The club started the 1980s in the first division. In the 1980–81 tournament the club qualified to the playoff stage with 42 points by means of 17 wins, 8 draws, and 13 defeats. In the play-offs the club played out of group 1 where they finished second behind Cruz Azul who would go on to lose the final against the winner of group 2 Pumas UNAM. In the 1981–82 tournament the club once again qualified this time playing a series which they lost to Deportivo Neza 2–3 after two matches. In the 1982–83 tournament the club tied for the worst record in the league with Atletico Morelia both only earning 30 points on 38 games. A relegation match was held where after two matches Atletico Morelia managed to keep the category winning the series after a penalty shootout. The club would play for the fifth time in the second division but it would only take them one year to return winning the 1983-82 second division championship. After their 5th promotion the club would lose the category again in the 1984–85 tournament, being the last time the club played in the first division.