Cobreloa's history in the Libertadores Cup will hardly see a parallel within the southamerican football. In its 24 years as a professional team, it has taken part on 8 versions of it. However, the uniqueness comes to light when we consider that Cobreloa reached the final as a newcomer to the Cup (1981), when the club had only four years in professional football. Moreover, it managed to reach the final again the following year.

In 1981, Cobreloa lost the final to the powerful Flamengo (Brazil) with Zico, Careca and other great players. In 1982, Cobreloa lost to Penarol (Uruguay) in a very unfortunate final game. But there's one thing to it: Cobreloa had to play both finals in Santiago, which somo 1,500 kilometers from Calama. Many still argue that history would be different if Cobreloa had played the finals in Calama.

The third time in the Cup (1983) was not very good, since Cobreloa was eliminated in the first round. However, the tradition of good performances in the Libertadores Cup would come back in 1987, when Cobreloa reached the semifinals. Two years later, in 1989, Cobreloa reached the quarter finals.

The next time came in 1993, and Cobreloa reached the second round (round of 16). After that, Cobreloa did not qualify to the Libertadores Cup until the year 2000, when it had its worst performance ever, finishing last in its group. In 2001, Cobreloa saw another chance and somehow cleaned up its name by reaching the second round.

Althoug the last numbers may seem just average, Cobreloa has an overall performance that is quite prosperous. Indeed, it is the chilean team with better numbers abroad. That's why the fans still long with winnin the Libertadores, Cobreloas's remaining task.