Associação Desportiva São Caetano
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| Full name | Associação Desportiva São Caetano |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Azulão (Blue Bird or Big Blue) |
| Founded | December 4, 1989 |
| Stadium |
Anacleto Campanella, São Caetano, Brazil |
| Capacity | 16,744 |
| President | Nairo Ferreira de Souza |
| Head coach | Luís Carlos Martins |
| League | Campeonato Brasileiro Série D |
| 2014 | Série C, 17th (relegated) |
| Website | Club home page |
Associação Desportiva São Caetano, commonly known as São Caetano, is a Brazilian football team based in the city of São Caetano, Brazil, part of the São Paulo greater metropolitan area. The club finished as runner-up in the Série A twice and once in the Copa Libertadores.
Founded in 1989, the club found success early, winning the Third and Second Divisions of São Paulo regional tournaments. São Caetano rose to national prominence in 2000.
In 2000, the Brazilian national championship was contested in a rather unusual way. According to previous credentials, teams would play in the First (best teams), Second or Third Division; São Caetano played in the Second. The difference was that, after all Divisions were finished, a mini tournament would gather representatives from all of them (one team from Third Division, three from Second and twelve from First), and the winner would be the Brazilian Champion of 2000.
São Caetano was runner-up of the Second Division and qualified to the finals. Beating Fluminense, Palmeiras and Grêmio, they entered the final against Vasco da Gama. The first match ended as a draw. During the second, fans invaded the pitch and the match was suspended. Despite several claims that São Caetano should be declared champion, Vasco petitioned the league for a third match, which Vasco went on to win.
Unlike many teams that rise prominently then quickly fall back to obscurity, São Caetano had another strong campaign in 2001. Playing a full season in the top division, they reached the final against Atlético Paranaense. Once again they finished as the runner-up, but consecutive seasons placing well secured their reputation on a national level.
In 2002, São Caetano was finalist of Copa Libertadores, the most important tournament in South America. Again, they were runner-up, losing the final to Olimpia of Paraguay on penalties.
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