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Atlético San Luis: The Rising Power of Mexican Football

Atlético San Luis is a football club based in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and it has been on the rise in Mexican football in recent years. Despite being a relatively young team in the top division of Mexican football, Atlético San Luis has quickly gained a significant following and earned a reputation for its competitive spirit. With a rich history, recent growth, and a passionate fanbase, Atlético San Luis is a club that is determined to make its mark in Liga MX and Mexican football history.

In this article, we will explore the origins, history, recent performances, and the overall journey of Atlético San Luis, offering insights into what makes this club stand out in the landscape of Mexican football. We will dive into its achievements, key players, and rivalries, as well as what the future holds for this exciting football team.

The Origins and Early Years of Atlético San Luis

Atlético San Luis was founded in 2013, which makes it a relatively new team in the history of Mexican football. However, its story can be traced back much earlier, to the 1950s, when Club San Luis was first established. Over the years, the club went through various changes, faced multiple relegations, and rebrandings until it became Atlético San Luis.

Early History of Club San Luis

Before the emergence of Atlético San Luis as we know it today, Club San Luis was one of the teams that represented the city in Mexican football competitions. Founded in 1957, Club San Luis played in various leagues, including the Mexican Primera División and Ascenso MX. Though it experienced moments of glory, such as participating in the top-flight competition, the club faced several challenges, including relegation and a lack of consistent success. 

Over the years, the team saw ups and downs, but it was during the 2010s that Club San Luis faced significant financial difficulties and struggles to remain competitive in the top division. This led to the eventual relocation and transformation into Atlético San Luis.

The Foundation of Atlético San Luis

In 2013, the club was purchased by Grupo Orlegi, a well-known Mexican sports management group that also owns Santos Laguna. The group made the decision to relocate the team to San Luis Potosí, and the club was rebranded as Atlético San Luis. This move represented a fresh start for the team, and it sparked a new era in San Luis Potosí’s football history.

The new ownership immediately set about improving the club’s infrastructure, investing in the development of young players, and establishing a strong presence in Liga MX. Despite the challenges, Atlético San Luis began to show its potential and quickly became one of the most interesting teams in Mexico.

Atlético San Luis in Liga MX

Atlético San Luis officially made its debut in Liga MX in the 2019 Clausura tournament. This was a significant moment in the history of the club, marking its return to the top division of Mexican football after several years of competing in Ascenso MX. The club’s arrival in Liga MX was met with high expectations, as many believed that the new ownership group had the resources and ambition to elevate the team to new heights.

Performance in Liga MX

Since their promotion to Liga MX, Atlético San Luis has worked hard to establish itself as a competitive team. In the 2019 Clausura, the team’s first season in Liga MX, Atlético San Luis faced numerous challenges but showed resilience. They finished in 14th place, but the team’s spirit and ability to compete against top-tier teams helped them establish their presence in the league.

In the subsequent seasons, Atlético San Luis has improved its performance. They finished higher in the standings, and the club continued to strengthen its squad by attracting experienced players and talented newcomers. The club’s competitive spirit and exciting football have drawn attention, especially for their ability to compete against the league’s bigger teams.

In the 2020-2021 season, Atlético San Luis showed more promise and managed to qualify for the Liguilla (playoffs), which is a huge achievement for a team that had only recently been promoted. While they were eliminated early in the playoffs, this marked a major milestone for the club, showcasing their growth and ambition in Liga MX.

Key Achievements

While Atlético San Luis has not yet won a Liga MX championship, their rapid development in the top division has been impressive. A few notable achievements include:

2020-2021 Liguilla qualification: Atlético San Luis made it to the Liguilla, proving that they could compete with the best in Mexican football.

Sustained presence in Liga MX: The club has successfully managed to maintain its place in the top flight, and its recent form suggests that they are building for future success.

Growth in fanbase and infrastructure: Atlético San Luis has invested heavily in its stadium, training facilities, and overall club development. The club’s ability to consistently improve and take on top teams in the league suggests that it could become a major force in Liga MX in the coming years.

Estadio Alfonso Lastras: Home of Atlético San Luis

Atlético San Luis plays its home matches at Estadio Alfonso Lastras, a stadium located in the city of San Luis Potosí. The stadium is a symbol of the club’s rise and its strong connection with the local community.

The Stadium’s History

Estadio Alfonso Lastras was built in the early 1990s and has a capacity of approximately 25,000 spectators. It serves as one of the most important sporting venues in San Luis Potosí, providing a home for Atlético San Luis as well as for various other sporting events in the region. In recent years, the stadium has undergone several upgrades and improvements to accommodate the growing fanbase of Atlético San Luis. 

With modern amenities, a passionate crowd, and an exciting atmosphere, Estadio Alfonso Lastras has become a fortress for the team, where memorable matches take place in front of the club’s loyal supporters.

Atmosphere and Fan Support

Atlético San Luis’ fanbase, though smaller than some of the bigger clubs in Mexico, has grown rapidly since the team’s rebranding and promotion to Liga MX. Known for their passionate support, the fans of Atlético San Luis create an electric atmosphere at every match. Their chants, colors, and dedication to the team make Estadio Alfonso Lastras a difficult place for any visiting team. The club’s recent success has further strengthened the bond between Atlético San Luis and its fans, making their matches a true spectacle for local football enthusiasts.

Notable Players of Atlético San Luis

Since the club’s rebranding and promotion to Liga MX, Atlético San Luis has attracted several notable players from both Mexico and abroad. These players have played important roles in the team’s rise to prominence and have helped elevate the overall quality of the squad.

Key Players

Juan Manuel Sanabria: The Uruguayan midfielder has been a key player for Atlético San Luis. His vision, passing, and creativity in the middle of the park have been instrumental to the team’s success.

Camilo Sanvezzo: The Brazilian forward was one of the standout players for Atlético San Luis. His goal scoring ability made him a crucial asset to the team in their push for success in Liga MX.

Nicolás Ibáñez: The Argentine striker has been one of the most consistent goal-scorers for Atlético San Luis. His physicality, work rate, and finishing ability have made him a fan favorite and a key player in the attack.

Luis García: The goalkeeper played a vital role in Atlético San Luis’ defense, helping them remain competitive in tough matches. His leadership and shot-stopping ability were essential for the team’s success.

International Influence: Atlético San Luis has also attracted international players from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. This diverse mix of nationalities has added a unique flavor to the squad and has provided a solid balance of experience and youth.

Rivalries in Mexican Football: Though Atlético San Luis is a relatively new team in Liga MX, it has already begun to build rivalries with other clubs in the league. One of the most significant rivalries for Atlético San Luis is with Club Querétaro, another team from the Bajío region of Mexico.

The Bajío Derby: Atlético San Luis vs. Querétaro

The rivalry between Atlético San Luis and Querétaro is often referred to as the Bajío Derby. This rivalry is characterized by regional pride, as both teams represent important cities in central Mexico. Matches between Atlético San Luis and Querétaro are highly anticipated and often feature intense football, both on and off the pitch. Though the rivalry is still in its early stages, it has already created significant buzz among fans in the region, and future encounters are sure to be high-stakes battles.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Atlético San Luis

As Atlético San Luis continues to evolve and strengthen its squad, the club’s future looks promising. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, youth development, and player recruitment, Atlético San Luis is positioned for continued growth in Mexican football. The club’s ambitions are clear: to become one of the top teams in Liga MX and compete for championships in the near future. With the right mix of talent, resources, and fan support, Atlético San Luis has the potential to be a major contender in Mexican football.

Challenges and Opportunities: While the future is bright for Atlético San Luis, there are several challenges the club must overcome. These include competing with more established teams in Liga MX, maintaining consistency in performance, and building a strong squad that can challenge for titles. However, the opportunities for success are also abundant, as the club’s recent growth indicates that it is on the right path to achieving its goals.

FAQs

What is Atlético de San Luis’s current position in the Liga MX standings?

As of March 3, 2025, Atlético de San Luis holds the 17th position in the Liga MX standings with a record of 2 wins, 0 draws, and 8 losses. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 23, resulting in a goal difference of -12. Their home and away records are both 1-0-4. 

How has Atlético de San Luis performed in recent seasons?

In the 2023–24 Liga MX season, Atlético de San Luis finished 14th in the coefficient table, with 119 points over the previous six seasons. This placed them in the lower half of the league, ahead of teams like Mazatlán, Juárez, and Tijuana, who faced financial penalties. 

How does the Liga MX coefficient table affect Atlético de San Luis?

The Liga MX coefficient table accumulates points over multiple seasons to determine fines for the lowest-ranked teams. Atlético de San Luis’s position in this table influences their financial obligations and overall standing within Mexican football. 

Where can I find more information about Atlético de San Luis’s performance?

For the latest updates on Atlético de San Luis’s standings, match schedules, and player statistics, you can visit their official website or follow their social media channels. Additionally, sports news outlets and Liga MX’s official platforms provide comprehensive coverage of the team’s performance.

In Summary

Atlético San Luis is a club on the rise, and its story in Mexican football is just beginning. From its humble beginnings to its rapid ascent in Liga MX, Atlético San Luis has proven that it has the potential to compete at the highest level. With a strong squad, passionate fans, and an ambitious vision, the club is poised to make an impact in Mexican football for years to come. As Atlético San Luis continues to grow and develop, both on and off the pitch, it will remain an exciting team to watch for fans of Liga MX and beyond. The future of this club is filled with promise, and the best is yet to come for Las Potrancas.

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