Spanish Championship. RFEF Third Division. Group 14
RFEF Third Division Group 14 is one of 18 regional groups in Spain's fifth-tier Tercera, featuring 18 teams mainly from Andalusia and Murcia. Clubs battle for promotion to Segunda RFEF while fending off relegation to regional leagues. The season runs from August to May on intimate grounds buzzing with local fervor, embodying grassroots Spanish football.
History and foundation
Formed in 2020 amid RFEF restructuring, splitting old Tercera into tiers, Group 14 evolved from historic Grupo 14. Real Murcia B's 2022 playoff push was a highlight, though they fell short. Clubs like Polideportivo Alhama and Atletico Escalante have scripted underdog tales. In the 2010s, Real Betis B dominated, funneling youth to top flights. Fun fact: The 2023 Alhama-Lorca derby drew 3,000 to a tiny stadium, igniting regional passions.
Tournament format
18 teams play a double round-robin: 34 matches each. Top four advance to playoffs for Segunda RFEF promotion. Bottom three (15-18) drop to Liga Elite or Andalusian Tercera. 12-14th contest survival playoffs. Ties broken by head-to-head, goal difference, away goals.
Interesting facts
Average 2.4 goals per game, favoring gritty defenses and swift counters. Top scorers 2023/24: Javi Hernández (Capitanes de Murcia, 18 goals), Miguel Martín (Vela, 16). Standouts include ex-Murcia striker Juanmi, now in La Liga; prospects like Alberto García from Juventud Pramatex, eyed by Segunda scouts. The group nurtures resilient midfielders and poachers thriving in high-stakes survival scraps.