Crystal Palace will take on one of Colombia’s best sides when they face Millonarios in Chicago – get the lowdown on our pre-season opposition now.
Formally founded in 1946, Millonarios’ origins date back to the 1920s in the capital Bogota. As one of just three teams to compete in the top-flight since its inception they have become one of the most famous names in South American football.
They are the second most successful team in Colombian football, winning 21 titles.
So why ‘Los Millonarios’ (The Millionaires)? The high number of foreign players – mainly Argentinians – in the initial side led to the sports editor of El Tiempo newspaper to criticise the side, terming them ‘The new rich’ or ‘Los Millonarios’. It stuck.
Perhaps their most famous alumni is Alfredo Di Stefano, one of the greatest players of all time. The five-time European Cup winner joined from River Plate in 1949 and played 101 games for the club, scoring 90 times.
Copa Colombia winners in 2022 and league leaders this season, the good times appear to be returning for Millonarios – but the ultimate goal would be a run in the Copa Libertadores. Their best result was a semi-final appearance in the early 1970s.
Manager Alberto Gamero, a former player himself, is approaching a fourth year in charge in Bogota.
In a collaboration with Elite Promotions Group, Palace’s first-ever meeting with Colombian opposition will see both teams vie for The Chicago Nations Cup, previously contested by the likes of Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Crystal Palace v Millonarios
Please click here to view tickets.
Crystal Palace fans will be sat in section 113, 114, 155 and 116 (as marked on the ticketing link).
Prices range from $45 USD to $185 USD.
Following the match, Palace will journey to Detroit for a first-ever match against seven-time Europa League winners, and recent winners, Sevilla at the 41,000-capacity Comerica Park.