Spanish Championship. Third Division. Group 16
The Third Division of Spain, or Tercera División, is a vital tier in the Spanish football pyramid, with Group 16 featuring clubs mainly from Andalusia, Extremadura, and nearby areas. This is a battleground for semi-professional and amateur sides aiming for promotion to Segunda Federación. In the 2024/25 season, teams like UD Almería B, CD El Ejido, and Real Betis B vie for supremacy and survival.
History and foundation
Group 16 was established in 2023 following a major overhaul of Spanish football, splitting Tercera RFEF into Segunda Federación (five groups) and Tercera Federación (18 groups). It previously fell under Group 14. A notable event: In 2022, CD Móstoles earned promotion from a similar group via playoffs, boosting Andalusian ambitions. History includes fierce derbies between reserves like Sevilla Atlético and Málaga B. The COVID-19 pandemic halted the 2020 season, but the league's revival highlighted regional resilience.
Tournament format
The format is a double round-robin (34 matches per team), with the top five advancing to playoffs for promotion to Segunda Federación, while positions 15-18 face relegation to Tercera Federación. Playoffs feature quarterfinals, semifinals, and a neutral-venue final. The season runs from August to May, optimized for regional travel.
Interesting facts
Average goal tally stands at 2.4 per game, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick counters. Top scorers from 2023/24 include Javi Moyano of UD Almería B (18 goals) and Antonio López of CD El Ejido (15 goals, 10 assists). Standout talents: Inigo Correa from Real Betis B (Primera debutant) and ex-Málaga B's José Carlos Llorente. The group is a breeding ground for prospects heading to higher divisions.