In recent days, the opportunity to return to the Libertadores was mentioned and here we remember the best moments
The Copa Libertadores is the most prestigious tournament in America and Mexican clubs were part of the league for many years but in 2016 it was decided to end the participation of Liga MX teams.
Speaking with RG La Deportiva, Mikel Arriola, president of Liga MX, pointed out that this year will be the key to determining the possible return of Aztec football to Conmebol leagues, at both club and national levels. there is still a long way to go for Mexico to return to the Libertadores.
While waiting for the Aztec teams to sign their return to the main draw in South America, ESPN Digital recalls what Mexico gave to the Copa Libertadores.
Historical performances
Mexican clubs stood out in the South American league for being protagonists and even fought for the prestigious title on several occasions. Below we recall the Liga MX teams that made it to the Grand Finals, as well as other teams that delivered outstanding performances.
Blue cross
In 2001, La Maquina became the first team to reach the Copa Libertadores final and almost be crowned. The cement team faced Boca Juniors and lost the first leg at the Azteca Stadium, but equalized the overall score at La Bombonera, setting the title from 11 steps, a case where the Mexican team was out of order and took the set xeneize the trophy.
Chivas
Rebaño Sagrado was the second Liga MX club to contest the title of Conmebol’s main competition in 2010. On the way to the final, Chivas Vélez defeated Sarsfield, Libertad and Universidad de Chile to play the title against Internacional de Brazil. The Rio de Janeiro team was declared champions by winning with a total score of 5-3.
Five years earlier, the Guadalajara team held a historic series against Boca Juniors in 2005. In the quarter-finals, the Sacred Rebaño delivered one of the greatest satisfaction to their fans by beating the Argentina team 4-0 in the first leg. At the return match, played at La Bombonera, the spirits among the players heated up, sparking a historic feud, in which Adolfo Bautista was the protagonist because he was the victim of a spit by Jorge Benítez.
Tigers
In 2015, Tigres became the last Mexican team to reach the Libertadores Final. Mexican fans believed the cats had a real chance of becoming champions with a powerful squad and André-Pierre Gignac’s signing. However, River Plate, Tigres’ rival in the Final, was better and at the Monumental they took the trophy with a resounding 3-0.
America
One of the most remembered performances of a Mexican team in the Libertadores was America’s in the 2000 edition. In a memorable semi-final against Boca Juniors, the Eagles lost the first leg 4-1 and came very close in the second leg. achieving a historic comeback but Walter Samuel frustrated the azulcrema dream of playing the grand final.
Tijuana
In the 2013 edition, Xolos got very close to making history. The frontier team, facing Atlético Mineiro in the quarterfinals, had a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but a penalty missed by Duvier Riascos prevented Tijuana from advancing to the next round.
Commercial and television impact
Data published in 2015 by the sports consultancy Mxsports, a year before the Mexican Football Association announced that the Aztec clubs would be leaving the South American tournament, reported the significant economic impact of the Liga MX teams in the Libertadores.
Due to the presence of Mexican football representatives, Conmebol increased his winnings between 20% and 30%. The inclusion of Aztec clubs was accompanied by significant sponsors.
On the other hand, Mexico, along with Brazil, was the countries with the highest television audiences in the Copa Libertadores matches, the adviser said.
Controversial
Mexican clubs were not free from controversy in the Conmebol league by starring in various brawls that are still present in the memory of the fans.
One of the most remembered was the row between players from America and Sao Caetano in 2004. Tempers ran so high that some fans of the Coapa team even took to the field and exchanged blows with Brazilian players.
Likewise, in the 2010 final between Internacional and Chivas, the rojiblancos lost the title and at the end of the match they exchanged unkind words with the elements of the Brazilian club, sparking a huge fight while there were people on the field who took the prepared stage for the ceremony. of the champion. The brawl lasted for several minutes, but in the end it was possible to perform the crowning of the champion.
Figures
Cuauhtémoc White
One of the most important idols in America’s history claims to be one of the Aztecs’ top 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 an important piece for La Maquina to play the final against Boca Juniors. The ‘Gatillero’, who scored 17 goals in the South American tournament, scored in the return match against the Xeneizes at La Bombonera and his performance in that Libertadores campaign remains in the hearts of the Sky Blue fans.
Adolfo Bautista
The former Chivas player is one of the most outstanding Mexicans in the history of the Libertadores. ‘Bofo’ will be remembered for his role in the historic victory over Boca Juniors and for being the leader who led the Chivas to the final in 2010. The Aztec was not without controversy and his anger at La Bombonera will always be remembered.
Salvador Huts
The former Paraguayan footballer was the protagonist of one of the greatest feats of a Mexican club in the Libertadores. In 2008 América made its comeback against Flamengo with two goals from Cabañas. That feat was called the “azulcrema maracanazo” and Salvador recorded 18 goals in the Conmebol tournament.