Spain Championship. RFEF Third Division. Group 3
The RFEF Third Division Group 3 represents one of five regional groups in Spain's fifth-tier football pyramid. Featuring 20 teams primarily from Valencia, Catalonia, and the Balearic Islands, this league kicked off in 2020 following the Tercera División overhaul by the RFEF to boost competition and clarity. It's a battleground for ambitious clubs eyeing promotion to Segunda RFEF and stalwarts upholding regional soccer heritage. Matches unfold on intimate grounds buzzing with fervent fan support, where every goal sparks raw passion.
History and foundation
Established in the 2020/21 season amid structural reforms, Group 3 absorbed teams from former Tercera Grupos V and VI. Notably, Terrassa FC, founded in 1906, staged a comeback to pro ranks here in 2021 after years in the wilderness. Lleida Esportiu nearly ascended in 2022/23 but faltered in playoffs. UE Llagostera holds a storied past with group wins in the 2010s. The league navigated COVID disruptions with strict protocols, emerging as a talent nursery for Barcelona and Valencia academies.
Tournament format
Standard format: 20 teams in a double round-robin, totaling 38 matches. Top finisher promotes directly to Segunda RFEF; places 2-4 enter playoffs for extra spots. Teams 15-20 face relegation to Tercera RFEF or regional leagues via playoffs. Season runs August to May with a winter break; RFEF enforces foreigner quotas and financial regs tightly.
Interesting facts
Average goals per game hover at 2.4, favoring defensive grit. Top scorers include Xavi Rubio (Hércules, 18 in 2022/23) and Alen Halilović (Badalona, 22 in 2021/22). Standouts: ex-Atlético's Koke trialed at Lleida; Valencia Mestalla's Kevin López now in Primera. The group excels in talent forging, producing stars like José Luis Gayà.