Introduction to derby
The Avellaneda Derby, known locally as the Classic Avellanedais one of the most enduring and emotionally charged rivalries in South American football. Played between two clubs separated by only a few hundred meters in the city of Avellaneda, Independiente and Racing Club have contested pride, titles and identity since their first meeting in 1907. Beyond league position or form, this derby is defined by social identity, continental success and contrasting footballing cultures, with
Independiente’s historical dominance in international competitions faces
The deep-rooted national tradition and massive support of Racing.
All-time head-to-head record
Throughout more than a century of official competition in league and
football cup, the Avellaneda Derby has produced a wide and hard-fought
set of results. Although exact totals may vary slightly depending
statistical methodology, underline the widely accepted figures
The narrow historical limit of Independiente.
| Total matches | Independent victories | draws | Racing Club wins | Independent goals | Racing Club goals |
| 237 | 89 | 77 | 71 | 346 | 300 |
The all-time totals suggest a rivalry defined by long-term balance
rather than short-term dominance. Independiente’s advantage was largely built
during the professional era from the 1930s to the 1970s, when she was legendary
attacking teams consistently outplayed Racing. Instead, Racing has done it
closed the gap in the modern decades through defensive solidity and tactics
pragmatism, resulting in a high proportion of low-scoring draws.
Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)
The last editions of the Avellaneda Derby reflect the modern
Argentine game: tactically cautious, physically intense and often decided by
fine margins The goals have been very important, and the advantage at home has become
less decisive than in previous times.
| date | competition | place | Punctuation |
| March 16, 2025 | First Division | independent | Independent 1–1 Racing Club |
| September 28, 2024 | First Division | Racing Club | Racing Club 0–0 Independiente |
| February 24, 2024 | League Cup | independent | Independiente 1–0 Racing Club |
| September 30, 2023 | League Cup | Racing Club | Racing Club 0–2 Independiente |
| April 17, 2023 | First Division | independent | Independent 1–1 Racing Club |
| July 10, 2022 | First Division | Racing Club | Racing Club 1–0 Independiente |
| August 8, 2021 | First Division | independent | Independiente 1–0 Racing Club |
| February 9, 2020 | First Division | Racing Club | Racing Club 1–0 Independiente |
| February 24, 2019 | First Division | independent | Independent 1–3 Racing Club |
| October 7, 2018 | First Division | Racing Club | N/A |
The last 10 meetings show a clear pattern of tight scores and
defensive discipline, with seven of those games producing two goals or
less Draws and one-goal wins dominate, reflecting midfield caution
battles, an emphasis on set piece control and referees forced to make frequent
disciplinary interventions to manage intensity.
Key players and rivalries by era
Classical Era (1930s-1960s)
The formative decades of the Avellaneda Derby were marked by
attacking brilliance and expressive football. The legendary of Independiente
Striker Arsenio Erico set the benchmark for derby strikers with his move
and finishing, while that of Racing John
Jose Pizzuti provided structure and authority in midfield. Defensively,
Oscar Ruggeri later embodied Racing’s aggressive resistance
The technical superiority of Independiente.
Notable duels included Erico vs. Racing, hard center middles,
and Pizzuti’s midfield control struggles against Independiente’s creativity
indoor, contests that often dictated whether the derby became open
spectacle or a strategic stalemate.
Era of the Libertadores d’Or (1970-1980 decade)
This time coincided with the continental dominance of Independiente, and
Derby matches often showed leadership and tactical maturity. Ricardo
Bochini’s vision and ball retention repeatedly tested Racing’s defence
form, while Enzo Trossero’s authority from the back gave Independiente
composure under pressure. For Racing, goalkeepers like Sebastián Saja
(later it was retrospectively remembered influence) and advocates who
priority containment became central figures.
Key rivalries revolved around Bochini versus Racing
midfielders, and captain versus captain matchups where tempo controls
was decisive.
Modern and contemporary era (1990s to present)
In the modern derby, athleticism and tactical systems have taken over
center stage Independent figures like Sergio
omen and Nicolás Frutos carried vertical attack threats, while
Racing icons Diego Milito and Lysander
Lopez he redefined derby leadership through pressure and intelligence
movement More recently, Gabriel Arias has been influential in the Racing goal
during highly contested encounters.
Recurring duels include Milito or López against Independiente
central defenses, battles of extremes against laterals in narrow fields, and
goalkeepers who act as organizers during extended defensive phases.
| was | club | player | Role in the derby context | notes |
| classic | independent | Arseni Erico | In front of elite | Symbol of early dominance |
| classic | Racing Club | Juan Jose pizzuti | Midfield organizer | Time controlled |
| golden age | independent | Ricardo Bochini | Game creator | Technical reference |
| golden age | independent | Enzo Trossero | Defensive leader | Rear line commanded |
| modern | Racing Club | Diego Milito | front leader | Big game intelligence |
| modern | Racing Club | Lisandro Lopez | captain-forward | Work speed and pressing |
| modern | independent | Sergio Aguero | Attack perspective | Direct operation |
| contemporary | Racing Club | Gabriel Arias | porter | Focus on derby blank card |
This era-wide overview highlights how the derby has evolved
individual brilliance in system-driven football, though we still trust
leaders able to withstand extreme psychological pressure.
Detailed H2H analysis
Head-to-head patterns in the Avellaneda Derby show a gradual change
from high-scoring encounters in the mid-20th century to low-margin contests
in the modern game. The historical prominence of Independiente is rooted in periods of
continuity of the squad and technical supremacy, while Racing is more recent
Success comes from tactical compactness and game management. Influence of the place
has declined, with both parties increasingly comfortable adopting
conservative outside strategies, leading to a high draw ratio.
Key statistics and performance data
Decades of derby football statistical trends underline how
equalized these rivals remain despite Independiente’s general
border
- Raffles account for about a third of all meetings, reflecting
tactical caution. - Independiente’s biggest margin of victory remains historic
abnormal - Modern derbies average less than two goals per game.
- Set plays contribute a disproportionate share of
objectives - Disciplinary records are consistently higher than the league
stockings
Memorable matches and iconic moments
Some equipment has transcended the usual results to become
reference points in derby folklore.
- June 9, 1907 – The first official meeting establishes the
rivalry - November 3, 1940: Independiente’s record win marks a lasting victory
referent - December 17, 1967: Title-defining derby success
independent - March 24, 1974: A historic strikeout display in a championship
was - December 22, 1983 – The context of the championship increases the tension of the derby.
- September 11, 2005: Victory of the Modern Era Declaration a
house - March 16, 2025: A contemporary drawing illustrating the tactic
parity
Evolution of the rivalry
The Avellaneda Derby has evolved from expressiveness and attack
football in a chess match defined by structure and emotional control. while
the early decades celebrated individual genius and heavy, modern scores
meetings prioritize risk management and psychological resilience. despite
changes in the philosophy of football, the cultural importance of the derby remains
unchanged, continuing to define seasons and careers for both Independiente
i Racing
club.
Frequently asked questions
Which club has the most derbies?
victories?
Independiente has a small historical advantage in total
wins
What is Avellaneda’s biggest victory?
Derby?
The biggest margin of victory was achieved by Independiente a
1940
Draws are common in this
derby?
Yes, drawings make up a significant proportion of all
meetings
Where are the derby matches
played?
The matches alternate between Independiente’s Libertadores de América
and the Estadio Presidente Perón de Racing.
What era defined Independiente’s
domain?
The professional era of the mid-20th century was crucial in construction
his leadership.
Why is the Avellaneda Derby like this
intense?
The proximity, history and contrasting identities of the clubs are amplified
every meeting
History and statistics

