Real Valladolid look set to end their four-year hiatus from Spain’s top-flight after taking a commanding three-goal lead in the promotion playoff final.
The Blanquivioletas secured a 3-0 victory away to Numancia to follow up their semi-final elimination of Sporting Gijon, as a first return to La Liga since 2014 looks all but guaranteed.
Central defender Kiko Olivas headed home the opener nine minutes before the break at Estadio Los Pajaritos before full-back Pablo Hervias doubled the lead in the 58th minute from a free-kick.
Oscar Plano added a third nine minutes later as Valladolid put one foot into Spain’s top flight and left Numancia needing a minor miracle ahead of Saturday’s second leg.