Atletico Rafaela
The Asociación Mutual Social y Deportiva Atlético de Rafaela, usually referred to just as Atlético de Rafaela, is an institution of the city of Rafaela, in Argentina, with a professional football (soccer) team, currently playing in the Primera B Nacional Argentina. The Rafaela derby is played between Atlético de Rafaela and Club Sportivo Ben Hur.
In 1907
Club Atlético Argentino de Rafaela were founded in the city of Rafaela, Santa Fe Province. In 1915 the name was changed to
Club Atlético de Rafaela. The
Monumental de Barrio Alberdi concrete stadium was erected in 1951.
The club was turned into a non-profit organization in 1988 renamed to its current denomination of
Asociación Mutual Social y Deportiva Atlético de Rafaela ("Social and Sport Association Rafaela Athletic"). Only a year later the club finally reached the second division after defeating
Atlético Ledesma de Jujuy by 3-0.
Atlético de Rafaela played 14 years in the second division until before winning the Apertura 2002 and the Clausura 2003 to finally reach Primera División Argentina. After losing the
2003-2004 in Argentine football "Promoción" Playoff against Huracán de Tres Arroyos, Atlético de Rafaela were relegated back to the second division.
The following season they lost their chance to return to the first division after losing the
2003-2004 in Argentine football "Promoción" Playoff, against Argentinos Juniors, and stayed in the second division where they currently play.
Atlético de Rafaela fans are referred as "Cremosos" or "Celestes" and the "Barra de los Trapos" is the group of people that follows the team everywhere.
The institution has also, since 1919, an important car racing circuit, which is host of many competitions, including Turismo Carretera (since 1941) and TC-2000 (since 1983).
Notable players
- Gustavo Alfaro (1988-1992)
- Carlos Bonet (1998-2001)
- Mauro Cantoro (1996-1997, 2000-2001)
- Ángel Comizzo (2003-2004)
- Darío Gandín (2001-2004)
- Gonzalo Del Bono (1997-1999, 2000-2006, 2007-present)
- Gabriel Schürrer (1989-1900)
- Ibrahim Sekagya (2001-2002)
- Emanuel Villa (2003-2004)
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Related pages
, , , Aldosivi, Almagro, Atletico Rafaela, Belgrano, CAI, Chacarita Juniors, Defensa y Justicia, Ferro, Independiente Rivadvia, Instituto, Olimpo, Platense, Quilmes, San Martín (SJ), Talleres, Tiro Federal, Unión