Atletico Rafaela
Wikipedia - Atlético de Rafaela
Asociación Mutual Social y Deportiva Atlético de Rafaela, known simply as Atlético de Rafaela, is an Argentine sports club based in the city of Rafaela, in Santa Fe Province. The club is mostly known for its professional football team, that competes in Primera Nacional, the second division of Argentine football league system. It is popularly known in Argentina and other South American countries for its nickname "La Crema".
Apart from football, the other sports and activities practised at the institution are basketball, chess, field hockey, artistic gymnastics, paddle tennis, roller skating, skeet shooting, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
History
Under the name "Club Atlético Argentino de Rafaela", the club was founded in the city of Rafaela, Santa Fe Province in 1907. In 1915 the name was changed to "Club Atlético de Rafaela". The Monumental de Barrio Alberdi concrete stadium was erected in 1951.
The club was turned into a non-profit organization in 1988, and renamed Asociación Mutual Social y Deportiva Atlético de Rafaela ("Social and Sport Association Rafaela Athletic"). Only a year later Rafaela reached the second division after defeating Atlético Ledesma by 3–0 with goals scored by López (20', 30') and Poelman (35').
Atlético de Rafaela played in the second division for 14 years until the team won the Apertura 2002 and the Clausura 2003 to finally reach the first division. After losing the promoción against Huracán de Tres Arroyos, Atlético de Rafaela was relegated to the second division again.
The following season Atlético lost its chance to return to the first division, after losing the promoción, against Argentinos Juniors.
In 2009 Rafaela earned another chance to return to the Primera División via a playoff against Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata. After winning the first final 3–0, Rafaela lost the second match by the same score (0–3) and had to stay in the second division once again.
Atlético de Rafaela fans are referred to as Cremosos or Celestes, and the people that follows the team everywhere are known as La Barra de los Trapos .
The club also has an important car racing circuit since 1919, which hosts many competitions including the Turismo Carretera (since 1941) and the TC 2000 (since 1983).
On the 21st of May 2011, after defeating Atlético Tucumán 2–0 with goals scored by Carniello and Aldana, they earned a place back in the first division for the 2011–12 season.
Atletico Rafaela is known for its passionate fan base and strong community support. The team plays its home matches at the Estadio Nuevo Monumental, which has a capacity of over 16,000 spectators.
The club's colors are blue and white, and its mascot is a lion. Atletico Rafaela has a rich history of success, having won several league titles and domestic cups throughout its existence.
The team is known for its attacking style of play and talented players who have gone on to represent the Argentine national team. Atletico Rafaela has a strong youth development program and prides itself on nurturing young talent.
Overall, Atletico Rafaela is a respected and competitive team in Argentine football, with a loyal fan base and a tradition of success.