Spanish Championship. RFEF Second Division. Group 5
RFEF Second Division Group 5 is one of five regional groups in the Tercera, Spain's fifth-tier football. Featuring teams from Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castilla-La Mancha, clubs compete fiercely for promotion to Primera RFEF while staving off relegation to Quinta División. It's a showcase of gritty regional football, where underdog teams display resilience and tactical nous.
History and foundation
Established in 2020 amid RFEF reforms that restructured Tercera División, Group 5 evolved from the old Tercera Grupo XIV. Notable moments include UCAM Murcia B's playoff run in 2021/22 and Real Madrid C's defensive masterclass in 2022/23. Historically, alumni like Polideportivo Alcorcón have risen to prominence. The changes injected fresh competition, spotlighting promotion battles.
Tournament format
18 teams play a single round-robin: 34 matches each. Top four enter playoffs for Primera RFEF promotion (two direct, two via ties). Positions 15-18 relegate directly, 13-14 face playoffs. Fixtures align with weekends, optimized for regional travel. Playoffs feature two-legged ties, home advantage for higher seeds.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, with defensive battles dominant—40% end 0-0 or 1-0. Top scorers: Javi Herrera (CD Móstoles, 18 in 2022/23), Antonio Rincón (CD Zirauki, 16). Standouts include Miguel García (UD Ibiza B) for dazzling dribbles, and past gems like Juan Carlos who climbed to Segunda. A breeding ground for reserve talents from elite clubs like Cádiz B.