In the world of football and the millions it generatesthe debate on Sports Joint Stock Companies is current. Under the Milei government, this business management model gains momentum, despite resistance from figures such as Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. In this context, the history of Black Hill, the first Argentine team-company, seems more relevant than ever.
The SAD, very common in other countries, propose a system where clubs operate for profit, something that the Argentine president supports, but which clashes with the ideal of Tapia and the AFA to maintain the clubs as civil associations. The story of Loma Negra is an early example of this model in Argentina, a team that, in the 80s, left an indelible mark on national football.
The history of Loma Negra
The Loma Negra team, originally from Olavarriawas founded in 1929 as part of the town’s social club, supported by the cement factory of the same name. In 1980, after a weather tragedy, the football team received an unexpected boost when Amalia Lacroze from Fortabatheir to the cement company and one of the richest women in Argentina, decided to finance it. With their support, the club was able to reinforce itself with renowned players, creating a kind of star team that would mark a milestone in the league.
Loma Negra, with its players from Buenos Aires and backed by the capital of the cement company, began to stand out in regional tournaments and reached the National Championship in 1981, competing side by side with teams from the First Division. However, this stunning success would also have its challenges and limitations.
Nacional 81 and 83: the tournaments that took Loma Negra to history
Loma Negra’s debut in the 1981 National was a historic event. With a renewed squad and powerful reinforcements, the team managed to stand out in the tournament. In their first match they beat Ferrorunner-up of the Metropolitan tournamentsurprising the media and the Argentine public. During the championship, Loma Negra showed exceptional defensive solidity, not conceding goals in their home games and achieving notable results against teams such as River and Workshops.
Despite their outstanding performance, the team did not advance to the quarterfinals due to goal difference, remaining tied on points with River. However, the legacy of his performance in 1981 was marked in the history of Argentine football. Fortabat’s management, unusual for a club, allowed the players to live in unprecedented luxury, with opulent dinners, stays in the best hotels and a almost unreal atmosphere for the football of the time.
In 1983, the team surprised again, this time winning its first round group and beating Argentinos Juniors in the second phase. Upon reaching the round of 16, they defeated racing in the first leg, but a tough defeat in the second game ended their adventure. Although brief, the history of Loma Negra left a extraordinary statistic: the team maintains to this day the best winning average in professionalism.
What happened to Loma Negra
Loma Negra’s experience as a team-company was brief but impactful. Over time, The cement company stopped investing in the club, which returned to its humble roots. The lack of financing meant that the team could not sustain itself in national tournaments, and in 1985 its project came to an end.
Currently, the club still exists, although without the splendor of yesteryear. The company that gave it its name remains standing, but the soccer team remained as a memory of those years in which Loma Negra made history in Argentine soccer.
Source: Ambito
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