In 1975 Atlético Español would win their first and only international title in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup 1975, they played the final against Transvaal of Suriname defeating them 5–1 in aggregate.

Both games were played in Buenos Aires and after an aggregate score of 2–2 penalties needed to take place, Español losing the shootout to Independiente 4–2.

Season 1980–81 Español would once again get into the liguilla getting 4th in group A led by Cruz Azul, who would lose the final against Pumas de la UNAM.

For the season of 1981–82 they would dispute their ultimate ligulla getting to the quarterfinals versus Club de Fútbol Atlante, round they would lose 5–3 in aggregate.

After 11 years as Atlético Español, the club owners unexpectedly sold the franchise, which was acquired by the Mexican television network Televisa.