How does the Spanish second and third division compare to other second and third divisions around the world? Thanks
I am just curious as to where it stands to other second and third leagues around the world. Have you ever seen a match in one of these divisions?
I have seen quite a few. I just think it is impossible to gauge one lower league of one country to another. They don't play each other unlike the top leagues do.
So would it be fair to compare the Second Division to MLS? Do they have non-EU foreign limits in the Second or Third divisions?
I have no idea about Segunda A versus MLS. They have non-EU limits in all divisions. From Segunda B (Third division) and below, non-EU players are not allowed.
First, there are 2nd-A, 2nd-B and 3rd divisions. Second, there's a non-EU player limit, like in the 1st dvision. I have seen very few MSL games, so I can't compare. I can tell you I've seen some CL teams of countries like Russia, Ukraine or Belgium that IMO were worse than a Spanish 2nd-A division team. That might help you.
Being a season ticket holder for San Jose and having attended numerous games from primera regional to Primera in Spain, here is my take. MLS is comparable to the mid tabled teams in Segunda Division. Maybe last years LA team could play in Primera but would be hard pressed not to get relegated. Spains segunda has lots of talent, the problem is that when you have the best league in the world, the gap between segunda and primera seems huge. On only has to see how often a team will get promoted to Primera and in their first year in Primera will qualify for the UEFA Cup, as my Betis has done that last two times they have been promoted back to Primera! Saludos y viva er eurobeti manque lopera! Pichi
When I lived in Malaga, the first 6 months I was there, Malaga was still in Segunda, so I took in about 10 Segunda A matches and saw all levels of teams from those who were fighting to move up to Primera to those who would eventually be relegated to Segunda B. There were probably 15 teams that were competitive and the other 7 were also rans, being beaten soundly by the top teams. If it helps at all, Oviedo (who was in Primera 2 years ago is in last place, in danger of relegation to Segunda B, while none of the teams who moved down from Primera last year currently occupy a promotion spot, although Zaragoza is a point off). I would say the majority of players, especially in the teams that are fighting for promotion are made up of young players gaining experience before moving up to first division teams, players who were sitting the bench in Primera and moved down to Segunda to get more PT, and older players who played in Primera as long as they could and then continued to play after their careers in Primera in Segunda (sounds a little like many MLS internationals). There are some high quality players in the Spanish second division (Atletico Madrid and Betis, two typically top 10 teams in Primera, spent time there a year ago and two years ago, respectively, see Pichi's remarks) especially when Betis were playing there two years ago. Can you picture players like Denilson in a second division side? Nevertheless, he played there for a year. Spain's second division is very good, as good as any in Europe and quite possibly the best. MLS teams would be competitive, but it's hard to say if they would win promotion. They would just have to play the games.
It seems the starter of this topic is playing Championship Manager and are looking for reliable info! And he's not the only example, do you remember who scored the winning goal vs Juventus to gave RM their 7th European Cup? Pedja Mijatovic plays in Segunda for Levante, and as MCFf explains pretty good, there are several more.