Peace Cup Team Guide: Atlante

A succession of ill-conceived take-overs led to the club losing a good deal of support during the 1970s and 1980s, and relocation to the Azteca Stadium turned fans off in their droves. Relegation at the end of the 1980s finally condemned Atlante to lower-flight football.

Whilst Atlante’s recovery has hardly happened overnight (they had to buy their place back in the Mexican top-flight after they finished in a relegation spot in 2001, earning a play-off to secure their status in an expanded top-flight), victory in the Apertura 2007 was due reward for a lot of hard-work and a relocation to the costal city of Cancun. Whilst relocating may stick in the craw of die-hard football fans, few can argue that the move away from the over-populated (in football terms) capital of Mexico City hasn’t worked out well for Atlante. 

Currently

The Apertura crown of 2007 gave access to the revised CONCACAF Champions League, which Atlante took by storm, claiming victory in the final against fellow Mexican side Cruz Azul after a 2-0 aggregate win.  The prize in the Champions League came at the expense of their domestic form where they finished a disappointing 14th, failing to make the play-offs by recording just three wins and going winless on the road.

Whilst Atlante will no doubt be relishing their appearance in the World Cup Championship thanks to their victory in the Champions League, they will have to be careful not to let their league form slip any further.  Last season Necaxa, a participant in the inaugural World Club Championship of 2000 and one of Mexico’s biggest clubs, were relegated out of the Mexican Premier League.
 
Squad

Atlante’s recent success has been based on a solid defence, as they aren’t prolific goal-scorers. The most notable contributor to their solidity is Argentine goalkeeper Federico Vilar. The captain of the team is noted for his shot-stopping and dead-ball ability, like many of his South American counter-parts, and although he has not played at any great level in Argentina has been recognised as one of the best keepers in the Mexican League. 

The main goal threat comes from all-time leading Venezuelan scorer Giancarlo Maldonado, one of a number of players from that region beginning to make a name for themselves outside their homeland.  Maldonado struggled for goals last season, but is a potent striker on his day.

Former Internazionale and Real Madrid man Santiago Solari has also been recently acquired, no doubt tempted by the pleasant surroundings of the tourist resort of Cancun and the prospect of participation at the World Club Cup. The former Argentine international was last under contract at San Lorenzo, and could be making his debut at the Peace Cup for Atlante. 

Peace Cup 2009

The Peace Cup offers Atlante - not one of the better known names outside of Mexico - the chance not only to become more widely recognised, but also to familiarise themselves with playing outside of their homeland, before they play in the World Club Cup. 

Furthermore, with the Mexican Apertura 2009 due to start shortly, it will be a good opportunity for the team to get in some pre-season practice as they look to improve on last season’s 14th position. 

Fixtures

Malaga-Atlante (27th July)

Aston Villa-Atlante (29th July)

Prediction

Two tough fixtures against European opposition will certainly stretch Atlante to the limit, but also give their management team the chance to see how they respond to playing against very different opposition from what they normally encounter. Both Malaga and Aston Villa are noted for a high-tempo style of play, a very different approach from the normal Central American style of a more measured build-up. 

Likely to meet a team in the semi-finals of the World Club Cup such as Barcelona, Estudiantes LP or Cruzeiro (the latter pair two of the sides that play some of the most European-type football in South America, and potential participants in that tournament), Atlante are looking forward to an outstanding work-out in the Peace Cup 2009. 

Walter Townsend, Goal.com