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Liga BetPlay Dimayor Relegation Table Explained
The “Tabla del Descenso,” or Relegation Table, in Colombia’s Liga BetPlay Dimayor is a crucial element of the league’s structure. Unlike some leagues where relegation is solely based on the current season’s performance, the Colombian system uses a historical points average to determine which teams are demoted to the second division, known as Categoría Primera B.
How it Works
The relegation table isn’t a simple ranking based on the current season’s results. Instead, it’s calculated using a team’s average points accumulated over the past three seasons (six tournaments: Apertura and Finalización each year). This means that a team’s historical performance heavily influences its position on the relegation table.
The formula is straightforward:
(Total Points Earned Over 3 Seasons) / (Total Number of Matches Played Over 3 Seasons)
This calculation produces a points-per-game average. The teams with the two lowest averages at the end of each season (aggregation of Apertura and Finalización tournaments) are relegated.
Why a Three-Year Average?
The purpose of this system is to mitigate the impact of a single bad season. A team that has consistently performed well in the past can withstand a less successful year without immediate relegation. It provides a buffer and encourages long-term planning and stability within clubs. It also allows teams to recover from a temporary slump.
Consequences of Relegation
Relegation has significant financial and reputational consequences for a club. Dropping to Categoría Primera B results in a substantial decrease in television revenue, sponsorship deals, and matchday income. It can also lead to an exodus of key players and a struggle to attract new talent. Relegation also damages a club’s reputation and fan morale.
The Importance of Climbing the Table
For teams near the bottom of the relegation table, every match is critical. A string of wins can significantly improve their points average and lift them out of the danger zone. Conversely, a losing streak can quickly push them closer to relegation. Teams actively manage their squads and strategies with the relegation table constantly in mind.
New Teams and the Relegation Table
Teams promoted from Categoría Primera B to Liga BetPlay enter the relegation table with a calculated average based on their performance in the promotion tournament. This gives them a starting point, but they must quickly accumulate points to avoid immediate relegation back to the second division. The system encourages newly promoted teams to invest in competitive squads to ensure their survival in the top flight.
The Liga BetPlay Dimayor relegation table provides a unique and compelling narrative to the Colombian league, adding another layer of excitement and pressure for clubs striving to maintain their position in the top division.
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