Real Madrid Castilla secures Spanish promotion playoff spot after competition judge ruling

A dispute over the fifth-place tie‑break in Spain’s Primera RFEF (Group 1) was resolved by the Competition Judge, who confirmed that the head‑to‑head record is the decisive criterion. Real Madrid Castilla, having beaten Pontevedra CF 1‑0 at home and drawn away, was awarded the fifth place and thus a berth in the promotion playoffs to the Segunda División.

Pontevedra CF had appealed, arguing that goal difference should have given them the spot, but the judge rejected the claim, citing the federation’s regulations and confirming the federation’s subsequent playoff draw that includes Castilla. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the RFEF’s handling of classification rules and the limited recourse clubs have through ordinary or sports courts.