Granada CF 1 : 0 Zaragoza - Granada sink struggling Zaragoza

Granada's surge away from the relegation zone continued as a scrappy goal from Odion Ighalo proved enough to beat rock-bottom Real Zaragoza 1-0.

Nigerian striker Ighalo scored on the stroke of half-time as Granada made it 10 points from a possible 12 to move up to 12th place in the Primera Division.

Zaragoza have now failed to win any of their last seven league games to drift to three points from safety.

The home side threatened first with Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto Gago producing a fine stop to keep out a Mikel Rico free-kick.

He excelled again a minute later, a brilliant block denying Carlos Martins from close range.

Zaragoza's threat was sporadic with long-range efforts from Angel Lafita and Franco Zuculini their only moments of hope in a disappointing opening half hour.

Zaragoza's Portugal striker Helder Postiga did have three attempts in quick succession but could not find the back of the net and the visitors were made to pay as Granada went ahead in the 44th minute.

Rico surged down the right and delivered a cross which hit Ighalo, bounced off Lafita and back to Ighalo who made no mistake second time round.

Zaragoza almost conjured up a swift riposte after the break but Adam Pinter's shot was superbly saved by home keeper Roberto Fernandez.

Granada came again and Ighalo came close after 57 minutes.

The hosts held on with relative ease until the closing seconds when Fernandez was forced to scramble across his line to keep out Luis Garcia's 25-yard free-kick.