The football frenzy in Medellin is not just limited to the highly anticipated Clásico Paisa. Other competitions that also attract local attention and are frequently celebrated with enthusiasm are the Copa Libertadores de América and Copa Sudamericana matches.
La Copa Libertadores is the most prestigious competition in South America. It has been held since 1960, in which the highest professional level clubs on the continent compete against one another. The city has obtained 2 cups in this event – once in 1989 and again in 2016 – both achieved by Atlético Nacional.
As for the Copa Suramericana, it is the second most prestigious international football competition in South America. Both are organized by the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), in which the Deportivo Independiente de Medellín team and Atlético Nacional have had outstanding participation throughout the history of these tournaments.
As the dates of these matches approach, the Atanasio Girardot Stadium is bursting with people and a party atmosphere breaks out for several days prior to the matches. On gameday the city has a feverish pitch to it, with people donning the jerseys of the participating team in barrios all across the city.
In 2016, Medellín became an example of this feast, when Atlético Nacional defeated the Ecuadorian team, Independiente del Valle, with a goal from Miguel Borja, crowning champion of America for the second time in its history. Only the Seleccion Colombia (The Colombian national soccer team) brings out the same kind of enthusiasm in Los Paisas.