COPA LIBERTADORES VS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The Libertadores Cup is arguably THE most intense and heart racing club competition of all. Fights, corruption, third world countries showing their true colors and more. It expands to 10 different countries but the majority of the time, it's ruled by argentinians as well as brazilians. Now taking place in a 10 month period, this is the most incredible compilation ever. In fact it is so fascinating that it even has its own chant “La Copa Libertadores es mi obsesión”, is an obsession. It's a universal chant throughout the biggest clubs in south america, showing the spirit of the continent.

For players is the pinnacle of their careers. It's not a turistic event, it's the latinamerican lifestyle itself in the shape of football. Because it shows the essence of South America, they are a couple of challenges to have in mind while analyzing the competition. The first one are the stadiums, the atmosphere, it's an INSANITY, the crowds go wild with chants, fireworks and more but the ultimate challenge are the home and away games. The pressure involves fans pressuring their players to win and the rivals to lose their heads over the game so they lose. Another factor are the infrastructures of the stadiums. In La Paz for example, clubs play at 3600 feet above sea level. Not everyone plays at the same altitude which makes it difficult to stand out with proper results.

Traditions are also a key element to the analysis, the banging drums, chants in the background in these vibrant stadiums make the competition a unique one. Fans in the stands might throw stuff to the players on the pitch without hesitation. The passion takes them to another level, to the point of singing for 90 minutes straight even during tense moments. Psychologically speaking, it must be extremely difficult to coach/play inside a battlefield, is the closest thing to a happy warzone.

On top of that there's never a shortage of dirty tricks involved that make playing away from home a lot more difficult or even at home. It is filled with underdog stories like the typical fireworks outside the hotel of your rivals (by the way, it never works, only attracts bad luck), or cutting the energy or water in their respectives hotels but the overall purpose it's the victory no matter what. That's the spirit.

The winning teams are constantly changing due to the transfer market calendar. The future’s football promises are featured in this competition so they tend to leave for Europe when they have the chance to make it big. Plus the unpredictability is a part of its appeal, you never know who is gonna win or what's gonna happen.

There's some sort of magic between the mystic and drama that makes it incredible. Fans join their voices as one, it is the type of support that you will find in this region, the adversity makes the mystic of the Copa Libertadores.

On the quest for glory, various challenges are being faced. Long distances from country to country, lung altitude problems, dismal weather, and awful surface conditions in the field.

It's held dear by football fans all over the world but mostly south americans. If you like to experience madness and passion both on and off the field, this is the right competion for you.

The most harmless tackle leads to a massive brawl or fan actions can lead to chaos. It's bigger than the game itself, the event brings out traditions and stories. History being made or in the making.Backdrop to the legacy of some football legends like Pelé, Riquelme, Zico, Neymar, Ronaldinho and many others have participated and lifted the trophy several times

Unlike the Champions league that has the money, better players, and the fascinating infrastructure, Copa Libertadores has the heart, the passion, more competitive(unpredictable), and it is where usually the top players in the world BORN.

Battling out through group stages and knockout rounds for continental supremacy, UCL is the lyrical side of football. Ruined by VAR, of course, but always giving us beautifully structured games. Star players are at their prime, you will never see a brawl happening in any of these games, in fact you will see emblematic players like Xavi & Beckham at the time, Messi, Cristiano,etc. Quality football. It 's a show. Fans at the stands are carefully sitted like they are watching a play at a theatre. Occasionally they insult the players (depending on which club is on the pitch) but it's always a very quiet outing, in fact, it could be a family or a touristic outing, the atmosphere is calm and accessories like scarves are a must, unlike the Libertadores, a not so friendly family event to witness.

Given the fact that the quality of the game is stoic, stars align in formation for a treat. Most of the finals are super predictable and deliver a beautiful and entertaining game. Full of luxuries on the pitch with no drama backstage.Not to mention the awesome lineups that NEVER dissapoint.

The Copa Libertadores, tactically speaking, is the one that lacks technique and intelligence, who prioritizes physical power and strength, which in its interventions lacks elegance much like Schiavi or Puyol kind of style.

Champions League on the other hand is completely lyrical. It's the most technical one, prefers intelligence and location over strength, they know how to play the game wonderfully, capturing the essence of the european player and lifestyle much like Piqué style.

The reason why moving the 2018 Libertadores final to Spain was such a disgrace for football is mainly due to historical/cultural events. It was the result of shutting down the legacy of an amazing competition that completely clashed with european manners. The cultures are opposite, the way they live and breathe football is different. Pure insanity.

That's the wonderful thing about football and the Club World Cup. Two very antagonist cultures clash into a 90 minutes game. For Europeans, the competition isn't a big deal, but for South Americans, it's the ultimate glory. Lifting that intercontinental trophy is a goal to be conquered at all cost. The most rustic side of football meets the lyrical in a battle for a world title.