The historic rivalry between the leprosy and the villain has spanned 117 years, dating back to the dispute that began the first duel between them.
Few rivalries compare to the intensity seen in the football scene around Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys, two clubs that have split the city of Rosario in vivid halves. When visitors walk through Santa Fe, they notice the distinct identities: Rosario Central and Newell’s in close proximity yet fierce in spirit.
Their confrontations trace back to 1905 and have unfolded across every level: regional classics, national championships, domestic and international cups, and friendly matches that tested both teams over generations.
Their most recent meeting occurred on Thursday, July 21, on the ninth round of the Professional League Tournament. At the Gigante de Arroyito, the Scoundrel earned a 1-0 victory, widening the gap in a long-running series that has leaned in favor of the Scoundrel in recent years, who have lost only two of their last twenty clashes in the city.
Next, the article delves into the full history of these two Rosario giants and their head-to-head record:
GENERAL HISTORY (OFFICIAL MATCHES)
From 1905 through the 2022 Professional League Tournament, the two clubs have met 273 times in league play. Central has the edge in victories, though draws have long been a common outcome in their encounters.
HISTORY IN THE LOCAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The initial duels between the Canalla and the Lepra took place in the Rosario League before both clubs entered the AFA tournaments in 1939. Regionally, they have clashed 80 times, with 55 meetings in the amateur era (Central 21 wins, Newell’s 22 wins, 12 draws) and 25 in the professional era (10 Central wins, 8 Lepra wins, 7 draws). Nationally, 175 matches have been played and Central leads by 12 wins.
The most recent First Division clash saw Central defeat Newell’s 1-0 in the 2022 Professional League Tournament.
HISTORY IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
Leprosa and El Canalla have faced each other twice in international play. In the 1975 Copa Libertadores, they played three matches (two draws and a Central win). In the Copa Sudamericana, Newell’s advanced after a notable performance and a dramatic setup, with Central advancing in a separate round.
HISTORY IN LOCAL CUPS
Central and Newell’s competed in the Argentina Cups of 1969 and 1970 (two games each), in 2018, and in earlier trophies such as the Beccar Varela Cups of 1933, the 1946 and 1948 Competition Cups, and the 1993 AFA Centennial Cup. The Santa Fe Cup, organized by the Santa Fe Football Federation, also featured their clashes.
The most recent contest ended with Newell’s suffering a 1-0 loss on March 20 during the 2022 Professional League Cup.
HISTORY IN FRIENDLIES
In this section outside official records, Newell’s holds a slight edge with seven more wins than Central. Since 2000, the rivalry has largely remained in official competition, as a 2013 attempt to stage two friendlies was halted due to violence.
GENERAL HISTORY (INCLUDING FRIENDLIES)
When all games between Central and Newell’s are counted, whether for points or not, the Scoundrel holds a solid advantage. The difference tallies up to 11 victories in favor of the Lepra. Yet the most frequent outcome in their meetings remains draws, underscoring the enduring tension between these two Rosario rivals.