The 10 of the Most Important Derbies of Latin American Soccer

All Latin American countries have numerous classics in their soccer leagues. However, from LatinAmerican Post, we have highlighted the importance of these 10 classics, which have become more influential over the years, and we are on the verge of reliving them in the most relevant competitions on the continent.

Boca Juniors vs. River Plate

Considered the superclassic of Argentine soccer, it is perhaps one of the most popular matches worldwide. This classic has more than 100 years of history, and the first official match was played on August 24, 1913. This match, which brings together the two most important and numerous fans in the country, has left historical encounters that make it special, some of which we could remember are:

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The most recent and representative match is the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, since the first leg ended 2-2 and in the second leg, due to violent incidents, the match had to be played at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid, Spain. After a 3-3 aggregate, the game went into overtime and in 30 minutes of extra time, the millionaires scored two goals that led them to lift the highest title in the South American arena.

Independiente de Avellaneda vs. Racing

The Avellaneda classic enters the list due to its great importance, since both teams are world champions. Until now the 'Red' has a strong dominance in the history of classics played, because of 195 games Independiente won 76 times.

Out of all South American soccer clubs, Independiente is the most times Copa Libertadores champion (seven) and Racing managed to get it on just one occasion (1967), they have only met once in the 1992 Supercopa Sudamericana. The first leg was a controversial match, as the academy won 2-1 at El Cilindro with a goal with a handball by Claudio García.

Atletico Nacional vs America de Cali

In Colombia, there is not a single superclassic. Millionaires, Nacional and América are the big 3 and any match between these teams paralyzes the nation. This weekend, those from Cali face those from Medellín, it is one of the most striking matches.

The cafetero duel became a classic on the continent due to the rise of both teams in the 80's and 90's. Nacional was champion of two Libertadores Cups and América became runner-up in this contest four times.

For this reason, they made the duel between greens and reds one of the most recognized on the continent. At the local level, its fans (along with that of Millonarios) are the most popular in the country and its historical duels give it the endorsement to become one of the most striking confrontations in Colombia.

National vs Peñarol

These South American soccer giants have the privilege of adding eight Copa Libertadores between both teams: five for Peñarol and three for Nacional. That is why this is a classic on the continent since they have faced each other 38 times (13 victories for the 'aurinegros', 10 for the 'albos' and 15 draws) and they have only experienced two direct elimination matches (1962 and 1969) where each one stayed with a ticket in the maximum competition Conmebol.

Cerro Porteño vs Olimpia

The great match of Paraguay, an iconic match of the continent whose historic duels at the national and international level honor its fame. Olimpia surpasses Cerro in numbers, since they won three Libertadores Cups and their rival has not yet reached him in Paraguayan first division titles, 46 vs. 34.

Flamengo vs Corinthians

Known as the classic of the people, this duel between two greats of the Brasileirao has grown significantly in South America. In this duel they face the biggest team in Rio de Janeiro and the most popular in São Paulo, they have in their history an iconic match in 1991 where Corinthians won the Brazilian Super Cup with a 1-0 result and Neto was the hero of said conquest.

Guadalajara vs Club America

The classic of Mexican classics, the two most popular and winning clubs in the country forged their rivalry at the end of the 50's and from there they have grown as national and international rivals. Likewise, the quality of the players who passed through these two institutions is a fundamental nuance for the growth of this rivalry with the passing of the seasons.

Emelec vs Barcelona

Known as the Astillero classic, this emblematic match for Ecuadorians has only had one final between them, played in 2014. Its fans nicknamed it 'the end of the century' and it was Emelec who managed to steal the title from its classic rival.

Colo-Colo vs. University of Chile

The match that unites the two most famous teams in the country, the one that paralyzes its inhabitants, since it has had six different definitions of titles and each one has won three trophies (1940,1959,1979, 2006, 2015 and 2020).

The Strongest vs. Bolivar

The classic Paceño, that's how its followers know it. Since 1927 these clubs have fought sportingly for the pinnacle of Bolivian soccer. These two teams are considered the most important in their country, so every time they face each other, it is considered that the entire Bolivian territory is paralyzed around this match.