The 1980 Uruguayan season ended positively: it looked like the national football was improving and restoring its faded glory. It was good year, indeed – but not for all. The championship was orderly as ever – compared to other South American countries. Club Social y Deportivo Villa Espanola won the Third Division and was promoted to the Second. The Second Division had more familiar champion, but the promoted clubs were two – First Division was expanding again from 14 to 15 teams.
Liverpool won the second promotional spot. The club experienced ups and downs frequently, like most smaller clubs, but its more natural place was first division, so fans were more than glad to see their team going up.
But Liverpool did not win the Second Division – Rampla Juniors did.
Posing in grand style, but one can understand it: Nacional and Penarol ruled Uruguayan football, leaving nothing for the other clubs. Any trophy was cherished, therefore – and Rampla Juniors were fresh champions, if only of the Second Division.
Happy winners, but, understandably, having no familiar names in their squad.