The rivalry between Independiente Medellín and Deportivo Pereira is one of the most intense in Colombian football. These two teams have faced each other on numerous occasions, and their matches are always highly anticipated by both sets of fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at this rivalry and some of the most memorable moments in their history.
The Beginnings
The rivalry between these two clubs dates back to the 1950s when Deportivo Pereira was founded. At that time, Independiente Medellín was already an established team and had won several titles. When Deportivo Pereira finally joined the Colombian football leagues, they quickly became one of Medellín’s biggest rivals.
The First Match
The first official match between these two teams took place on August 5, 1955. The game was played in Pereira, and it ended in a 1-1 draw. From that point on, their rivalry only grew stronger, and their matches became more intense as the years went by.
Memorable Matches
Over the years, there have been many memorable matches between these two teams. One of the most significant was the 1958 Copa Colombia final, which was won by Deportivo Pereira. This victory marked the first time that Pereira had won a major trophy, and it was a significant moment in the history of the club.
Another memorable match was the 1978 Copa Colombia final, which was won by Independiente Medellín. This victory was especially sweet for Medellín fans, as it came at the expense of their arch-rivals. The game was played in Medellín, and the stadium was packed with fans who were eager to see their team lift the trophy.
The Recent Years
In recent years, the rivalry between these two clubs has continued to be intense. They have faced each other in the Liga Águila several times, and their matches have always been closely contested. While Independiente Medellín has been the more successful of the two teams in recent years, Deportivo Pereira has also had some memorable victories over their rivals.
The Future
The rivalry between Independiente Medellín and Deportivo Pereira is one that is unlikely to fade away anytime soon. Both teams have passionate fans who will continue to support their clubs, no matter what. As such, their matches will always be eagerly anticipated, and they will continue to be among the most intense and closely contested in Colombian football.