The Rosario derby ("Clásico Rosarino") is the oldest and one of the most fiercely contested football rivalries in Argentine football. Is considered one of the most intense and dangerous derbies in Argentina, given the history of clashes between the Barra bravas —and with the police— that have resulted in serious injuries and even fatalities.
It is played between the two main teams from Rosario, Newell's Old Boys and Rosario Central. It is widely regarded as the most important Argentine derby outside of Buenos Aires and the Buenos Aires Province.
History The first Rosario derby was played on June 18, 1905; it resulted in a 1–0 win for Newell's Old Boys with a goal from Faustino González.
The clubs continued to play each other in the "Liga Rosarina de Fútbol" for many years. In 1939 the two clubs were admitted to the Argentine Primera, and the first game at this level resulted in a 1–1 draw on June 18, 1939.
Experts claim that the Mexican Monterrey derby holds similarities with the Rosario derby. The teams are crosstown rivals from cities away from the capital and have passionate fans.
Rosario Central has the edge over Newell's, with 99 wins compared to 77 counting every official encounter. Rosario also has more trophies, with 36 against 25,https://www.ole.com.ar/rosario-central/titulos-rosario-central-largo-historia_0_aXkadjDj1V.html Todos los títulos de Rosario Central en la historia. Diario Olé, 16 December 2024. although Newell's has won the league title six times, one more than Rosario Central.
Nicknames The teams' nicknames relate from the incident where Rosario Central refused to play a charity game for a leprosy charity, hence their nickname "Canallas' (Scoundrels). Newell's Old Boys stepped in to play the game and earned the nickname "Los Leprosos" (The Lepers).
List of matches Primera División