University of Sports closed the third day of the group stage of the South American Cup 2023 in first place in Group G. Those led by Jorge Fossati have not lost a game since the Uruguayan coach took over the reins of the side and Creme fans are keen for eventual qualification for the South American Round of 16. This would be an important financial and sporting achievement for ‘U’ given the club’s history at the tournament.
The last time the Universitario won a stage of the Copa Sudamericana against a team from another country was in 2015. Back then the competition format was different and there were no groups. Aside from the change in tournament system, the ‘U’ narrowly eliminated Deportivo Anzoátegui and then went down on an uneven 4-0 aggregate score against Defensor Sporting. What was the best campaign for the creams in the Copa Sudamericana?
The last time Universitario progressed in the Copa Sudamericana was in 2015 where they were eventually eliminated by Defensor Sporting. Photo: GLR archives
YOU CAN SEE: How did Rodrigo Ureña get the ‘U’, how much is he worth and until when does he have a contract?
Universitario and the 2011 Copa Sudamericana
12 years ago, Universitario had his best season ever at a Copa Sudamericana. The teams then led by ‘Chemo’ Del Solar qualified for the 2011 Sudamericana by finishing fourth overall in the 2010 Descentralizado. The ‘U’ had a very difficult year and this was reflected in the ‘U’ team’s placement late in the season but had a ‘flashing’ moment internationally.
The ‘U’ began its journey in the first phase facing Deportivo Anzoátegui. Despite winning 2-1 in the first leg, the Creams struggled after Martín Morel missed a penalty and was sent off two minutes into the second leg. In the midst of an institutional crisis, the team managed a 2-0 victory and their first promotion in a Copa Sudamericana. Rival in the round of 16 was Godoy Cruz, who lost after two draws to one on penalties (3:2).
YOU CAN SEE: From the second Chilean to the leader in South America with the “U”: Who is Matías Di Benedetto?
Despite the fact that they suffered and the Argentines easily qualified, Universitario was able to prevail against Miguel Grau del Callao. What happened in the quarterfinals, however, is an episode few fans will forget: after a 2-0 win in the first leg against Vasco Da Gama and a 2-1 in the second leg, the “U” lost its huge advantage in the second half and was eliminated 5-4 overall. Jesús Rabanal and Antonio González were sent off in that match.
How has the Universitario fared throughout the history of the Copa Sudamericana?
Universitario de Deportes has qualified for the Copa Sudamericana eight times. His first participation was at the 2002 edition, when there were only two quotas for each country, except Argentina. Back then, the qualifiers from the same country had to face each other in the first phase and the “U” was eliminated by Alianza Lima. After failing to get over a single draw in 2005, 2007 and 2008, the club broke the losing streak in 2011.
In general, at the times when he attended the South American Republic, the university was like this:
- 2002 (first phase; eliminated by Alianza Lima by a 2–0 aggregate score)
- 2005 (first phase; eliminated 4-1 by Alianza Atlético on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate score)
- 2008 (first phase; eliminated by Deportivo Quito with a 1–2 aggregate score)
- 2011 (Quarterfinals; eliminated by Vasco Da Gama by a 5–4 aggregate)
- 2015 (second phase; eliminated by Defensor Sporting by a 4–0 aggregate score)
- 2016 (first phase; eliminated by Emelec with a total score of 1-6)
In 2011, Universitario made every effort to eliminate Vasco Da Gama after a 2-0 win in the first leg but failed to maintain the lead. Photo: GLR archives