Spanish Championship. Third Division. Group 18
The Third Division of the Spanish Championship, known as Tercera División RFEF, is one of the lowest professional tiers in Spain's football pyramid. Group 18 covers Andalusia and Murcia regions, featuring teams from small towns and provinces. It's a vital breeding ground for young talents and ambitious clubs aiming for promotion. In the 2023/24 season, teams like Real Murcia Imperial, Lorca Deportiva, and Huércal-Overa compete fiercely for spots in Segunda RFEF.
History and foundation
Group 18 of Tercera División RFEF traces its roots to the 2020 restructuring of Spanish football, splitting Tercera into Segunda RFEF and 18 Tercera groups. Previously, such teams played in Tercera since 1929. Notably, Real Murcia from this area once shone in La Liga. In 2022, Lorca Deportiva reached promotion playoffs, sparking regional excitement. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted play, but the division rebounded strongly, highlighting its resilience.
Tournament format
Group 18's format is straightforward: 18 teams play a home-and-away round-robin, totaling 34 matches each. The winner promotes directly to Segunda RFEF; 2nd and 3rd enter playoffs for another chance. Teams 16th-18th relegate to Quinta División or regional leagues. Playoffs span multiple rounds across groups, adding drama. The season runs from September to May, with a Christmas break.
Interesting facts
Average goal tally in Group 18 hovers at 2.4 per match, emphasizing defense and counters. In 2023/24, Real Betis Deportivo's forward led with 17 goals, followed by Lorca Deportiva's with 15. Past stars include Jose Antonio Reyes, who started in Andalusian clubs before Sevilla and Arsenal, and Kevin Gameiro with regional roots. Current standouts are academy products from Betis and Malaga, showcasing pace and skill.