Spanish Championship. Third Division RFEF. Group 11
Third Division RFEF Group 11 is one of 18 regional groups in Spain's fifth-tier football pyramid. Featuring teams from Andalusia and Murcia, it showcases gritty competition among semi-professional clubs like Real Murcia Imperial and Polideportivo March Menorca, all vying for promotion and regional pride in the 2023/24 season.
History and foundation
Established during the 2020 Tercera División revamp into Tercera RFEF under RFEF, Group 11 builds on the legacy of its predecessor. Clubs like Atlético Esquivias have challenged for top spots historically. The 2019/20 season, halted by COVID-19, saw leaders qualify for playoffs via standings. Notably, Polideportivo March Menorca's 2022 resurgence post-bankruptcy highlights football's resilience. The group has nurtured talents akin to early-career Xavi Puyol from nearby Catalan lower leagues.
Tournament format
The format pits 18 teams in a home-and-away double round-robin over 34 matches. The group winner promotes directly to Segunda RFEF; positions 2–5 enter playoffs for another shot. Teams 6–15 stay put, while 16–18 relegate to Tercera Federación. Playoffs feature regional and national stages, culminating in neutral-venue deciders.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, emphasizing defensive battles. Top scorer in 2023/24 was Antonio Moyano of Real Murcia Imperial with 15 goals. Standouts include goalkeeper Juan Pineda from Linares Deportivo for clutch saves and midfielder Carlos Calvo from Atlético Esquivias with 9 assists. Alumni like Raúl García trace roots to similar Andalusian groups.