Despite the Copa Libertadores disappointment, the 1996–97 season still brought some glory to América. Due to an upcoming change in format for the Colombian league, this was a marathon season, lasting sixteen months (it was the longest in Colombian history). Despite the length and complexity of the season, "Los Diablos Rojos" were nonetheless able to win their ninth championship, beating Atlético Bucaramanga in the finals. They continued their dominance of Colombia into the early 2000s, winning titles in 2000, 2001, and the 2002 Apertura with homegrown manager Jaime de la Pava. However, it was not long afterwards that the tide began to turn against them.