Andalucian Desperation

Matches like the one that took place at El Arcangel last weekend in Cordoba is what helps make futbol so special. Promotion and relegation within a futbol division is the most logical method to ensure integrity within the sport. I compare that to what happens in the NFL, NBA or MLB. Teams who are in the lower rungs of their conference or division have no incentive to try. They know they are not making the playoffs, so why bother giving a full effort? Thankfully, futbol does not follow the same guidelines. Last week's Cordoba-Castellon match was a clear reason why promotion and relegation works so well.

Castellon made the quick trip over to the former Arabic capital of the Iberian Peninsula to play in a match that had huge consequences for both teams. Cordoba was hovering in 19th place, the final spot in the relegation zone, and desperate for the three points. Meanwhile Castellon was a mere two points behind the promotion zone with thoughts of dates next year in the Nou Camp and Santiago Bernabeu dancing in their heads. What this gives us is a match where both teams are desperately seeking a win. And this is what provides some of the best futbol and drama. The fans at El Arcangel were not disappointed.

Several minutes prior to halftime, Castellon's Mario Rosas gave the visitors a 0-1 lead, and for the moment, a spot in the promotion zone. After halftime, Cordoba's veteran leaders, the Italian Pierini and Spainard Yordi took charge and led the Cordoba comeback. The former Fiorentina player equalised in the 65th. Cordoba maintained the pressure in the second half, but as the minutes ticked down, it looked as the 'empate' was sure to happen. It was then in the 93rd that Yordi took in a long ball only to be pushed down in the penalty area. The former Zaragoza player, who earned two Copa del Rey titles with the Aragon side when it was in La Primera, coolly slotted home the PK. Cordoba keeper Raul Navas was also a hero barely knocking away a Castellon chance in the dying seconds to ensure the three points. With the win, Cordoba stayed 1 point above the drop zone while Castellon dropped another point further from Hercules in the fight for the third promotion spot.

This is the type of game that begs the question: Who is the more desperate team? The one fighting for promotion to one of the greatest leagues in the world? Or the one that is trying to survive and avoid futbol obscurity. Such is life in El Infierno where every week dreams and desperation are juxtaposed on a patch of grass.

For those keeping track, Jozy Altidore once again sat our Xerez's last game. The "Free Jozy" campaign is reaching a fever pitch!

Resultados - Jornada 27
Albacete - Eibar 2-0
Celta - Huesca 0-1
Rayo - Girona 1-1
R. Sociedad - Sevilla At. 1-0
Salamanca - Gimnastic 4-0
Zaragoza - Hercules 2-2
Las Palmas - Alaves 2-1
Levante - Xerez 2-2
Elche - Murcia 1-1
Córdoba - Castellon 2-1
Alicante - Tenenrife 2-2

Clasificacion
1. Xerez - 51
2. Tenerife - 48
3. Hércules - 46
4. Rayo - 45
5. Zaragoza - 44
6. Castellón - 43
7. Salamanca - 41
8. Huesca - 40
9. R. Sociedad - 39
10. Levante - 39
11. Gimnástic - 37
12. Girona - 37
13. Albacete - 35
14. Murcia - 35
15. Elche - 34
16. Celta - 33
17. Las Palmas - 31
18. Córdoba - 31
19. Alavés - 30
20. Eibar - 27
21. Alicante - 20
22. Sevilla At - 10