The Metropolitano championship ("Campeonato Metropolitano") was an Argentine football tournament which existed between 1967 and 1984. The Metropolitano formed one half of the Primera División, taking place in the first half of the year, while the Nacional championship ("Campeonato Nacional") took place in the 2nd half of the year. This arrangement lasted until 1982 when they were reversed. The Metropolitano and Nacional were abandoned to make way for European style seasons beginning in 1985–1986.
The Metropolitano utilized a number of different formats, including the basic league table, 2 groups qualifying to semi-finals. The number of participants varied between a low of 18 (1972, 1973 and 1981) to a high of 23 (1977)
Format
editInitially, the tournament was held in the first half of the year. Until 1969, it was played in 2 zones, followed by the direct elimination format to define the champion. The best clubs qualified for the Campeonato Nacional, a complementary first division tournament held in the second semester. The following clubs qualified for the Torneo Promocional. While the worst clubs competed in a reclassification tournament with the best teams in the Primera División B.
Starting in 1971, the tournament was played at least in the first 8 months of the year. In most editions, all-against-all system was used in two rounds. Starting in 1973, the champion qualified for the Copa Libertadores.
Starting in 1980, the tournament was held after the Campeonato Nacional.
List of Champions
edit- Notes
Titles by club
edit| Club | Titles | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| River Plate | 4 |
1975, 1977, 1979, 1980 |
| Independiente | 3 |
1970, 1971, 1983 |
| Boca Juniors | 2 |
1976, 1981 |
| Estudiantes (LP) | 2 |
1967, 1982 |
| San Lorenzo | 2 |
1968, 1972 |
| Argentinos Juniors | 1 |
1984 |
| Huracán | 1 |
1973 |
| Chacarita Juniors | 1 |
1969 |
| Newell's Old Boys | 1 |
1974 |
| Quilmes | 1 |
1978 |
Records
edit- River Plate hold the most titles with four, and are the only team to have won two consecutive Metropolitano championships in 1979 and 1980.
- Vélez Sársfield are the most successful team never to win the Metropolitano, with 2 second places, a third place and a semi-final place.
- Diego Maradona was topscorer in the Metropolitano three times (1978, 1979, 1980)
- The only other player to be topscorer on more than one occasion was Carlos Manuel Morete (1974, 1982)