Club Atlético Independiente was formed in August 1904 and its official foundation took place in January 1905. Originally based in in Montserrat, Buenos Aires, the team relocated to Avellaneda two years later. They are considered to be one of Argentina's traditional Big Five teams, along with River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing and San Lorenzo. Independiente's main rivals are Racing, with whom they contest what has become known as El Clásico de Avellaneda.
The 1970s are typically seen as the club's golden era and during this time, Independiente won four Primera División titles. However, even more impressive was their success in international competitions during the decade. The team achieved a remarkable four consecutive Copa Libertadores titles in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, as well as an Intercontinental Cup win in 1973, when the side overcame Italian giants, Juventus. This golden era also included three Interamerican Cup wins in 1973, 1974 and 1975.
All in all, Independiente have won a total of 16 Argentine Primera División titles and have finished as runners up 16 times as well, which makes them the third most successful team in the league's history, behind River Plate and Boca Juniors. Even more notably, they have won seven Copa Libertadores titles; more than any other club. Some of the other major honours won by the team include two Intercontinental Cups, one Copa Sudamericana and one Recopa Sudamericana.
Amongst the most significant players in Independiente's history are names like Manuel Seoane, Luis Artime, Raúl Bernao, Ernesto Grillo, Ricardo Bochini and Hugo Villaverde. Arsenio Erico holds the club record for most goals, having scored 293 times during his time with the team.
Independiente play their home matches at the Estadio Libertadores de América, previously known as the Estadio de Independiente. The stadium was reconstructed and re-opened in 2009. It is currently able to hold 46,000 supporters, although the capacity is expected to increase to 50,201 in the near future.
