Alaves win promotion to the Primera Liga

Alaves clinched promotion to the Primera Liga on Sunday after two seasons out of the top flight.

A 2-1 win at Elche ensures that, with just one game left, the second division leaders cannot finish lower than third.

The Basque side hit the headlines in 2001 when they reached the UEFA Cup final but were relegated two seasons later.

They are now controlled by controversial Ukrainian-born American entrepreneur Dimitry Piterman, who took over the presidency of the club at the start of the season.

There was bad news for Celta Vigo who believed they had been promoted last week after their 3-1 victory over Xerez only to find they were later deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

The Galicians lost 2-1 at home to fellow promotion candidates Eibar and now have to win their final match away to Lleida to ensure they claim one of the remaining two promotion places.

Cadiz, who won 3-1 at home to Terrassa, and Recreativo Huelva, who drew 1-1 at home to Almeria, are also in the hunt for promotion.

Alaves lead with 76 points, Cadiz and Celta have 73, Eibar have 72 and Recreativo Huelva have 70.

Pontevedra, Terrassa, Cordoba and Salamanca were all relegated to the Spanish regional third division.