Honours even as Segunda Play-Offs begin: Video Highlights

By Staff Writer
Updated: 7 June, 2012

The promotion play-offs in Spain’s Liga Adelante remain delicately poised going into Sunday’s return games, after both semi-final first-leg games finished in deadlock on Wednesday evening.

Alcorcón enjoyed a dream start to their game at Hércules as a horrendous mistake from goalkeeper Juan Carlos allowed Angel’s speculative effort to squirm over the line and give the Madrid side the lead after less than 60 seconds.

Juan Antonio Anquela’s men have had a remarkable rise from playing in the regional leagues just two years ago, and almost doubled their lead three minutes later when Fernando Sales broke clear only for Juan Carlos to make amends for his earlier mistake.

The hosts soon settled however and began to exert their dominance as they looked for a way back into the game. The breakthrough finally came five minutes into the second half when Adriano Sardinero capitalised on some poor defending to rifle home from close range.

Hercules continued to dominate and created numerous chance to put themselves ahead. It was not to be however, and the teams now travel to Santo Domingo on Sunday with Alcorcón holding a slight advantage.

Córdoba and Valladolid played out a tense 0-0 draw at the Nuevo Arcangel despite both sides creating a number of chance to break the deadlock.

The home side made the early running and Valladolid goalkeeper Jaime was forced into two good saves during the opening exchanges. The visitors grew into the game however and Javi Guerra went close just before the break, only to scuff his effort with only Alberto Garcia to beat.

Pepe Diaz wasted two good chances for the hosts soon after the break as they began to increase the pressure on Valladolid, and in truth Cordoba did enough to win the encounter. Miroslav Dukic’s side defended resolutely to hold on however and the game finished in stalemate, leaving the tie on a knife-edge ahead of the return match at the Jose Zorilla on Sunday.

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HÉRCULES 1-1 ALCORCÓN

CÓRDOBA 0– VALLADOLID

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