50 years after the most atypical triangular in history, where the runner-up celebrated more than the two champions, with Kempes as a figure

Now that it is fashionable to discuss the calendars and format of the tournaments, or the sequence of matches and final instances, right now, a historic triangular in which the runner-up left behind the two champions of the year is turning fifty years old. Yes, to end of December 1974when Peronism ruled without Perón, when Flaco César Luis Menotti took his first steps as coach of the National Team, Rosario Central, runner-up in both tournaments, was left with the last smile of the year.

The 2025 competition will not be the same as that of 2024. But it is not a novelty in the form of administration of the Argentine Football Association. Nor was 2015 to 2014, 1985 to 1984 and 1975 to 1974 the same. And this note stops at that particular year, five decades ago, when the formats and regulations were different from one year to the next.

The first years, the Copa Libertadores Only the champions of each country played it. Later there were two representatives, but the place was not always reserved for the winners of each tournament. Or for the champion and the runner-up. Everything always changes from one year to the next. In 1973, for example, the Metropolitano was a long, round-robin tournament, won by a brilliant Huracán. The Nacional, meanwhile, was played in two zones of fifteen teams each and the title was resolved in a final home run, which was awarded to Rosario Central. El Globo and Canalla played in the 1974 Libertadores.

With the dispute of Germany World Cup In the middle of the year, the leaders of that time decided to play the Metropolitan in record time, from February to July. To do this, they divided the teams into two zones of nine teams, in round-trip matches and with the classics (and not so much) as interzonal. Then, the first two in each group played the final home run for the title, which was won Newell’s above Central, Boca and Huracán.

After the World Cup the National Tournamentwith 36 teams divided into four zones of nine each. The first two qualified for the final round, eight teams, all against all over 7 dates. The decisive day was played on December 22 with three teams with a chance to celebrate: San Lorenzo, Vélez and Central. The team led by Osvaldo Zubeldía at the time was the leader with 9 points and faced Ferro on the last date in Liniers, while in Vélez and Central played on the Boca court (both with 8).

It was a heart-stopping, unforgettable definition, with the expectation of a possible three-way tie for first place that would force, in that case, a tiebreaker. Changing results and fans celebrating in advance. In La Bombonera, after 10 minutes, Vélez won 1-0 with a goal from Miguel Angel Benito and reached San Lorenzo; At 38 minutes, in Liniers, Ferro went 1-0 with a goal from Héctor Arregui and at that moment Fortín was champion, but two minutes later Ramón Bóveda equalized for Central. Finally, San Lorenzowho lost 1-0, won 3-2 and celebrated. Central also fell 1-0 and 2-1, won 3-2 and was runner-up. But there was more to go.

The regulations of that year established that the first two of the Metropolitano and Nacional would have to play a quadrangular to determine the two clubs that would represent Argentina in the 1975 edition of the Copa Libertadores de América. Rosario Central was runner-up in both competitions and the quadrangular was reduced to a triangular between Newell’s, champion of the Metro, San Lorenzo, Nacional and Central.

On December 26, while eleven League games were being played in England, which Derby Country would win, a historic triangular match began in Argentina. On the racing field, Central defeated Ciclón 1-0 with a goal from Hugo Zavagno at 31 minutes of the second half. Two days later, on the Central court, the fate of the champion was cast. Newell’s, with two goals from Mario Zanabria, one from a penalty, beat Boedo’s team and qualification for the Cup was assured.

The highlight for Rosario football was the classic played on December 30 on the Central field (it was decided by draw). A packed field, a spectacular setting, an unforgettable summer night. With goals from Mario Alberto Kempes (he closed his first year at Central with 33 goals in 43 games) and Cecilio Raúl Cabral, Central won 2-0 and won the triangular. That night, Aldo Pedro Poyidol Canalla, injured his left knee, came out in the second half and did not wear the Auriazul jacket again.

So, one day before the end of the yearthe football activity of 1974 was closed. As the old Nationals were played in the second semester between 1967 and 1981, there were seasons in which the definitions, and celebrations, were held in January. Beyond the sloppiness of the calendars and current competitions, for a long time now, due to a position won by Members, footballers begin their vacations before December 24. And they don’t have to go around playing between parties.