Valencia CF women defy trend after relegation, third with 40 points in promotion race | OneFootball

Valencia CF women are bucking the slump that often follows relegation. In Primera Federación, Spain’s second tier, they are third on 40 points, while Real Betis, also relegated last season, sit in the drop zone.

Valencia’s fall from Liga F was sealed on 11 May 2025 with one round left. They needed two wins and a Dépor slip, but a draw with Badalona ended hope. The response was clear, return quickly to the top flight.

With three matches left there are nine points available, the exact tally needed for automatic promotion if Las Gloriosas take none. Valencia must beat Atlético de Madrid B, Deportivo Alavés and AEM Lleida, then hope the Basque side falter completely. It remains an outside shot, rare for freshly relegated teams.

"From the first moment the team had the ambition to fight for direct promotion," said Mikel Crespo. He told the club's media.

"But we also knew that, normally, relegated teams end up near the bottom. Betis are where they are because it is a complicated league."

"We knew it was going to be difficult, but also a beautiful objective. We have never stopped looking up and that is why we are where we are."

Recent history offers warnings. Rayo Vallecano went down in 2021-22 with 14 points, then dropped again to Segunda Federación. Sporting de Huelva collected nine points in 2023-24 and suffered another relegation the next season, while Alavés finished ninth after 2022-23 and Villarreal survived 2023-34 thanks to a 90th minute winner.

Source: Superdeporte