Spanish Championship. RFEF Third Division. Group 15
RFEF Third Division Group 15 stands as one of 18 regional groups in Spain's fifth-tier league, featuring ambitious clubs from Andalusia and nearby areas like Malaga, Granada, Almeria, and Jerez. It delivers thrilling football focused on local talents and the fierce pursuit of promotion.
History and foundation
Established in 2020 amid the Tercera División's revamp into RFEF, Group 15 intensified rivalries previously spread across Groups IX-X. The 2021/22 season saw Real Jaén clinch the top spot in a nail-biting finish, while 2023 brought controversy with a doping scandal involving a lower-table side. Historically, it nurtures legacies from teams like Málaga B and past powerhouses such as CD Roquetas, multiple Segunda B climbers.
Tournament format
Standard setup: 18 teams in a double round-robin, totaling 34 matches. The group winner advances directly to playoffs for Second RFEF promotion; positions 2-5 join playoffs too, while 16-18th drop to Tercera Nacional Elit or regional leagues. Fixtures align weekends, optimized for southern geography.
Interesting facts
High-scoring affair with 2.8 goals per game average, driven by the attacking flair of Andalusian sides. Top scorer record: José Luis García of Vélez CF with 24 goals in 2022/23. Standouts include rising star Adán Ruiz from CD Huétor Tájar, now in Segunda B, and veteran Pablo Santos of Juventud Torremolinos, a league icon with over 150 goals. It's a talent factory for higher divisions.