Leganes all but safe after thumping win over Betis

Leganes thumped Real Betis 4-0 to move to the brink of La Liga safety.

Alexander Szymanowski with a penalty and Nabil El Zhar struck early before Gabriel Pires and Szymanowski again netted in the second half to move the hosts six points clear of the relegation zone.

Leganes had won just once in their previous nine games, but victory almost seals survival as they have a far better goal difference than Sporting Gijon, who occupy the final drop spot with two matches left.

The hosts went ahead after seven minutes when Alex Martinez handled in the area and Szymanowski netted from the spot.

They then doubled their lead eight minutes later when ex-Liverpool man El Zhar fired in his first goal since January.

It was an uphill battle for Betis from then and Pires wrapped up the win with a brilliant 35-yard drive after 65 minutes.

Szymanowski then added a fourth 10 minutes from time to put the gloss on the victory.