Club Atlas was first established in August 1916 by a group of friends from Guadalajara. The club has developed a rivalry with the other major team from the city, C.D. Guadalajara, and matches between the two teams are called the Clásico Tapatío. The rivalry dates back to the year of Atlas' foundation and is recognised as being Mexico's oldest local derby.
Over the years, Atlas have developed a reputation for having one of the country's best youth development systems. The team's academy has produced a host of players for the national team, including Jared Borgetti, Mexico's record goalscorer and Rafael Márquez, the first Mexican to ever win the UEFA Champions League. Their investment in youth development has also greatly benefited their own playing squad and has enabled them to challenge for major honours on occasion.
However, despite their reputation for producing top quality players, Atlas have only won the Primera División on one occasion, back in the 1950-51 season. Most of their domestic success has come in the Copa México, which they lifted in 1945-46, 1949-50, 1961-62 and 1967-68. They have also been crowned Campeón de Campeones four times. In terms of international competitions, major success has been beyond the club's reach. Atlas have competed in the Copa Libertadores twice, in 2000 and 2008. On both occasions, they made it to the quarter final stage of the competition before being eliminated.
Some of the club's notable former players include the likes of Juan Pablo Rodríguez, Oswaldo Sánchez, Miguel Zepeda and Daniel Osorno; all of whom went on to represent Mexico at international level.
The Estadio Jalisco has served as Atlas' home since its opening in 1960. The ground was used as a venue for both the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups and for many years, Atlas shared the ground with C.D. Guadalajara. It is amongst the biggest stadiums in Mexico and is currently able to hold up to 63,200 supporters.
