The world record that Platense set after qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores

After their penalty victory against Coquimbo Unido in Chile, Platense continues to make history. Qualifying for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Copa Libertadores not only represents the best international result in their history but also allowed them to establish a world record for the speed with which they completed their sports ascent.

The Calamar needed just eight years and three months since their departure from the third category of Argentine football to become champions of the Primera División, debut in an international competition, and reach the quarter-finals of the main continental cup.

The journey began in 2018, when Platense was competing in the Primera B Metropolitana. That year, the team from Vicente López was crowned champion and achieved promotion to the Second Division. From then on, the growth did not stop: they managed to reach the top category in early 2021 and, after consolidating there, in 2025 they won their first title in the elite of Argentine football.

That championship opened a door that until then seemed distant. This year, the Calamar competed for the first time in an international competition and, far from being satisfied with the experience, advanced to establish themselves among the eight best teams in America.

The magnitude of the feat is understood when compared to a more recent historical precedent. Until now, the notable record belonged to Ipswich Town from England, which in 1963 reached the round of 16 of the European Cup six years after competing in the third category of their country.

Last night, Platense surpassed that mark and did so by adding even more significant milestones along the same journey: a promotion from third, a national title, and a qualification for the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores, where they will now face Fluminense, who also eliminated Independiente Rivadavia on penalties.