Atletico de Rafaela

Asociacion Mutual Social y Deportiva Atletico de Rafaela usually known simply as Atletico de Rafaela is an Argentine sports club from the city of Rafaela, in Santa Fe Province. The club is mostly known for its professional football team, which currently plays in Primera B Nacional, the second division of the Argentine football league system. It is popularly known in Argentina and other southamerican countries for its nickname "La Crema".

Apart from football, 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 Atletico 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 Atletico 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 Asociacion Mutual Social y Deportiva Atletico de Rafaela ("Social and Sport Association Rafaela Athletic"). Only a year later Rafaela reached the second division after defeating Atletico Ledesma by 3–0 with goals scored by Lopez (20', 30') and Poelman (35').

Atletico 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 promocion against Huracan de Tres Arroyos, Atletico de Rafaela was relegated to the second division again.

The following season Atletico lost its chance to return to the first division, after losing the promocion, against Argentinos Juniors.

In 2009 Rafaela earned another chance to return to the Primera Division 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.

Atletico de Rafaela fans are re

This page also has a version in other languages :  Атлетико Рафаэла (russian)