Date: January 2, 2026
Topic: La Liga Hypermotion (Segunda División) 2025/26 Mid-Season Review
As the winter transfer window opens this morning, the 2025/26 Segunda División campaign has reached its halfway point, delivering the trademark chaos that defines Spain’s second tier. We find ourselves in a timeline where historic giants are staring into the abyss of the third tier, while a resurgent force from Cantabria leads the pack.
Based on the standings after Matchday 19, here is the state of play in the promotion race and the relegation mire.
### The Promotion Push: Racing Lead the Pack
The headline story of the season is undoubtedly Racing Santander. Under the guidance of José Alberto López, the *Verdiblancos* sit top of the table with 37 points. They have been the league’s entertainers, boasting a potent attack led by Asier Villalibre, who has found a new lease on life at El Sardinero, netting 10 goals so far to sit joint-top of the scoring charts.
Chasing them in the second automatic promotion spot are UD Las Palmas (34 points). Freshly relegated from La Liga last season, the Canary Islanders have stabilized quickly. Their defense has been their backbone, conceding just 11 goals—the best record in the division.
#### The Playoff Scramble (3rd – 6th)
The playoff zone is tighter than ever, separated by just two points:
* 3. Deportivo La Coruña (32 pts): After consolidating last season, Depor are mounting a serious challenge for a return to the elite.
* 4. UD Almería (32 pts): The Andalusians remain a threat thanks to the individual brilliance of Sergio Arribas, who shares the Golden Boot lead with Villalibre.
* 5. CD Castellón (31 pts): The “Orelluts” continue to punch above their weight, playing fearless football that has them firmly in the mix.
* 6. Cádiz CF (30 pts): Holding onto the final spot, though they have Sporting Gijón (30 pts) breathing down their necks.
Sporting Gijón deserves a special mention. After a shaky start that saw them near the drop zone in October, the appointment of Borja Jiménez has revitalized the Asturians, who are now level on points with the playoff places.
### The Surprise Package: AD Ceuta
Perhaps the most romantic story of the 2025/26 season is AD Ceuta FC. Promoted from the Primera Federación last summer, they were tipped for an immediate return. Instead, they sit comfortably in 9th place (29 pts), just one point off the playoffs. Their fortress at the Estadio Alfonso Murube has proven incredibly difficult for visiting teams to breach.
### The Relegation Crisis: Historic Lows for Zaragoza and Eibar
If the top of the table is exciting, the bottom is nothing short of shocking. Several established clubs are in genuine danger of dropping to the Primera RFEF.
* 21. Real Zaragoza (17 pts): The situation at La Romareda is critical. Sitting 19th and deep in the relegation zone, Zaragoza has managed only 4 wins all season. The pressure is immense on a squad that looks devoid of confidence, with a goal difference of -14.
* 20. CD Leganés (20 pts): Relegated from La Liga alongside Las Palmas and Valladolid last year, *Lega* has failed to adapt. Instead of fighting for promotion, they are fighting for their professional lives, currently sitting in the drop zone.
* 19. SD Eibar (21 pts): Another shock. The *Armeros*, usually playoff regulars, have collapsed this season, sitting just inside the relegation places.
* 22. CD Mirandés (16 pts): The club famous for its survival acts is currently rock bottom, though only one point drifts them from Zaragoza.
Granada CF (18th, 21 pts) and Real Sociedad B (17th, 21 pts) are hovering just above the dotted line, making this one of the most high-profile relegation battles in recent history.
### What to Watch in January
With the window now open, expect desperate movement from the bottom three. Real Zaragoza and Leganés must invest to save their status. Meanwhile, Racing Santander will be hoping to hold onto key talents like Iñigo Vicente and Andrés Martín as La Liga clubs circle.
The second half of the season promises to be a nail-biter. Can Racing hold their nerve? Will Zaragoza avoid the unthinkable? The ball is rolling in 2026.