Copa Sudamericana Overview

The Copa Sudamericana (South American Cup), or Copa Nissan Sudamericana is the most prestigious club team tournaments in South America. It was formed in 2002 by the CONMEBOL federation. A total of 34 teams from the CONMEBOL and CONCACAF confederations compete in the annual tournament. It is often compared to the UEFA Cup, due to its similarities structure and level of play. The most successful club in the competition is the Boca Juniors, with a total of two wins. The most recent club team to the win the Copa Sudamericana is Arsenal de Sarandí.

Copa Sudamericana History

The Copa Sudamerican was formed in 2002 after the Copa CONMEBOL, Copa Merconorte and Copa Mercosur were discontinued, and a need more a major football club competition arose. San Lorenzo became the first champions of the competition beating Atl.Nacional by a score of 4-0.

In 2003 the tournament became sponsored by the automobile manufacturer Nissan, renaming the competition, Copa Nissan Sudamericana for sponsorship reasons. A big argument occurred as Brazilian teams participating for the first time refused to play due to scheduling conflicts. The Peruvian club Club Cienciano del Cusco won, defeating River Plate in the final.

In 2005 the MLS team D.C United was invited to play in the Copa Sudamericana. This was the first time a United States club team was invited to play in a major South American club competition. Unfortunately United did not advance past the Round of 16 of the competition.

The latest champions of the competition are Arsenal de Sarandí.

Trophy

Past Copa Sudamericana Winners

Most Successful Teams

Important Links

References