North America was worth mentioning only because of Mexico and NASL. NASL was more then a threat to Mexican football – not only all foreign interest was focused on it, but the close proximity made it very easy for US and Canadian clubs to lure Mexican players. But nothing really dangerous happened in 1978-79: the stars stayed at home, particularly Hugo Sanchez and Leonardo Cuellar. Not only that, but Mexico acquired world-class star may be for the first time – Dirceu, the leader of Brazil, moved from Vasco da Gama to America (Mexico City). This was big: stars even old rarely joined Mexican clubs – and Dirceu was at his prime!
Dirceu with America jersey. A world class star in Mexico.
So, the league looked even stronger, despite the 1978 World Cup fiasco. Second division proceeded as usual – that is, entirely outside foreign interest. Atlas (Guadalajara) and Club Deportivo Cuautla (Cuautla) reached the final of the championship, deciding the single promotion.
CD Cuautla is practically unknown club, although they do exist to this very day. They were formed in 1952 and their earliest years were their best, for they played in the 1st division from 1955 to 1959, when they were relegated and played 2nd division football practically for ever since. They tried to return to top flight, of course – in 1971-72 Cuautla reached the 2nd division final and lost it to Atlas. Now it was their second attempt – against the same adversary. Cuautla hosted the first leg and lost it 1-2. It was over… almost. In the hostile Guadalajara they fought bravely and managed 1-1 tie. Close, but they lost for a second time the battle for promotion to Atlas.
Atlas, normally 1st division member, was relegated in the 1977-78 season and were eager to return to their rightful place. Unlike Cuautla, Atlas had been one of the stronger Mexican clubs and a constant member of top division. They came back quickly, but were not overwhelming champions – modest Cuautla gave them hard time. Yet, all finished well and Atlas won the promotion, just like in 1971-72.