LaLiga Hypermotion Season Concludes with Record-Breaking Playoff Cutoff and Relegation Drama
The conclusion of the LaLiga Hypermotion season saw Burgos miss the promotion playoffs despite a record-breaking points tally, while the final bracket for the promotion semifinals was confirmed alongside the resolution of a tense relegation battle.
The final day of the LaLiga Hypermotion season highlighted just how competitive the league has become, proving that even an excellent points tally doesn't always guarantee success. Burgos is the most notable example: despite finishing with 72 points—a record high for a team that failed to make the promotion playoffs—they missed out on a spot due to their head-to-head record against Castellón, who finished with the same number of points.
This outcome reflects the intense demands of the current format, which hasn't seen such a high cutoff point since it was introduced in the 2010/2011 season. While Castellón secured their playoff spot by defeating Eibar at Castalia, both Eibar and Burgos will remain in the second tier for another year.
The playoff bracket is now set. UD Las Palmas, who clinched their spot with a win at Riazor, will face Málaga in the semifinals. Málaga, which has improved significantly under Juan Francisco Funes since his arrival mid-season, will host the second leg thanks to their fourth-place finish. In the other semifinal, Almería—who finished third after beating Valladolid—will face Castellón, with the first leg taking place in Valencia. If the aggregate score is tied, the team that finished higher in the regular season standings advances, adding extra pressure to the opening matches.
The battle at the bottom of the table was equally tense. Leganés secured their survival at Butarque in a match defined by drama and VAR, which ruled out two Mirandés goals for offside. A goal from Álex Millán ensured Leganés stayed up, while Mirandés, Huesca, Leonesa, and Zaragoza were relegated.
Preparations for next season are already underway. The league will welcome teams relegated from the top flight, such as Mallorca, Girona, and Real Oviedo, alongside those promoted from the Primera RFEF. With clubs like Cádiz, Granada, and Leganés involved, the 26/27 season is set to be just as competitive as the one that just concluded.