For a long time it was simple, not exactly fair - to be crowned world club champion from 1960 to 2004, all that was needed was a victory in a match between the champions of Europe and South America.
During that period, CONMEBOL even had a champion several times (22:21), after which the Club World Cup began, which consisted of the winners of the confederations and practically total domination by Europe (16:4), and then this summer, a revolutionary tournament with 32 teams from all over the planet.
It was expected that the powerful and wealthy UEFA teams in the United States would continue to dominate, receiving a lot of money for their participation, but the first half of the group stage showed something completely different.
In the six games against South American clubs so far, European teams have been defeated twice, three matches ended in a draw, and the only victory for the Old Continent was brought by Bayern Munich, which defeated Boca Juniors.
They also dropped nine points against clubs from the Saudi Pro League, MLS and Mexico's Liga MX.
The power from Rio: They play good football too
The victories of South American teams that resonated were the triumphs of Botafogo and Flamengo.
"O Glorioso" from Rio de Janeiro is the current South American champion, and celebrated in a direct duel with the European champion and the team that the Old Continent admired this season - Paris Saint-Germain (1:0). Rio's other team, Flamengo, was better than Chelsea (3:1).
At the same time, Fluminense drew with Borussia Dortmund, Palmeiras with Porto, Benfica with Boca Juniors, and Bayern's victory over the team from "Bombonjera" came at the finish (2:1).
"It's clear that South American teams are causing big problems for some European teams," admits Bayern striker Harry Kane.
The explanation may be simple, and it was given by a teammate of the great Englishman.
"That's because they are good teams too. Football is simply football," said Konrad Laimer.
June is more suitable for South Americans
Many see the timing of the World Cup as one of the reasons why teams from South America are "flying" in stadiums across the US, while Europeans are struggling, at least at the start.
The Club World Cup arrived at the end of a difficult season for teams from the Old Continent, but at the same time in the middle of the season for clubs from Brazil, Argentina and the American MLS.
In addition, most European teams finished the season, rested for a few weeks, and then started preparing for the World Cup again.
"They've played a lot of games and they might come tired, so I think there will be some surprises," predicted Luis Suarez, the legendary Uruguayan who plays for Inter Miami.
There are other "justifications" for clubs from Europe, such as the extreme heat in the USA, which supposedly suits South Americans better.
And while we wait for the right form and the right things from the Europeans, South America dreams of a big trophy.
"Anyone can celebrate at the end - that's football. I wouldn't be surprised if a South American team wins the tournament," said Filipe Luis, Flamengo coach and the man who knocked out Chelsea, who not so long ago wore the "blues" jersey.
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