Segunda División B: The History and Legacy of Spain's Former Third Tier
For decades, the Segunda División B served as a critical bridge in the Spanish football league system. Operating as the third tier of competition, it sat below the professional ranks of the Primera División (La Liga) and the Segunda División, while remaining above the Tercera División. Administered by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), this league was a melting pot of ambitious regional clubs and the reserve teams of Spain's footballing giants.
The league officially concluded its run in 2021, marking the end of an era and paving the way for a modernized league structure designed to increase professionalism and competitiveness across the Spanish pyramid.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: 1977 (revived from an original 1929 version).
- Folded: 2021.
- Pyramid Level: 3rd Tier.
- Successors: Primera Federación (3rd tier) and Segunda Federación (4th tier).
- Maximum Capacity: 102 teams (during the 2020–21 season).
- Highest Attendance: 57,236 (Real Madrid B vs Conquense, 2005).
The Evolution of the League
The concept of a "Segunda División B" first appeared in 1929 as a 10-team league won by Cultural Leonesa. However, this version was short-lived and replaced by the Tercera División in the 1929–30 season. The league as most fans remember it was revived for the 1977–78 season, once again establishing itself as the third level of Spanish football.
Over the years, the RFEF frequently reorganized the league to balance geography and competition. It evolved from just two groups in its early years to a single group of 22 teams in 1986–87, and eventually to a stable format of four groups of 20 teams (80 total) starting in 1987–88.
The Final Transition (2020–2021)
The 2020–21 season was the most anomalous in the league's history. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the curtailment of the 2019–20 season, the league expanded to 102 teams. These were divided into five groups, further subdivided into subgroups for scheduling ease. Following this season, the RFEF restructured the pyramid, creating the semi-professional Primera Federación as the new third tier, effectively pushing the successor of Segunda División B (the Segunda Federación) down to the fourth tier.
Competition Structure and Promotion
The Segunda División B was renowned for its grueling promotion battle. Typically, the top four teams from each of the four groups entered a playoff to determine which four clubs would ascend to the Segunda División.
Promotion and Relegation Rules
- Reserve Teams: Reserve teams were eligible for promotion only if their senior team was already playing in the Primera División.
- Relegation: The bottom four teams in each group were automatically relegated to the Tercera División, with 16th-placed teams often facing a relegation playoff.
- Cup Eligibility: Top-performing non-reserve teams qualified for the Copa del Rey, while others competed in the Copa Federación.
The Champions' Path
From the 2008–09 season, a specific "Group Winners Promotion Playoff" was introduced. The four group winners competed in a two-legged series; the two winners of these semifinals earned direct promotion and played a final to be crowned the overall Segunda División B champion.
League Statistics and Records
The league's history is defined by several "stalwarts"—clubs that spent more time in the third tier than almost any others. Barakaldo, Cultural Leonesa, and Pontevedra all hold the record for the most seasons spent in the division (36).
| Category | Record Holder | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Most Seasons | Barakaldo, Cultural Leonesa, Pontevedra | 36 Seasons |
| Most Points | Barakaldo | 1,901 |
| Most Wins | Cultural Leonesa | 547 |
| Most Goals Scored | Cultural Leonesa | 1,719 |
| Most Group Titles | Levante | 5 |
| Most Promotions | Barcelona B | 5 |
Notable Scorelines
The league witnessed some staggering results, including two record wins of 12–0: Extremadura against Racing Portuense in 1993, and Barcelona B against Eldense in 2017. The record away victory stands at 8–0, achieved by both Getafe (1988) and Polideportivo Almería (1999).
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Segunda División B in 2021?
It was replaced by a new league structure. The Primera Federación became the new third tier, while the Segunda Federación (the direct successor to Segunda B) became the fourth tier.
Could reserve teams be promoted from this league?
Yes, but with a strict condition: a reserve team could only be promoted to the Segunda División if its parent senior team was currently playing in the Primera División.
Which clubs are the most successful in the league's history?
In terms of longevity and points, Barakaldo and Cultural Leonesa are among the most prominent. Levante holds the record for the most group championships with five titles.
How many teams played in the final season?
The 2020–21 season featured a record 102 teams, divided into five groups and further subdivided into subgroups due to administrative adjustments following the pandemic.
What cups did Segunda División B teams compete in?
Teams competed in the Copa del Rey (based on league performance) and the Copa Federación.