Espanyol give Lotina a lift

Keen to renew
The Catalan club have sealed the new deal as a reward for the 47-year-old's achievements in securing fourth place at the turn of the year, despite a 3-0 defeat at Valencia CF last night. Lotina arrived at Espanyol in June to replace Luis Fernández, who quit after helping the team avoid relegation last season.

Celta feat
Lotina's previous coaching position was at RC Celta de Vigo, where he was sacked last January despite having guided the club to fourth position in the 2002/03 season and their first qualification for the UEFA Champions League. The former CD Numancia and CD Logronés coach first came to prominence in 1999/00 for steering CA Osasuna to the top flight.