In this second group of Primera RFEF, the table could not be tighter. Villarreal B currently lead the standings, followed by Real Zaragoza. Real Murcia are third with 16 points, just one behind the top two. Cartagena and Real Jaén complete the promotion places, both on 15 points.
There are barely two points between the leaders and fifth place. The gap between the teams at the top has narrowed considerably after this eighth round, with a very intense season already taking shape. Real Zaragoza are level on points with the leaders and are also just two points above fifth place.
Terrer contests a ball with Real Zaragoza. Photo: Real Murcia
They are, however, beginning to pull away from the teams outside the promotion places. The gap to those spots is now more than one match, as sixth-placed Alcorcón have 13 points. That is two fewer than Real Jaén, but four behind the top two.
GROUP I, THE OTHER WAY AROUND
That is what is happening in Group II of the third division, officially known as Primera RFEF. Things are very different in Group I. Lugo lead the standings with 22 points after recording seven wins and one draw. They have yet to suffer a defeat.
U.D. Logroñés are behind them, having reached the same 17 points as Real Zaragoza and Villarreal B. In other words, they are four points off the leaders. Racing de Ferrol have 16, while Mérida and Bilbao Athletic drop to 12.
There is no comparison between the groups. While there are 12 points between the leaders and fifth place in Group I, there are only two in Real Zaragoza's group. The competition is wide open at this early stage of the season, with eight rounds of the campaign already completed.
AN INTERESTING FIXTURE LIST
The fixture list for Real Zaragoza's group is becoming increasingly interesting. On the ninth matchday, Villarreal B and Cartagena will face each other; they are first and fourth, separated by just two points. In addition, Real Zaragoza will face the Yellow Submarine's reserve side in the following round, a match that could have a bearing on the battle for top spot.
Before that, Real Zaragoza need to win again this Friday. They have little time to recover, as they must visit Europa at 9:15 p.m. that day. They therefore need to collect all three points again and, at the very least, go to bed as leaders, as they did a week ago.
