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Argentina’s biggest derby weekend – One of the most football-mad countries in existence is gearing up for plenty of drama, with the Derby Weekend (La Fecha de Los Clásicos) taking place on Saturday and Sunday.
The showpiece is of course the 260th edition of Boca vs River, but in total there are nine other derbies being played! Here, we check out four derbies other than the Superclásico see that are taking place in other parts of this South American hotbed.
Rosario Central vs Newell’s Old Boys (Rosario derby/Clásico Rosarino)
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The birthplace of Lionel Messi is home to a raucous rivalry in Argentina’s second city Rosario, and this weekend the game takes place in the Gigante de Arroyito, home to Central. This will be the 276th clash between the clubs, historically most matches have ended in a draw (103 times) including their earlier meeting this year.
Gabriel Heinze currently manages Newell’s Old Boys, he is no stranger to putting in a passionate performance in big games. He is desperate for his side to end their recent four-game winless streak in the league, and repeat their smash and grab win in this stadium last year. Rosario Central, however, are on a fantastic 23-game unbeaten run at home, not slipping up since August 2022.
Estudiantes vs Gimnasia LP (La Plata derby/Clásico Platense)
The capital of Buenos Aires province is a planned city founded in the 19th century, but it descends into chaos on derby weekend. The first meeting between these sides was back in 1916, and it is the younger of the two, Estudiantes, that has the lion’s share of the wins. The Pincha have won 66 of the 185 games played to date, and they are unbeaten in 19 of their last 20 meetings.
However, Gimnasia ran out 2-1 winners in the previous game this year, and managed a draw in the four encounters prior to that. They will be looking to in-form man Cristian Tarragona who netted a brace in his last match, totalling eight goals so far in 2023.
Talleres vs Belgrano (Córdoba derby/Clásico cordobés)
This is one of the oldest derbies in Argentina and Talleres are closing in on their 100th clásico win, something no Argentine side has ever achieved. The team that play home games in the Mario Kempes Stadium have won an impressive 96 meetings against their old rivals known as El Pirata.
With Belgrano recently spending time in the lower divisions this will be their first visit to Talleres since 2019, that match ended in an emphatic 3-0 win to the hosts. In fact Talleres are unbeaten in their last 12 clásicos at home.
Colón vs Unión (Santa Fe derby/Clásico santafesino)
Further upstream from Rosario is the small city of Santa Fe, but it is overflowing with excitement as derby day approaches. This will be the 149th meeting in theory, but there are five competitive games where the result wasn’t recorded, so many have this down as number 143.
Unión have had the better of their older rivals, Colón was founded two years after in 1907, having picked up 48 victories so far. The game marks a huge occasion for the home-side’s manager Néstor Gorosito, the 59-year-old will take charge of his 500th match with Argentinian clubs.
Argentina’s biggest derby weekend – our top tips
Argentina’s passion for the beautiful game is practically unrivalled, as witnessed by the incredible scenes in Buenos Aires (pictured above) when Lionel Messi led them to the World Cup in 2022. But even if you’re not there in person, you can still experience the thrill of the event by wagering within some exciting in-play markets.
Low scoring in Rosario
This is typically a fiery game where cards fly but goals are a scarce resource, the last four Rosario derby games have seen just four goals. Newell’s have kept things tight this season, conceding just five in six matches. Under 2.5 goals.
Talleres can triumph
Both teams in Córdoba are well matched in terms of league form, taking 10 points each from their first six games of the season. However, La T have a great home record in this fixture and with forward Ramón Sosa in top form they can take all three points here. Home win.
The strength of the Unión
Although their league standings paint a different picture, it is important to remember that form can often go out of the window in clásicos. Colón are better on paper, but in recent Santa Fe derby showdowns they haven’t made it count – seven of the last nine have been draws. Unión double chance.
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