The Clásico de Colonias, a storied derby between Hispanics and Arabs, electrified the end of the ninth round of the National Championship. The Santa Laura Stadium hosted the latest edition of this traditional clash, a fixture that fans have long awaited as part of the 2023 campaign.
The Hispanics, led by Ronald Fuentes, arrived with mixed feelings after a dramatic draw against Universidad Católica. They had been ahead, briefly, but Fernando Zampedri produced a late marker in the annex to rescue a 2-2 finish, a result that left Independencia hovering near the relegation line with six points on the board. The mood in the camp was tempered by the memory of that near-miss, yet the team carried a stubborn resilience into a fixture that promised intensity and rivalry in equal measure.
On the opposite side, the Arabs re-entered the fray following a suspended match with Magallanes and after securing a place in the Copa Sudamericana group stage. Their path to the clash at Cobresal was shaped by a recent 2-1 victory over Huachipato, a win that kept the side at the forefront of the table with twelve points and a growing sense of confidence as they prepared to test themselves against a traditional foe.
Historically, the encounter between Hispanics and Arabs has been a tightly contested one. The most recent meeting had ended in favor of the Hispanics, a 1-0 victory secured by Bruno Barticciotto, a moment that added a layer of prestige to the rivalry. Across 134 fixtures, the Hispanics had claimed 54 wins and netted 228 goals, while the Arabs had 47 wins and 217 goals; the matches between the two sides had produced 33 draws, underscoring the balance that characterizes this derby. With such a history in mind, both teams approached the game with a blend of pride and strategic preparation, aware that a single moment could tilt the scales in a fixture that never disappoints the fans.
The match was broadcast on TNT Sports 3, with streaming options provided via TNT Sports Stadium. For subscribers of TNTHD, the game was available through Movistar Play, Entel TV, DirecTV GO, Claro Video, VTR Play and Zapping, ensuring fans could follow every action across multiple platforms. The atmosphere surrounding the venue reflected the derby’s enduring appeal and the significance of a win for both sides as they navigated the early phases of the season, aiming to consolidate position and build momentum for the next rounds.