Peñarol and Nacional want to play Argentine Cup: what is behind the unique initiative of the two great Uruguayans

The return of the Argentine Cup in the 2011-12 season was a real success. Due to the Football for All agreement, which required “a tournament in which all teams in the country participate”, Julio Humberto Grondona returned the competition with only two editions, in 1969 and 1970.

This determination has allowed various promotion clubs to measure themselves against the most important First Division teams and for their players to present themselves to the general public. In addition, it is and continues to be a great opportunity for fans from different provinces to get closer to the footballers.

This contest, which was recognized for narrowing the differences between the categories, provided great surprises throughout its short history and was watched with admiration from Uruguay. There it is expected that from next season the brand new will debut Uruguay Cup, along with teams from that country. In this context, it has been found Peñarol and Nacional will be asked to participate in the final round of the Argentine Cup.

Ignacio Ruglio, president of Carbonero, put the issue on the table. “This idea emerged in the context of a trip to Buenos Aires to meet soccer people and friends. If I’m going to have some time with Chiqui Tapia, I have an idea to suggest that, when the Argentine Cup starts to define itself, he invited Peñarol and Nacional. Uruguayan teams do not always have international competitions and for a matter of closeness it can be favorable “, the leader commented in an interview with Tyc Sports .

“This is a great opportunity to compete internationally in a more seamless way, not only in the Copa Libertadores and Sudamericana, to improve the level “, added the boss of Manya.” This is the presence of the two greatest Uruguayans in the last instance can serve in the Argentine Cup as another marketing instrument “, conclusion.

History of the Argentine Cup

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The first edition of the Copa Argentina was in 1969 and this is far from the format currently known. All the teams in the First Division participated, Almagro as the current champion of the Second Division and twelve guests from the interior of the country.

The main idea behind the introduction of this competition was to classify the champion, which ended up being Boca, in the Recopa Sudamericana in 1970. However, Xeneize chose to participate in the Copa Libertadores as the winner of the National Tournament in 1969. Their place was taken by Atlanta, the runner-up.

The following year, one of the most curious events in the history of the tournament took place. In 1970, the year in which River, Boca and Estudiantes did not participate because they were competing internationally, the final would be played by Vélez and San Lorenzo. They tied at 2-2 and had to agree on a date to play a rematch, something that never happened, and, therefore, no champion. This, encouraged by the fact that Recopa Sudamericana is no longer considered an official Conmebol, led to the dissolution of the Argentine Cup.

He returned after 41 years. In addition to the aforementioned Football for All agreement, its re-issuance in the 2011-12 season served in support of the 2011 Copa América, held in Argentina, and also as a way to calm conflicts between the AFA and of the leaders of Argentine Tournament A and B, requesting to receive, as television rights, the same as in Metropolitan B and C.

From there, the current format. Teams from all divisions participated, integrated as the competition progressed, and head-to-head matches were played on a neutral court. The champion qualifies for the Libertadores.

The Argentine Cup champions

• 1969: Boca Juniorsang
• 1970: No champion
• 2012: Boca Juniors (2)
• 2013: Arsenal
• 2014: Storm
• 2015: Boca Juniors (3)
• 2016: River Plate
• 2017: River Plate (2)
• 2018: Rosario Central
• 2019: River Plate (3)
• 2020-21: Boca Juniors (4)