From the Third Tier to the Top Flight? The Remarkable Rise of Four Spanish Giants
Castellón, Deportivo, Málaga and Córdoba all won promotion to Segunda together in 2023-24. Now, incredibly, all four are battling for La Liga spots.
Four clubs who celebrated promotion to Spain’s second tier together just 18 months ago are now all in contention for La Liga football. It’s a proper fairytale, innit?
The Fantastic Four
Castellón, Deportivo, Málaga and Córdoba all secured promotion to LaLiga Hypermotion in the 2023-24 season. Fast forward to the halfway point of the current campaign, and remarkably, all four historic clubs are within touching distance of Spain’s top flight.
Castellón’s meteoric rise
Castellón haven’t graced the top division since 1991, but they’re currently sitting pretty in second place – an automatic promotion spot. Their climb up the table has been nothing short of sensational:
- Pablo Hernández took over from Johan Plat mid-season
- He inherited a team in the relegation zone
- Now they’re dreaming of La Liga football
The club’s social media even joked about ending the season immediately to secure their promotion!
Deportivo dreaming big
The former La Liga champions (4th place) are desperate to return to where they feel they belong. The Galicians:
- Have topped the table for six matchdays this season
- Recently ended a five-game winless run
- Showed their mettle with a comeback victory at Almería
Málaga on fire
Málaga (6th) have been absolutely on it lately. Two months ago, they were flirting with relegation, but under Juanfran Funes they’ve been proper mustard:
- Unbeaten under Funes (20 points from 24)
- Five consecutive victories
- Successfully integrating academy products
Córdoba still in the hunt
Córdoba might be sitting 10th, but they’re just three points off the playoff positions. Their away form has been particularly impressive – unbeaten on their travels since September with only three defeats in their last 17 matches overall. Manager Iván Ania, who guided them to promotion last season, remains at the helm.
All four clubs represent major Spanish cities with proud football traditions and top-flight history. That they’ve climbed from Spain’s third tier to potentially the promised land in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. Football, bloody hell!