leo Ulloa scored from the spot after 64 minutes.

Deportivo La Coruña 3-1 UD Las Palmas

Deportivo will be promoted if they win two more games out of the four remaining, or if they win one and Celta or Valladolid lose.

Gimnàstic Tarragona 1-1 Girona FC

Gimnástic should be relegated over the next two games as they are still nine points behind Girona with only twelve points left available from the remaining four league games.

Hércules CF 1-3 CD Numancia

The surprise result of the week was Numancia’s away win at Hércules. Numancia are a team I like and if they can overcome inconsistency, they should give a promotion push a real good go next season.

Recreativo Huelva 0-1 Córdoba CF

Javi Patino’s 83rd minute winner may just have secured Córdoba’s play-off place. The Andalusian’s will have their eye on finishing as high up the table as possible, with 4th being a real possibility.

FC Cartagena 0-0 Xerez CD

Despite Cartagena’s recent turnaround in form, it looks like it will not be enough to keep them up as they remain five points off Girona, who lie just above the relegation zone.

Villarreal B 4-2 SD Huesca

Villarreal B tried to put their relegation behind them with a 4-2 win over Huesca. Kiko, Pere, Truyols and Trigueros all getting themselves one goal each.

Barcelona B 1-2 Real Valladolid

Valladolid left it late but came from behind to stay level on points with Celta. Carmona gave Barca B the lead as he finished off a nice passing move from the edge of the box. Oscar and Alberto Bueno scored in the last ten minutes to give Valladolid the win their play deserved.

This week Garreth Nunn is joined by Kieran Canning and Dermot Corrigan for an in-depth look at Wednesday’s Europa League final.

The guys also discuss the fight to avoid relegation ahead of this weekend’s final round of matches and there is even an exclusive interview with Carlos Vela.

Remeber you can subscribe to the podcast via itunes here and follow hey guys on twitter on @madridatleticos @kierancanning and @dermotmcorrigan

Villarreal B 0-1 Real Valladolid

Valladolid extended their lead on 3rd placed Celta with a narrow win over, the visitors spurned many great chances before Javi Guerra’s 43rd minute scruffy goal.

Saturdays’ Matches

FC Cartagena 1-1 UD Almería

Almería have moved back into the play-off spots replacing Córdoba, Aleix Vidal scored with a back post tap-in on 50 minutes. Braulio equalised with minutes remaining from the penalty spot after the referee’s terrible decision.

Recreativo Huelva 1-3 CD Alcoyano

Alcoyano remain six points adrift of safety despite an impressive away win in Huelva. Rojas gave the visiting side the lead with an 11th minute thunderous strike. Javi Álamo levelled after a cleverly worked free kick. Gato scored in the 57th minute after his effort squirmed under Manu in the Recreativo goal. Paco Esteban made the three points safe with a placed shot.

AD Alcorcón 2-0 Córdoba CF

Alcorcón are now on a run of five league wins in a row. This defeat is a blow to Córdoba who drop out of the play-offs, Nagore gave the hosts a 57th minute lead with a near post header. Montanés doubled Alcorcón’s lead as he tapped in after rounding the goalie.

CE Sabadell 2-3 Girona FC

Girona remain miles away from safety even though they overcame Sabadell in a game containing five goals. Juvenal scored for Sabadell with 13 minutes remaining but Girona held out to record a much needed win.

Guadalajara (ESP) 1-0 Gimnàstic Tarragona

Gimnástic fall to bottom of the table after a defeat to Guadalajara while Cartagena drew with Almería. Javi Soria scored the only goal of the game.

Hércules CF 1-0 Celta de Vigo

Celta are slipping further away from 2nd place after their second 1-0 defeat to Hércules of the season. Míchel Herrero with the winner in the 77th minute as two players were on the ground injured in Celta’s penalty area.

SD Huesca 2-1 CD Numancia

Huesca’s star man Roberto scored as his side recorded their third win in four league games. This defeat probably ends Numancia’s chances of getting a play-off spot as they continue to struggle for form.

Xerez CD 2-0 UD Las Palmas

Las Palmas couldn’t end their dismal run of form as another red card cost them. Ruyman’s red card in the 37th minute gave Xerez the advantage and the made the most of it as Herner’s own goal and Mendoza gave them a comfortable win in the end.

Sundays’ Matches

Deportivo La Coruña 4-3 Elche CF

Deportivo showed the character of champions with another win with a goal late on, Juan Carlos Valeron gave the league leaders a 4th minute lead as he tapped in from six yards. Ángel equalised as he bundled in after Aranzubía spilled the ball. Bruno Gama made it 2-1 with a lovely take down and half volley in the 54th minute. Aranzubía’s awful afternoon continued as he dropped a simple Ángel header over the line minutes later. Bruno Gama got his 2nd and Depor’s 3rd as they retook the lead before Albacar’s wonderful free-kick levelled for Elche for a third time. Diego Colotto won the game in the 87th minute as he finished well as Elche failed to clear.

Barcelona B 1-0 Real Murcia

Murcia are still in danger of getting relegated as their horror second half of the season form shows no sign of ending. 11 defeats in their last 13 league games for Murcia and we have seen no signs of this horror run ending. 17 year old Jean Marie Dongou scored a late winner as Barca. B move up to 8th above Elche.

The Spanish football podcast returns as Kieran Canning, Garreth Nunn and Des Norris are joined by Joseph Sexton in Barcelona to discuss Real Madrid’s 2-1 win at the Camp Nou.

The guys also look forward to Real and Barca’s ties in the Champions League this week and the all Spanish Europa League semi-final between Atletico Madrid and Valencia.

And in the final part of the show Ben Shave from Portugoal.net to run the rule over Sporting Lisbon as they travel to San Mames to face Athletic Bilbao in the other Europa League tie.

Thanks as always for listening and you remember you can subscribe to any future podcasts by following this link on itunes.

For many years I just didn’t know how I stood with the man, the myth, the legend. A distant relationship which mirrors that of a love for the city in which he resides, at times intoxicating, at times loathsome. Things are how they are. True also, depending on the ‘angle’ of the press coverage taken. The Madrid faithful fully support their man to the hilt, like the Chelsea fans did, whilst the other teams, the other papers, they castigate him, verbally assault him. Mourinho this, Mourinho that. His relationship with the press offers us a piece of the puzzle complete, he just isn’t like other managers.

A recent interview with the man, done with an Italian sports paper and fed through the Spanish press, has cemented my (previously) wayward and wide ranging opinions. Mourinho isn’t the pantomime villain he is often portrayed as, he is the smart-alley cat amongst the pack, the one who thinks a move forward before the rest do. The special one. And the reason? The reason for his success? Is that he does it all for himself, no one else. And that for me is the key.

The ties he creates with the clubs he has managed are in some respects superficial, a smoke-screen to forward his own ambition, that of a winner. Whilst fame and fortune has followed his way, astute technical ability, intelligent manoeuvering and the like have allowed him to rise above that of “nearly man” to the best. “When you can win, you must win, win and win again”, perhaps referring to himself, rather than his team. We could go further, stating that his ‘method’ of whipping his teams up into a frenzy, the “us against the world” lapel with which Madrid are currently sporting, could be an extension of the “me against the world” suit that he wears. I seem to think so.

He is not a man who likes to rest on his laurels, nor stay in one place for some time. What he does himself, what he loves doing, adapting to new cultures, languages, ways of life and objectives, he projects onto his players. Perhaps this is the one things that truly characterizes his managerial method, indeed separates him from the rest. Language, and the importance of it. With this he creates the “family” atmosphere so many of his footballers mention.

Doesn’t take long to notice this when seeing the likes of Ozil, Sahin and Khedira responding to questions after matches in the Latin tongue. Training sessions, team meetings, even tactical instructions, with an obvious Spanish flavour. Only when necessary, will he utilize one of his many tongues to strike home his point. Perhaps an obvious, yet underappreciated, weapon in the arsenal of his recent successes.

Mourinho isn’t stupid, he knows that the aura he gives of, the way he conducts himself, can be perceived as being egoistic. To put that to one side, he is quite clear. Winning trophies, he says, is for the players, not for him. He is the conduit, as it were, for club/player happiness and success. But if we scrape away the surface, we see a man after his own ambition, a man who holds no real ties, a journeyman, a born winner. And for that, I take off my hat to him.

The long awaited Galician Derby on Sunday lived up to pre-match expectations. It was quite simply a classic. Celta started with their normal 4-2-3-1 formation with De Lucas, Joan Tomas and Orellana off lone striker Iago Aspas, while Deportivo played also a 4-2-3-1 but with the intention of counter attacking. Riki gave Deportivo a 2nd minute lead as he chipped Juan Dominguez’s pass over the on rushing Yoel. Celta dominated the first half from here on and Álex López dragged his shot narrowly wide. Colotto nearly turned into his own net after Roberto Lago’s low cross on 13 minutes. Deportivo absorbed Celta’s pressure well as they blocked up the middle of midfield, playing very narrow. The 2nd half continued in much of the same fashion and Iago Aspas had his shot cleared off the line by Morel as Deportivo seemed content to counter and defend their lead. On 63 minutes Lassad doubled the league leaders advantage with a placed finish after he broke the offside trap. In the 68th minute Orellana found De Lucas in the box and he span and struck his half-volley past the hapless Aranzubia to make it 2-1. Sub David Catalá equalised as Aranzubia made a great double save from first De Lucas’ free kick and then from David Rodriguez only for Catalá to tap in from six-yards out in the 82nd minute. Both teams went for a winner but with players on each side out on their feet Deportivo won a free kick. Guardado whipped a lovely free kick onto the head of Colotto whose header came off the bar and as Yoel lay on the ground after trying to save it, Borja Fernandez scored the winner with a header in the 92nd minute. This win doesn’t just give Depor a win over arch rivals Celta but also surely gives them promotion back to La Liga.

Fridays’ Match

UD Almería 0-0 Villarreal B

Almería are now on a run of eight games without a win after a scoreless draw vs. Villarreal B. Almería sat just outside the play-offs in 7th as no team seems to want to secure a spot which would give them a chance of promotion to La Liga.

Saturdays’ Matches

Elche CF 2-1 FC Cartagena

Elche finally won a league game, their first win in six league games and only second in nine. This win resurrects their chances of making the play-offs. Hector Ródas gave them the lead as he tapped in from a corner. Mariano equalised on 73 minutes with a header after a nicely flighted free kick had been put back across goal. Ródas scored his and Elche’s second after a scramble in the box with 3 minutes remaining.

Real Valladolid 3-0 SD Huesca

Valladolid moved to 2nd with an impressive win over Huesca, Alberto Bueno bagged himself a brace after Oscar had given Valladolid a 4th minute lead when a free kick fell to him six-yards out and he tapped in.

CD Alcoyano 0-1 Guadalajara (ESP)

Guadalajara secured a win that separates them from the relegation zone by six points. The team directly below them in the relegation zone is the team they beat this Saturday, Cristian with the winner on 53 minutes.

CD Numancia 2-2 Xerez CD

Numancia showed great fighting spirit as they came from 2-0 down to claim a draw. Díaz De Cerio and Del Pino’s second half strikes cancelled out Pablo Redondo and Tato’s goals for Xerez.

Córdoba CF 0-0 CE Sabadell

Córdoba’s patchy recent form has saw them slip to 6th and in danger of losing their play-off spot. Córdoba have their miss firing attack to blame for this recent demise.

Girona FC 1-1 Barcelona B

Girona kept their slim chances of staying up alive with a point vs. inform Barca B. Girona’s Javi Acuna cancelled out Jonathan Dos Santos earlier strike to earn the hosts a draw.

Real Murcia 2-6 Hércules CF

Hércules went goal crazy at Murcia to record a comeback victory. Óscar Sánchez gave the hosts the lead as he nicked in front of Ismael Falcon after 17 minutes. Urko Vera made it 1-1 with a back post tap in a minute later. Sardinero gave Hércules the lead after more good work down their left flank. Arbilla scored a stunning volley from the edge of the area after a well worked corner to extend the visitors lead. Mora’s own goal gave Murcia hope before Míchel, Calvo and Gilvan all added one for the rampant Hércules.

UD Las Palmas 0-0 Recreativo Huelva

Not much of note to discuss in this one, the mid-table clash lacked the creativity of Jonathan Viera as he was out suspended. Las Palmas’ very slight chance of making the play-offs remain but they need to get Viera back.

Sundays’ Other Match

Gimnàstic Tarragona 0-2 AD Alcorcón

Alcorcón’s stunning run continues as they sent Gimnástic closer to relegation with a comfortable away win. Quini opened the scoring with a 23rd minute left footed volley from the just inside the area. Oriol Riera wrapped up the win on the counter attack in the 89th minute.

It is Galician Derby time again as Celta de Vigo meet Deportivo La Coruña on Sunday at 12pm local time. The two sides met earlier in the season, back in November with Deportivo coming out 2-1 winners at a full Estadio Riazor. This time around there is a lot more riding on the match, as both teams lie in the automatic promotion spots and a win for either would be a big step to a return to La Liga.

Both clubs have very proud histories and their fans know they should both be playing their football in La Liga next season. Depor are nearly their and a win here will bring a return to La Liga a week closer. Celta are sure to be nervous with Real Valladolid breathing down their necks and last Saturdays’ game vs. Cartagena being abandoned couldn’t of helped Paco Herrera’s preparation as it was nothing but a distraction.

The referee in charge of the biggest Galician Derby in years is David Miranda Torres, the man who many reckon is the best referee in the Segunda Division. Recent form is good for both sides as they lie 1st and 2nd in the form table over the last twelve games which is reflected by the league table. Deportivo moved ahead of Celta in head to head clashes between the two sides with this seasons earlier derby win, edging it 25 wins to Celta’s 24 and the remaining games finishing in draws.

The only player missing for Celta is influential defender Jonathan Vila, who will be out for another three week with a knee injury. Fabián Orellana and Álex López return Paco Herrera’s men as the duo missed last weeks’ game vs. Cartagena through suspension. Deportivo will be without both Aythami and Jesús Vazquez with a hamstring injury and fibula fracture respectively. Claudio Morel and Diego Colotto are back in contention for a starting place after also missing last weeks’ game due to suspension.

Celta will likely set up with their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, the returning Orellana and Álex López should come back in place of Toní and Natxo Insa respectively while Deportivo should also set up with a 4-2-3-1 with Juan Carlos Valerón going to be their key man going forward. Iago Aspas is the man to watch on the Celta side, not just because he is hated by all in Depor fans but also because he has 13 league goals to his name.

Celta attacker Joan Tomas has tried to play down the significance of this game saying “I would rather get promoted at the end of the season then win this game and not”. Celta Manager Paco Herrera said “We are playing for more then three points, we are also playing for the fans emotions. He then spoke about his starting line up, “I am 99% sure of my starting eleven but will not announce it until match day”. Deportivo Manager José Luis Oltra had his say on the Derby “We will go to Vigo to win but if we do it will not decide whether we return to La Liga or not”.

Make sure to tune into this one as it is sure to be a heated affair, hope you enjoy.

You can follow me on twitter here

Hércules CF 4-2 Girona FC

Three goals in the last half an hour which included a brace from Felipe Sanchón saw Hércules comeback and move up to 4th place. Girona had been leading the match 2-1 through Coro’s brace as he moved his tally up to 11 league goals.

Saturdays’ Matches

Xerez CD 0-4 Real Valladolid

Valladolid are only a point behind Celta now after a 4-0 thumping of Xerez. Nauzet Aleman and Javi Guerra starred as they both got on the score sheet in the 2nd half after Víctor Pérez and Óscar had given them a two goal advantage.

*FC Cartagena 1-1 Celta de Vigo*

This game was abandoned after 60 minutes because the assistant referee was struck by an object thrown by the Cartagena crowd. The remaining 30 minutes will be played on a date yet to be scheduled. Mario Bermejo had given Celta the lead in the 3rd minute before Toni Moral equalised on 50 minutes.

Recreativo Huelva 4-2 Guadalajara (ESP)

Berrocal inspired Recreatico with a 49 minute hat-trick, all three right footed finishes from low drilled crosses from the right flank. Christian pulled a goal back for Guadalajara as he danced by two defenders before placing his shot into the far corner. Pablo Sánchez scored a lovely volley for the hosts before Badía scored a consolation penalty on 87 minutes.

SD Huesca 1-0 UD Almería

Almería have fallen outside the play-offs as their dismal run continued away at Huesca. Omar Ramos scored the winning goal at the back post on the volley after a nice counter attack move.

Villarreal B 2-0 Elche CF

Pepe Bordalas has been sacked as manager of Elche after a run of five games without a win which included four defeats. Ex-Gimnástic manager César Ferrando takes over with the job of securing a play-off spot.

AD Alcorcón 2-1 CD Alcoyano

Gato gave Alcoyano the lead after 50 minutes as he converted a penalty but Alcorcón’s good run of form continues as Oriol Riera scored two real poachers efforts, a tap-in from six-yards and then a header from a corner from the same spot. Alcorcón are 4th after this win while Alcoyano stay relegation bound in 19th place.

CE Sabadell 1-0 Gimnàstic Tarragona

Aáron Bueno scored the goal that might just end any real chance Gimnástic have of staying up. With a gap of eight points and only ten games left which includes five of the top six teams, I think that is curtains for Gimnástic.

UD Las Palmas 1-1 CD Numancia

This game contained three reds cards as it ended 1-1 and keeps both teams narrow hopes of the play-offs alive. Las Palmas will miss talisman Jonathan Viera though for two games as himself and Unái Exposito were sent off for a stamp and a slap respectively on each other.

Sundays’ Matches

Barcelona B 2-0 Córdoba CF

Barca B moved to 10th as they recorded an impressive win over Córdoba. Gerard Deulofeu and Riverola with first half strikes saw off the Andalusians.

Deportivo La Coruña 3-1 Real Murcia

Emilio Sánchez gave Murcia an early 8th minute lead as his free kick deceived Arazubia, the Murcia striker decided to shoot from a narrow angle instead of crossing and it caught the Depor keeper out. Deportivo’s equaliser came from veteran Juan Carlos Valerón as he headed in Guardado’s lovely cross on 33 minutes. Riki gave the league leaders the lead with a header from six-yards before Lassad scored with a near post flick in the 72nd minute. Deportivo play 2nd place and arch rivals Celta on Sunday at 12pm local time.

* Game was abandoned after 60 minutes.

By Kwame Agyemang

There is no doubting that La Liga is one of the preeminent football leagues in the world. Its style and flair, coupled with the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and a host of other well-known footballers, certainly make it appeasing, eye-catching brand of football. Despite this, their English counterpart (i.e., English Premier League) continues to generate more interest across the world. This is no different on the African continent, as numerous Africans tune into their television sets or online feeds to watch the action.

This is not to say that La Liga is not popular in Africa. In fact, it is; just not to the extent of the EPL. Reason? Scores of Africans feel as if the dominance of Barcelona and Real Madrid gives impedes its possibly likability. “In terms of popularity, I would say La Liga is 2nd to the EPL and it’s all about Barca and Madrid”, a supporter of Chelsea FC asserted.

Among the various reasons as to why La Liga seems to struggle in Africa, the aforementioned comment appears to take precedence.

“For me, I only follow what’s going on with Real Madrid and Barca, because they are the two top teams in the La Liga with some of the best players in the world. The only time I would check on the other teams is when they cause an upset, like they beat Barca or Real. Personally, I think week in week out, the English Premiership offers more mouthwatering encounters than the La Liga.”

As a result of Barcelona and Real Madrid’s preponderance, DStv, Africa’s number one supplier of television, tends to only show fixtures of these two clubs competing.

“The only La Liga games they usually show on DStv involve either Barca or Real Madrid. Sometimes they show La Liga games involving the other teams, but I am not sure people really care to watch them.”

Another reason why Africans prefer to watch the English Premiership to La Liga is due to the lack of revered African footballers in La Liga and Africans in general. A quick glance at the rosters of clubs competing in the English Premiership or even Ligue 1 will illustrate a discrepancy in the number of African players. This is most likely due to Spain’s marginal presence in Africa during colonial times, while England and France had a ubiquitous presence. Why does this matter? Africans tend to follow clubs who field teams with a player from their country. For instance, many Ghanaians and Ivorians are Chelsea FC supporters because of Michael Essien and Didier Drogba, while countless Senegalese now follow Newcastle FC because of Demba Ba and new signing Papiss Cissé. Indeed, La Liga does have its share of African players (Granada likely encompassing the most), but not to the degree of the EPL.

“La liga is popular, there is no doubt about that, but I feel like the extent to which we patronize and follow the La Liga is based in part on the amount of African stars playing in the big teams. For instance, you have an individual who supported Getafe because Derek Boateng played there. They may not even watch their games but will check the scores to see if Derek Boateng scored.”

While these opinions certainly do not represent the totality of the African continent, they do illustrate an opportunity for La Liga executives to make inroads in Africa. As witnessed by the 2010 rendition of the World Cup, Africans have a pronounced passion for “the beautiful game.” Given the exposure, they are sure to watch and La Liga could possibly parallel the popularity of the EPL. And unlike the issue that La Liga faces in Asia concerning time zone differences, this would not be the case in Africa. An increase in marketing, such as simply playing an exhibition fixture in Africa would be a success among Africans. So the question remains: will La Liga ever have a presence in Africa? That is a question for another day. Let us wait and see.

CD Numancia 1-0 Recreativo Huelva

Numancia keep their hunt for a play-off spot as Díaz de Cerio scored a 81st minute winner after neat link up play between Bedoya and Nagore put the chance on a plate for him.

Saturdays’ Matches

Girona FC 1-0 Deportivo La Coruña

Deportivo’s run of four consecutive league wins ended as Jandro scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot in first half injury time after Diego Colotto was sent off for handling the ball on the line. Oscar Díaz was dismissed for the visitors for a second yellow in the 82nd minute.

CD Alcoyano 2-1 CE Sabadell

Despite winning Alcoyano remain three points from safety as Huesca also won. Luis Cesar got his first win as manager as Álvaro García’s 87th minute goal gave Alcoyano the three points, which might be huge come the end of the season. Sabadell are now five league games without a win.

Elche CF 1-2 SD Huesca

Pepe Bordalas’ has one more game to save his job as Elche fell to their third defeat in four league games. Huesca recorded this comeback victory as Roberto scored an injury time winner after Tariq had equalised after 72 minutes.

Gimnàstic Tarragona 1-1 Barcelona B

Fernando Morán scored his 5th goal in three games as he continues his one man fight against relegation.

Guadalajara (ESP) 1-2 AD Alcorcón

Alcorcón moved to within one point of Hercules with third win in four league games, Oriol Riera with the winner seven minutes from the end. Guadalajara continue to slip down the table and are only three points above the relegation zone.

Real Murcia 2-1 FC Cartagena

Murcia completed the double over Cartagena in the Murcian Derby with the same score line as back in November. The turning point in this game was at 1-1 in the 63rd minute, as Dimas was sent off for Cartagena for a second yellow after a poor tackle on Adrian Sutil. Cristían García with the winning goal ten minutes later.

Real Valladolid 2-1 UD Las Palmas

Valladolid grabbed all three points with an injury time winner from Oscar Gonzalez after David García had equalised for Las Palmas.

UD Almería 1-1 Xerez CD

Almería sacked Lucas Alcaraz after a six game winless run, Esteban Vigo who started his managerial career at Almería his replacement. Leo Ulloa scored again, this latest strike cancelling out Jose Marí’s 5th minute opener.

Sundays’ Matches

Celta de Vigo 2-0 Villarreal B

Celta kept their lead of four points over Valladolid with an impressive home win over inform Villarreal B. Lejuene was sent off for being last man after bringing down Iago Aspas when one-on-one with Diego Marino in the penalty area. Iago Aspas took the penalty but could only hit it against the post. Orellana opened the scoring with a well taken curling effort from outside the area, Iago Aspas made it 2-0 after he rounded the keeper after an hour.

Córdoba CF 3-1 Hércules CF

Córdoba continue to play the best football in the Segunda Division as they moved up to 4th with a win over play-off rivals Hércules. Airam broke the deadlock in the 21st minute before Lopez Sila lovely chip doubled their advantage.