The first round of play-off games began this weekend, with the group D game between Castellón and Barakaldo brought forward to Friday night to be televised. The home side were favourites after topping their group with ease, but they fell behind to an Alejando goal just before half time. However team captain Javi Sanchís levelled the scores in the second half, and veteran striker Salillas headed the winner five minutes from the end. (23.05.03)

Only one game on Saturday as well, with two ex first division teams Logroñes and Cádiz squaring off in group A. In the end it was visitors who took the three points with a 1-2 win, but as in the first match they had to come from behind to do so. Jordi had put the Rioja side ahead from the penalty spot on the half hour mark, but José Luis equalised at the start of the second half and Paz converted another penalty in the closing minutes to delight the 2,000 fans who had made the long journey from Andalucia. (24.05.03)

The other six games were played on Sunday, with Barcelona B and Universidad Las Palmas drawing 1-1 in the second group A game, known as "the group of death" in view of the high rating of all four sides. Both goals came in the second half, with Socorro giving the visitors the lead and under 21 defender Dani Tortolero making it all square later on.

Zamorra took an early lead in group B after beating Athletic Bilbao B 4-2. The visitors took the lead twice though through under 19 striker Jonan, but Sergio Villanueva and then Aiert pegged them back in the second half, and Aiert and Kortina gave them the three points with goals in the last twenty minutes.

The other group B game between Burgos and Algeciras finished 0-0, a set back for the locals who were relegated last season for failing to raise the minimum share capital and who were hoping to bounce right back. The defensive tactics of the Andalucian champions wore them down in the end, although Iñaki did come close to giving the locals a win when he hit the bar.

Real Unión showed why they had topped their regional group this season with a 3-0 win over Málaga B in their group C match. The Irún based side took the lead through Sergio early on, and midway through the first half they added a second with an Iriarte spot kick after visiting keeper Calatayud gave away a penalty and was sent off. Iakes made it three at the beginning of the second half.

Gramanet and Lanzarote cancelled each other out in the second group C game, neither side managing to score in the ninety minutes or so. This was the fourth play-off appearance by the Catalans in recent years, and they have yet to win their opening game.

Ciudad de Murcia joined Castellón at the top of group D after beating Pontevedra 1-0. The only goal of the game came five minutes after the restart, Aguilar converting a penalty after Fran Nogueira was brought down. (25.05.03)