ESPN Digital invites you to remember some teams that left a great impression but went empty-handed.
This Wednesday night, the Semifinals of the Apertura 2022 begin with the first leg match between Toluca and America. The Eagles are favorites to win the series and fight for the championship due to the incredible level they have shown under the command of Fernando Ortiz.
However, throughout the history of Mexican football, it has been shown that the best teams do not always win championships. ESPN Digital invites you to remember some teams that dominated but ended up empty-handed.
AMERICA BY LEO BEENHAKKER
In the 1994-95 season, the Eagles captivated Mexican football fans with their brilliant style of play under the command of Beenhakker, who arrived at the 'Nido' after achieving important results with teams like Feyenoord, Ajax, and Real Madrid.
America had a very talented squad, with standout names such as Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 'Zague', Joaquin del Olmo, Kalusha, among others. Throughout the season, the Azulcremas won 18 matches and only lost four, but their style of play marked an era in Mexican football. However, the Dutch coach left the America bench before the end of the Regular Phase for non-sports reasons, and the Eagles were eliminated in the Semifinals.
ATLAS BY LA VOLPE
The 'Bigotón' was the architect of one of the best teams in the history of the Torneos Cortos. The Argentine coach made history in Mexican football with the Rojinegros, who had great Mexican talents such as Rafael Marquez, Daniel Osorno, Miguel Zepeda, Juan Pablo Rodriguez, among others.
The 'Zorros' of La Volpe captivated Mexican football fans and came very close to being crowned champions of the Verano 99, but Toluca took the title in a final that is considered one of the best in the history of the top league.
LOS TIBURONES DEL 'CUAU'
Veracruz boasts having great players throughout its history, and one of their most important campaigns was in 2004 when players like Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Kleber Boas, Christian Gimenez, Gustavo Biscayzacu, Braulio Luna, among others, coincided in the port and had an unforgettable tournament.
The Tiburones fans were not used to seeing their team in the top spots of the General Table, so they enjoyed seeing 'Temo' and company dominating the First Division. Veracruz ended the Apertura 2004 as the top team with 35 points, but they were eliminated in the Quarterfinals by Pumas, who qualified for the Liguilla in the eighth position.
LOS JAGUARES DE CABAÑAS
With Salvador Cabanas leading the way, the Jaguares, managed by José Luis Trejo, had a historic tournament in the Clausura 2004 by accumulating over 40 points in the regular phase after winning 12 matches and losing only one.
With Cabanas, Sergio Almaguer, Sebastián Pereira as the team's top figures, Jaguares were favorites to win the title, but the team was eliminated in the first round of the Liguilla by Cruz Azul. Thus, Jaguares joined the clubs that failed to become champions despite experiencing a great moment.
LA PIEDAD BY VUCETICH
In 2002, the 'Rey Midas' turned La Piedad into a spectacular team and a title contender. The Reboceros finished the Verano tournament with 37 points and were positioned as the top favorites to win the title.
However, La Piedad and Vucetich couldn't overcome America in the Quarterfinals and were eliminated from the title race.