Definition of Copa Libertadores

Before the Copa Libertadores in the world of South American football, there was the Campeonato Sudamericano de Campeones, or "South American Championship of Champions". This tournament sought to bring together all of the top teams in South America and see who was the best club. It was this tournament that inspired the creation of the European Cup (now Champions League).

The competition was first played in Chile in 1948, having been hosted and organized by Chilean side Colo-Colo. The idea had been floating around since 1929, although it wasn't until CONMEBOL president Luis Valenzuela and Colo-Colo came together to finally implement the competition.

It wasn't played in a tournament akin to the World Cup, but rather a round-robin style with points. The winners of the tournament was the Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, finishing with a 0-0 draw against Argentine side River Plate (who had the soon-to-be famous Alfredo Di Stefano playing for them). It was a narrow win, with Vasco finishing on 10 points and River Plate on 9.

The idea for the tournament between teams across the entire continent came from the success of the Copa Aldao, which was a competition between the national champions of Uruguay and Argentina. However, it wouldn't be until 1960 that the competition of the Copa Libertadores would be formed and played, despite the success of the Championship of Champions.

Undoubtedly the South American Championship of Champions played a huge role in the continental football that we see today in South America. It set the stage and was an inspiration for those who witnessed it. Now we can enjoy the successor tournament, the Copa Libertadores, every year.