On December 15, 2024, Vélez Sarsfield proudly lifted the Liga Profesional trophy, ending over a decade of waiting for Argentine football glory. With their decisive 2-0 victory over Huracán at the Estadio José Amalfitani, goals from Claudio Aquino and Damián Fernández secured the club's 11th league title, since their last championship win during the 2012-2013 season.
The historical ambiance surrounding the game amplified its significance, especially as Vélez's victory ushered them back to the national spotlight. The club's resurgence was not just a sporting success but also served as a symbolic triumph for their passionate supporters, who had long yearned for this moment. Headers were turned and shouts erupted as fans relished the successful culmination of the club’s hard-fought campaign.
Sunday’s match was dramatic as it unfolded with intense pressure. Vélez needed to secure the three points to clinch the title, rivaling alongside Huracán and Talleres, who also had hopes of lifting the trophy. While Vélez alone could control their fate with victory, Talleres’ chance at glory faded dramatically with their 3-1 loss to Newell’s Old Boys. This outcome dashed their hopes of claiming the championship for the first time.
Not only did Vélez's victory herald the return of silverware to the club, but it also played out favorably for other clubs. The triumph directly benefited River Plate, which secured its own position for the 2025 Copa Libertadores group stage. While Boca Juniors also gained entry, they now face the challenge of preliminary rounds to join the group stage competition.
Reflecting on the pathway to this illustrious title, Vélez's game plan emphasized resilience and solid teamwork, pivotal to their success. Coach Gustavo Quinteros led his charges with astute tactics and motivational finesse, steering Vélez to outmaneuver traditional rivals such as River Plate and Boca Juniors. Their impressive defense underpinned their title bid, with players like Aquino and Fernández delivering standout performances at the season's most pivotal moments.
This trophy holds significant weight, establishing Vélez's desire to reclaim their historical status within South American football. With new momentum, fans are eager to witness how the team leverages this success with dreams of sustained prominence and more victories.
The qualification for the 2025 Copa Libertadores solidifies the club's ambitions. Not only are they joined by their fellow countrymen Racing (the Copa Sudamericana champions) and Estudiantes (winners of the Copa de la Liga), but Central Córdoba's achievement of the Copa Argentina ensured they are among the top representatives of Argentine football on the continental stage.
Contrastingly, Boca Juniors’ entry to the preliminary phase showcases the uneven dynamics of Argentine football. Without the direct ticket to the group stage, Boca faces hurdles to return to elite continental competition after their absence from the 2024 event.
The stages of qualification for the Copa Libertadores reveal contrasting approaches compared to leagues elsewhere, especially Brazil. With the unique Argentine league table structure, clubs earned spots through overall performance during the season rather than knockout tournaments alone.
The atmosphere during the pivotal last round on Sunday was exhilarating. The stakes were high, and it was clear; Vélez had to prevail at any cost. Their fans mirrored this necessity, echoing chants through the crowded stands of the Estadio José Amalfitani, providing the team with unwavering support.
Despite the emotional turbulence surrounding the final matches, true jubilation was embodied by the Vélez players as they celebrated their victory. It marked not just the end of their championship quest but also the dawn of what they hope to be new heights of achievement.
There is palpable excitement for the next season. The loyal supporters of Vélez Sarsfield look forward, eyes wide with expectation, as they dream of the Champions League next season; the prospect of reclaiming their place at the continental table is tantalizing.
Though the dust has settled on the current Argentine League, the pulses are still racing for fans of Vélez Sarsfield, who now stand witness to what these hard-won victories can achieve. The reverberations of this triumph will be felt as Vélez aims to build upon the momentum of this successful campaign, striving to affirm its legacy both domestically and abroad.
For now, Vélez Sarsfield stands glorified as 2024's champion, embarking on the exhilarating path toward the 2025 Copa Libertadores with aspirations firmly set on continuing their championship legacy.
