Club Atlético Patronato de la Juventud Católica, an Argentine club from Paraná in Entre Ríos province, represents a story of perseverance in Argentine football. Founded in 1914, el Patrón (the Boss) plays their matches at the Estadio Presbítero Bartolomé Grella. The red and black club experienced notable rise in the 21st century, reaching Argentine first division after decades in lower divisions.
Patronato achieved their greatest exploit by reaching the Argentine Cup final in 2017, a remarkable performance for a historically modest club. This epic journey allowed Los Rojinegros to participate in the 2018 Copa Libertadores, their first continental qualification in history. The Paraná club distinguishes itself through fighting spirit and ability to compete with Buenos Aires giants despite limited resources.
El Patrón maintains regional rivalries with other Entre Ríos clubs. Patronato represents provincial pride against Buenos Aires club domination. The club works to maintain itself in the Argentine elite and confirm its historic progression.
FAQ
Patronato plays their matches at the Estadio Presbítero Bartolomé Grella, with a capacity of 22,000 seats in Paraná. This stadium, though modest by Argentine standards, offers an intimate atmosphere. The venue bears the name of a founding priest and symbolizes the club's Catholic origins.
Founded on February 1, 1914 by members of the Catholic Church, Patronato spent most of its history in lower divisions. The ascension to first division in 2015 marks a turning point. The 2017 Argentine Cup final and 2018 Copa Libertadores participation represent the peaks of the Paraná club's history.
Patronato counts 1 Argentine Cup final (2017, defeat to River Plate), allowing the historic qualification for the 2018 Copa Libertadores. The club has also won several lower division championships. These modest successes testify to the constant progression of a club long overshadowed in Argentine football.
Several players contributed to the club's recent rise, notably during the 2017 Argentine Cup campaign. Patronato has developed some talents who then joined more important clubs. The club mainly relies on Argentine lower division players they develop intelligently.
'Patronato de la Juventud Católica' refers to Catholic youth patronage, reflecting the club's religious origins founded by the Church. They're called 'El Patrón' (The Boss), 'Rojinegros' (red and black) or simply 'Patronato'. This unique name in Argentine football testifies to the club's particular history.
In 2017, Patronato achieved an exceptional run in the Argentine Cup, notably eliminating Godoy Cruz in the semi-final. The final against River Plate in Mendoza resulted in a 2-1 defeat. Despite the loss, this epic journey marked the club's history and allowed historic Copa Libertadores qualification.
Thanks to the 2017 Argentine Cup final, Patronato qualified for the 2018 Copa Libertadores, their first continental participation in history. Though eliminated in the group phase, this historic experience marked the club and the city of Paraná. The participation generated important revenue and international visibility.
Patronato maintains regional rivalries with Entre Ríos clubs, though little publicized nationally. Confrontations with big Buenos Aires clubs are also important, opposing the province to the capital. The club proudly represents Paraná against Argentine capital club domination.
The Estadio Grella offers a family and passionate atmosphere. Patronato supporters, extremely loyal despite difficult years, create a warm ambiance. The stadium vibrates particularly during matches against big Buenos Aires clubs or during historic evenings like the 2017 Argentine Cup campaign.
Patronato aims to maintain itself permanently in Argentine first division and avoid relegation. The club aspires to achieve new national Cup runs and qualify again for continental competitions. El Patrón works to confirm its place in the Argentine elite and honor the trust of the city of Paraná.
