FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.11.2009 19:03

Atlante, Mexican threat

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Atlante FC are the strongest side standing between Barça and a place in the Club World Cup Final. The Mexican side includes former Real Madrid man Santiago Hernán Solari.

Founded in 1916, Atlante, who wear the same colours as FCB, made it to Dubai after winning the CONCACAF Champions League, where they faced their compatriots of Cruz Azul in the final winning 2-0 on aggregate.

Based in Cancun

The ‘Iron Colts’ have played in the tourist resort of Cancun since 2007, having moved between various Mexican cities over the years. In 2007 the side won their fifth and last (to date) national title, under José Guadalupe Cruz, who is still manager today.

Atlante are not coming to Dubai in form, having recently missed out on the 09 Opening Tournament play-offs, losing the decisive game in the penultimate round to Tigres U.A.N.L. last weekend, 4-0.

Solari the star

Their best known player is Argentinian Santiago Hernán Solari, formerly of Real Madrid and who joined Atlante at the age of 33, in the hope of adding some experience to a very young squad.

Along with Solari, other players to watch are Argentine goalkeeper Federico Villar, who has yet to make his debut for his country, but has often been selected as a reserve in team featuring Leo Messi. The Argentine connection continues in defence in the form of Miguel Ángel Martínez; midfielder José Joel González is a Mexico international; and 22 year old winger Christian Bermúdez is considered one of the brightest young hopes in the national game. The main striker is Mexican international Rafael Márquez, the namesake of Barça’s defender.