In the last few days the possibility of returning to Libertadores has been mentioned and here we remember the best moments
Copa Libertadores is the most prestigious tournament in America, and Mexican clubs have been part of the competition for many years but in 2016 it was decided to end the participation of MX League teams.
Speaking to RG La Deportiva, Mikel Arriola, president of the MX League, stressed that this year will be the key to defining the possible return of Aztec football to Conmebol competitions both at club and national level, however, it seems that still there is still a long way to go for Mexico to return to Libertadores.
Waiting for the Aztec teams to sign their return to the main tournament in South America, ESPN Digital remembers what Mexico gave the Copa Libertadores.
Historical shows
The Mexican clubs stood out in the South American competition because they were the protagonists and even fought several times for the prestigious title. Below we mention the teams from the MX League that reached the Grand Final, as well as other teams that had outstanding performances.
The Blue Cross
In 2001, La Maquina became the first team to reach the Libertadores Cup final and was very close to being crowned. The cement team faced Boca Juniors and lost the first leg at the Azteca Stadium, but equalized the overall score in La Bombonera by defining the 11-step title, a case in which the Mexican team was not up to par and set xeneize took the trophy.
Chivas
Rebaño Sagrado was the second club in the Liga MX to contest the title of Conmebol’s main competition in 2010. On the way to the final, Chivas defeated Vélez Sarsfield, Libertad and Universidad de Chile and played the title against Internacional de Brasil. The team from Rio de Janeiro was proclaimed champion by winning with an aggregate score of 5-3.
Five years earlier, Guadalajara played a historic series against Boca Juniors in 2005. In the quarterfinals, Sacred Rebaño offered one of the greatest satisfactions to their fans, defeating the Argentine team 4-0 in the first leg. On the way back, played at La Bombonera, the spirits warmed up among the players, causing a historical series, in which Adolfo Bautista was the main protagonist, being the victim of a spit by Jorge Benítez.
Tigers
In 2015, the Tigres became the last Mexican team to reach the Libertadores final. Mexican fans believed that the cats have a real chance to become champions with a strong team and the star signing of André-Pierre Gignac. However, River Plate, Tigres’ rival in the final, was better and at Monumental they took the trophy with a resounding 3-0.
America
One of the most memorable performances of a Mexican team in Libertadores was the one America played in the 2000 edition. In a memorable semifinal against Boca Juniors, the Eagles lost the first leg 4-1 and in return was very close to achieving a historic comeback, but Walter Samuel thwarted Azulcrema’s dream of playing the grand final.
Tijuana
In the 2013 edition, Xolos was very close to making history. The frontier team, which faced Atlético Mineiro in the quarter-finals, had the opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals, but a missed penalty by Duvier Riascos prevented Tijuana from advancing to the next round.
Commercial and television impact
In data published in 2015 by sports consultancy Mxsports, a year before the Mexican football federation announced that Aztec clubs would leave the South American tournament, the significant economic impact of MX League teams in Libertadores was reported.
With the presence of representatives of Mexican football, Conmebol increased its profits by 20% and 30%. The inclusion of Aztec clubs was accompanied by significant sponsors.
On the other hand, Mexico was, along with Brazil, the countries with the largest television audience in the Copa Libertadores matches, according to the consultant.
Controversial
Mexican clubs have not been free of controversy in the Conmebol competition, playing in several fights that are still present in the memory of fans.
One of the most memorable was the quarrel between the players from America and Sao Caetano in 2004. The temperaments warmed up in such a way that some fans of the Coapa team even managed to enter the field and exchanged blows with Brazilian players.
Similarly, in the 2010 final between Internacional and Chivas, rojiblancos lost the title and at the end of the match exchanged unfriendly words with the elements of the Brazilian club, causing a huge row while there were people on the field preparing the stage for the ceremony. of champion. The battle lasted a few minutes, but in the end it was possible to crown the champion.
Digits
Cuauhtémoc White
One of the most important idols in American history claims to be one of the best Aztec scorers in the Copa Libertadores with 15 goals. Blanco never played in the final of the competition, but he was one of the best representatives of the Aztec championship.
Francisco Palencia
He was a key player for La Maquina to play in the Final against Boca Juniors. ‘Gatillero’, who is proud of 17 goals in the South American tournament, scored in the second leg against the Genoese at La Bombonera, and his performances in that Libertadores campaign remain in the hearts of the blue-sky fans.
Adolfo Bautista
The former Chivas player is one of the most remarkable Mexicans in the history of Libertadores. “Bofo” will be remembered for his role in the historic victory against Boca Juniors and for being the leader who led Chivas to the 2010 final. The Aztec was not without controversy and his anger at La Bombonera will always be remembered.
Salvador Cabin
The former Paraguayan footballer was the protagonist of one of the greatest deeds of a Mexican club in Libertadores. In 2008, America came back against Flamengo with two goals from Cabañas. That fact was called “maracanazo azulcrema”, and Salvador scored 18 goals in the Conmebol tournament.