Barcelona vs. Emelec: Who rules the Astillero Classic in the new millennium?

Clásico del Astillero, the most representative football match in the country, had its first chapter 80 years ago, when Barcelona and Emelec faced each other for the first time. In 1943, they sowed the seed that bore the fruit of an uncontrolled passion that covered all of Ecuador. Furthermore, 75 years ago, EL UNIVERSO christened the duel with an immortal name that has long since achieved international resonance and fame.

The two most popular teams in Ecuador met for the first time, for the national championship, 60 years ago (1963). The ferocity produced by the yellow and blue colors was already cemented in the legendary sports battles held in the amateur era (champions of the Sports Federation of Guayas, until 1950) and when professionalism appeared in the country’s football (with the Confederation tournaments). Guayas Football, which started in 1951 and ended in 1967).

There were also competitions for the Copa Libertadores which, like the ones mentioned above, are part of a beautiful legend developed in the 20th century. The arrival of the new millennium finds the Clásico del Astillero with an unchanging status as a tradition. Plus, with new events that include extended unbeaten streaks, historic goals, the so-called ‘End of the Century’ dispute, party projects destroyed by an unexpected result, memorable goals, Olympic comebacks.

The 97 commitments so far in the new millennium increase the list of matches that represent one of the few traditions, still in force, of Ecuadorian sports. Astillero Classic was like that in the 21st century. (D)