Copa Estímulo

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Lore & Background

In 1920, the Argentina national team travelled to Chile to play the South American Championship, so the Association interrupted the Primera División championship and created the Copa Estímulo to keep local teams active. Ten teams took part, divided into two groups in a round-robin tournament. Before finishing the first stage, the cup was abandoned. Huracán was declared winner because Banfield disaffiliated from the Football Association. For the third edition (1929), the trophy would be awarded by the 1929 Primera División champion. The 35 teams were split into two groups in a round-robin format, and the group winners played a final; Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata won by defeating Boca Juniors 2–1.

In Their Own Story

The road to the final began with a tight Group D contest involving Sportsman, Argentino de Quilmes, and Del Plata. Boca Juniors played each opponent once in a single round-robin format, emerging as group winners. This victory set them on a collision course with Chacarita Juniors for the semifinals. However, the bracket shifted unexpectedly when the team from San Martín withdrew from the tournament. Consequently, Boca did not face Chacarita; instead, they received a direct berth to the final. The match was held at Estadio Gasómetro, the home of San Lorenzo de Almagro. On January 27, 1927, the stage was set for the decider. Boca Juniors stepped onto the pitch and secured a 3–1 victory over Sportivo Balcarce, sealing their status as champions of the cup's second and final edition.

Reader's Guide

The competition was held only in 1920 and 1926. The 1929 edition is not considered a Copa Estímulo by the Association, but rather a Primera División title.

Did You Know?

• The 1920 Copa Estímulo was abandoned before the first stage finished.
• Huracán was declared winner of the 1920 edition after Banfield disaffiliated.
• The 1929 tournament was officially a Primera División championship, not a Copa Estímulo.