Copa Sudamericana – The second most prestigious tournament in South American football

Copa Sudamericana – The second most prestigious tournament in South American football
South American Cup
is the second most prestigious club tournament in South America, organized by CONMEBOL. Founded in 2002, this is an important playground for clubs right after Copa Libertadores. With its attractive format, the drama from the first round to the final, and the passionate heat of the fans, Copa Sudamericana has increasingly marked its position on the continental football map. Let’s join lương sơn tv Learn about this tournament through the article below.

History of formation and development

The Copa Sudamericana was created in 2002 to replace regional tournaments such as the Copa Merconorte and Copa Mercosur. The aim was to create a more continental level competition, with greater appeal and access to the entire South American region.

The first championship belongs to San Lorenzo (Argentina), opening a new era for teams outside the Copa Libertadores framework.

Current competition format

Qualifying to group stage

Since 2017, the tournament has been improved with a system of qualifying rounds, group stages and play-off rounds:

  • The first stage consists of 44 teams (excluding Argentina and Brazil).
  • Twelve more teams from Argentina and Brazil entered the group stage.
  • Four teams eliminated from the Copa Libertadores qualifiers also participate.

Group stage and knockout

  • 32 teams divided into 8 groups, playing two matches.
  • The group winner advances directly to the round of 16; the group runner-up plays a play-off with a team from the Libertadores.
  • From round of 16 onwards: two-legged knockout, final played as a neutral match since 2019.

The tournament lasts a whole year, from March until the tournament ends in November – when the Copa Libertadores also ends.

Successful clubs and countries

Argentina leads with 9 championships

Argentine clubs such as Boca Juniors, Independiente, Lanús, Defensa y Justicia have all won the title at least once.

Brazil is behind with 5 titles.

Brazilian representatives such as Athletico Paranaense, São Paulo, Chapecoense, Internacional are the teams that have won the championship.

Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Chile also made notable contributions.

LDU Quito (Ecuador, 2 times), Pachuca (Mexico, 1 time)… have made their names through brilliant finals.

Outstanding finals

Chapecoense in 2016

Chapecoense were awarded the championship after the plane crash tragedy, AFC Nacional asked to cede the title in memory of their opponent – ​​an emotional event in the history of the tournament.

Racing vs Cruzeiro năm 2024

Racing beat Cruzeiro 3–1 in Asunción to win their first Copa Sudamericana title. This qualified Racing for the Recopa and Copa Libertadores the following year.

Importance and value of the tournament
Copa Sudamericana – The second most prestigious tournament in South American football

Bridge to Copa Libertadores and Recopa

The winner of the Sudamericana qualifies for the following year’s Copa Libertadores and the Recopa Sudamericana against the Libertadores champion.

Opportunities for small clubs and finances for participating teams

Sudamericana helps many clubs gain international experience, promote their brands, and gain financial benefits from television, tickets, and sponsorships.

Platform for youth player development

The tournament has contributed to bringing many young South American players out of their home countries to join top European clubs.

Passion and cheerleading culture

Copa Sudamericana clearly shows the South American football style: passionate, fiery, surprising. The stands are often full, the atmosphere is hot and the competition between big and small teams is fierce. Visit the link now bóng đá lương sơn to be able to follow the top matches of this tournament.

Future development

CONMEBOL is looking to expand the tournament, increase its financial value and television coverage to reach a higher level than the Copa Libertadores. It is not ruled out that improving the format, adding teams or combining with other continental tournaments.

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Conclude

South American Cup is a tournament rich in identity and drama of South American football. It is an opportunity for young clubs to develop, a stepping stone to Copa Libertadores as well as a financial foundation for the club. With a history of more than 20 years, the tournament continues to affirm its position, attracting the attention and passion of millions of fans, and is a living symbol of African football.

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