Spanish Championship. Third Division. Group 13
The Third Division of the Spanish Championship, or Tercera División RFEF Group 13, is one of 18 regional groups in Spain's fifth-tier league. Since 2021, it features 18 teams mainly from Andalusia, Murcia, and parts of Castile-La Mancha, where clubs fight for promotion, survival, and cup glory. It's a gritty arena blending pro ambitions with semi-pro grit on intimate grounds.
History and foundation
Group 13 emerged under Tercera RFEF post-2020/21 restructure, evolving from Tercera División Grupo XIV. Highlights: Real Murcia Imperatriz's surprise playoff run in 2022/23; Polideportivo Melkart's 2023/24 dominance with key derby wins. Historically, UD Almería B ascended from here; a standout was Juan Pinta's hat-trick for Lorca in 2021, clinching the group.
Tournament format
The format spans 34 matches, home and away among 18 teams. Top four enter playoffs for two Segunda RFEF spots; 15th-18th face relegation to Tercera Federación. RFEF Cup adds incentive. Regional derbies heighten drama on weekends.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, spiking over 3 in rivalries. Top scorers: Rafael García (Polideportivo Melkart, 17 in 2023/24), Antonio Rincón (Real Murcia Imperatriz, 15). Stars include ex-Getafe youth Miguel Ángel Cruz at Lorca with dazzling dribbles; veteran Pablo Sagnardini of Caparrosa from Segunda days; and keeper David Pérez of Vélez, saving 12 penalties last season. It nurtures talent for higher tiers.