San Lorenzo de Almagro, commonly known as San Lorenzo, is one of the most iconic and historic football clubs in Argentina. Founded on April 1, 1908, in the neighborhood of Almagro in Buenos Aires, San Lorenzo has grown to become one of the “big five” clubs in Argentine football, alongside River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente, and Racing Club. Known for its passionate fan base, rich history, and significant achievements, San has played a pivotal role in the cultural and sporting life of Argentina.
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### Origins and Early
History San Lorenzo was founded by a group of young men led by Lorenzo Massa, a local priest who played a crucial role in the club’s formation. Concerned about the dangerous conditions in which neighborhood boys were playing football on the streets, Massa offered them a space at his church to play safely. The club was named after Saint Lawrence The club quickly grew in popularity and competitiveness, joining the Argentine Football Association in 1914. San early years were marked by its rise through the lower divisions, culminating in its first major achievement, the Primera División title, in 1923. This victory established San Lorenzo as a force to be reckoned with in Argentine football.
### The Golden Era:
1930s to 1970sThe 1930s and 1940s were golden decades for San Lorenzo. During this period, the club won several league titles and became known for its attacking style of play. The 1946 team, in particular, is often remembered as one of the best in Argentine football history. In 1946, San Lorenzo embarked on a historic tour of Spain and Portugal, where they played against some of Europe’s top clubs. The team’s success on this tour, particularly a 4-1 victory over the Spanish national team, earned them international recognition and cemented their reputation as one of South America’s top football clubs.The 1960s and 1970s continued to be successful decades for San , with the club winning several more league titles. The 1968 team, known as “Los Matadores,” went undefeated throughout the entire championship, a remarkable achievement that is still celebrated by fans today. This period also saw the rise of San Lorenzo’s intense rivalry with Huracán, known as the “Clásico Porteño,” which remains one of the most fiercely contested derbies in Argentine football.
### Challenges and Revival:
1980s to 2000sThe 1980s were a challenging time for San Lorenzo. The club faced financial difficulties and, in a shocking turn of events, was relegated to the second division in 1981. This was a significant blow to the club, as it was the first time in its history that San Lorenzo had been relegated. However, the fans remained loyal, and the club quickly bounced back, winning the second division title and earning promotion back to the top flight in 1982.Despite the financial struggles, San Lorenzo’s fan base continued to grow, and the club remained competitive in the Argentine Primera División. The construction of the Nuevo Gasómetro stadium in 1993 was a turning point for the club. Located in the Bajo Flores neighborhood, the stadium became a new home for San after the club had lost its historic Gasómetro stadium in Boedo in 1979 due to financial issues. The return to Boedo and the construction of a new stadium became symbolic of the club’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity.The 1990s and 2000s saw San Lorenzo achieve more success on the field. The club won the 1995 Clausura championship, breaking a 21-year drought without a league title. This victory was especially sweet for the fans, as it marked the club’s return to the top of Argentine football. The early 2000s brought further success, with San Lorenzo winning the 2001 Copa Mercosur, an international tournament that featured some of the best clubs in South America.
### International Success:
Copa Libertadores 2014The crowning achievement in San Lorenzo’s history came in 2014 when the club won the Copa Libertadores, South America’s most prestigious club competition. This victory was particularly significant because it was the first time in the club’s history that they had won the Copa Libertadores. The journey to the title was marked by dramatic matches and outstanding performances, with key players like Néstor Ortigoza, Leandro Romagnoli, and goalkeeper Sebastián Torrico playing crucial roles.The final, held in August 2014, saw San Lorenzo defeat Nacional of Paraguay 1-0 on aggregate, with the decisive goal coming from a penalty by Ortigoza. The victory was celebrated by millions of fans, both in Argentina and around the world, and solidified San Lorenzo’s status as one of the top clubs in South America.### The Return to Boedo and Fan Culture One of the most remarkable aspects of San Lorenzo is its fan base, known as “Los Cuervos” (The Crows). The fans are renowned for their loyalty, passion, and commitment to the club, even in the face of adversity. This was most evident in the campaign to return the club to its historic neighborhood of Boedo.After losing the original Gasómetro stadium, the fans embarked on a decades-long campaign to return to Boedo. This effort, known as the “Vuelta a Boedo” (Return to Boedo), culminated in 2012 when the Argentine government passed a law allowing San Lorenzo to reclaim the land where the old stadium once stood. The campaign was a testament to the power of collective action and the deep connection between the club and its community.
### San Lorenzo Today and Looking Ahead
Today, San Lorenzo remains one of the most respected and successful clubs in Argentina. The club continues to compete at the highest level of Argentine football, regularly participating in domestic and international competitions. The ongoing project to build a new stadium in Boedo, on the site of the original Gasómetro, is a key focus for the club and its fans. This project, once completed, will symbolize the culmination of the “Vuelta a Boedo” campaign and the enduring spirit of the club.
