Spanish Championship. Segunda RFEF Division
The Segunda RFEF, or Second Division of the RFEF, is one of four tiers in Spain's fourth-level football pyramid, overseen by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Featuring 90 teams split into five groups of 18, it serves as a battleground for regional clubs hungry for promotion to Tercera Federación, drawing scouts from higher divisions with its raw competitiveness and passion.
History and foundation
Launched in the 2020/21 season, Segunda RFEF restructured the former Tercera División to boost quality at the fourth tier. Pre-2020, Tercera had 18 sprawling groups; the new setup with Segunda and Tercera RFEF streamlined promotions and relegations. A standout moment: Yeclano Deportivo from Murcia clinched playoff glory in 2021 to reach Primera RFEF, epitomizing underdog triumphs. The league endured COVID disruptions but rebounded with thrilling group deciders.
Tournament format
The competition unfolds across five regional groups of 18 teams each, playing 34 matches in a double round-robin format. Group winners earn direct promotion to Tercera Federación; runners-up and third-placers contest playoffs for extra spots. Bottom 4-5 teams per group drop to Tercera Federación. Offseason brings transfers and preps, with playoffs injecting high-stakes drama.
Interesting facts
Average goal tally hovers at 2.4-2.7 per game, emphasizing defensive grit and swift counters, hallmark of fourth-tier Spanish football. In 2023/24, Adrian Bernabe of CD Numancia topped scorers with 18 goals; historically, it nurtured stars like Xavi from Barcelona's youth days in Tercera. Current standouts include Jon Karrikaburu (22 goals in 2022/23 for Real Unión) and midfielder Alberto Ojinaga of SD Logroñés, a visionary passer, plus keeper Dani Jimenez's clutch saves.