The Uruguayan Clasico between the Montevideo neighbours is the world’s oldest derby outside the UK
With five Libertadores Cup triumphs, Penarol can rightly claim to be South America’s third-most successful club side of all time, behind Boca Juniors and Independiente. And no matter how hard fans of Nacional might try to put their case, the Tricolores’ three continental trophies pale in comparison.
However, when it comes to which team dominates domestically, the arguments are never ending...
Founded in 1891, the Central Uruguay Railway Cricket Club were based in the capital’s Penarol district and would take the area’s name when the football section split in 1913. Nacional, meanwhile, were formed in 1899 following a merger between Uruguay Athletic Club and Montevideo FC.
To date, Nacional have been champions 46 times, while Penarol boast 49 titles. But as any Nacional supporter will point out, five of their rivals’ national crowns were won by CURCC – who continued as an amateur side until 1915 and even played against Penarol in 1914.
And it’s not just on the pitch where the one-upmanship is all consuming.
In 2011, Penarol followers unveiled what was recognised as the biggest flag ever seen in a football stadium. Not to be outdone, Nacional entered the Guinness
World Records two years later when they unfurled a flag which measured 600 metres by 50 metres.
Needless to say, further disputes are set to break out all over Montevideo and beyond on October 14 when 2018 Apertura winners Nacional face 2017 defending champions Penarol as this season’s Clausura draws to a close.