4. Club Lanús Wins Its First Copa Sudamericana Title
The Copa Sudamericana is much like the Copa Libertadores except it doesn’t include Mexico. Think of it as the Europa Cup of South America to the Libertadores Champions League and you’re on the right track. It also merges a number of defunct tournaments including the Copa CONMEBOL, Copa Mercosur, and Copa Merconorte and only hosts teams from South America (although it included a berth for CONCACAF teams from 2005 – 2009).
As Argentine clubs go, Lanús is not one of the most well-known but its star has been rising thanks to a number of high-profile wins and seasons including this year’s Copa Sudamericana. The title win was the first for the club in its history and deservedly so. The team managed to win every single one of its opponents by an aggregate total of at least +2 goals. What I would give to watch these guys play against Bayern Munich!
Club Lanús’ victory also gives it a top-spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores tournament.
3. Club América Wins 11th Liga MX Title
It was a good year for Club América and chilangos everywhere as Las Águilas who showed everyone why they’re one of the top clubs in Mexico. The club, led by Christian “El Chucho” Benítez, reached second place in the league, just one loss behind Tigres. No matter!! América went on to win it all in a freeway series against Cruz Azul, which you can read more about here. It was a wild win under buckets of pouring rain, goalies scoring goals from corner kicks, extra time, and penalty kicks.
The title win was a warning to their arch-rival Chivas de Guadalajara who also have 11 title wins. Unfortunately, América lost its opportunity at creating history with a 12th title win during the 2013/14 Apertura when it fell to Club Leon over two games.
2. Ronaldinho Is Stripped Of Uniform By Members of Opposition Team
Thanks to its aforementioned Libertadores title, Atlético Mineiro was invited to partake in the FIFA Club World Cup. It’s the local club version of the annual World Cup. Mineiro advanced to the semi-finals of the competition where they faced Raja Casablanca of Morocco.
Raja defeated Mineiro 3 – 1 thanks to two goals in the last 10 minutes of the game. The win was historic for the Moroccan club. The focus of this story, however, is what happened after.
What looked like the entire Moroccan team including the staff, bus driver, and kitchen sink approached Ronaldinho after the game ended and shook hands with the living legend. As is customary, a few players wanted to trade shirts with him as a memento. Unfortunately, he only had the one to give…so a few other players helped themselves to a shoe and other items leaving Ronaldinho nearly-nude on the field.
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1. Luis Suarez Is Hungry…For The Flesh of Branislav Ivanovic!!
I have no words for this other than: WTF Luis?!