Spanish Championship. RFEF Third Division. Group 4
The Spanish Championship in the RFEF Third Division, Group 4, stands as one of fifteen regional sections of the Tercera, pitting ambitious clubs from eastern Spain in a battle for survival and promotion. Featuring teams from Valencia, Alicante, Castellón, and nearby provinces, it delivers gritty, near-professional football focused on tactical depth and nurturing young prospects.
History and foundation
Group 4 of the Tercera RFEF traces its roots to the original Tercera División launched in 1929, but took its current shape in 2021 amid RFEF reforms. In 2022/23, CD Castellón B topped with 78 points; 2023/24 saw FC Jove Español San Vicente claim the crown, edging out Hercules B. Memorable moments include Peña Deportiva's thrilling 2021 playoff promotion and a 2019 match-fixing scandal that tightened oversight. Legends like José Luis Mendilibar from Hércules Alicante began here.
Tournament format
The setup is straightforward: 16 teams in a double round-robin, 30 matches each. The group winner advances directly to Segunda RFEF playoffs, with 2nd-5th joining. Bottom three (14th-16th) face relegation playoffs, 13th in transitions. Season runs August to May, with a winter break.
Interesting facts
Average goals hover at 2.4 per game, spiking in rivalries like Elche Ilicitano vs. Hercules B. Top scorers: Xavi Rubio (CD Acero, 22 in 2022/23), David García (Peña Deportiva, 18). Standouts include Kéko (ex-Hércules, now Primera-bound) and prospect Kelian Gutiérrez (Valencia B Mestalla), whose flair shines. The league boasts tough defenders like Pablo Cervantes from Lleida Esportiu.