Campeonato Uruguayo: The History and Format of Uruguay's Top Football League
Introduction
If you are a fan of football, you might have heard of the Campeonato Uruguayo, or the Uruguayan Primera División, as it is officially known. This is the highest professional football league in Uruguay, and one of the oldest and most prestigious in South America. In this article, we will explore the history, format, teams, records, trivia, and curiosities of this fascinating competition.
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What is the Campeonato Uruguayo?
The Campeonato Uruguayo is the name given to the annual football tournament that determines the champion of Uruguay. It is organized by the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), and it involves 16 teams from across the country. The winner of the league qualifies for the Copa Libertadores, the continental club competition, along with other top-placed teams. The bottom-placed teams are relegated to the Segunda División, the second tier of Uruguayan football.
How did it start and evolve?
The first edition of the Campeonato Uruguayo was held in 1900, making it one of the oldest football leagues in the world. It was an amateur competition until 1932, when it became professional. Since then, it has undergone several changes in its format and structure, adapting to different historical and social contexts. Some of the most notable changes include:
The creation of a dissident league, the Federación Uruguaya de Football (FUF), between 1923 and 1925, due to a conflict between clubs and authorities. The FUF organized its own championships, which are not recognized by the AUF or FIFA.
The introduction of a two-stage format in 1994, consisting of an Opening Championship (Torneo Apertura) and a Closing Championship (Torneo Clausura), with a final match between the winners of each stage to decide the champion.
The addition of a mid-season tournament, the Torneo Intermedio, in 2017, which involves eight groups of four teams each, based on their positions in the previous season. The winners of each group advance to a knockout stage to determine the winner.
The switch to a European-style calendar from 2005 to 2016, starting in August and ending in May or June of the following year. This was done to align with international competitions and avoid weather issues. However, it was reverted to a traditional calendar in 2017, starting in February or March and ending in November or December.
What are the main features and rules of the competition?
The current format of the Campeonato Uruguayo consists of three tournaments: Apertura, Intermedio, and Clausura. Each tournament has its own rules and regulations, but some common features are:
Each team plays 15 matches in each tournament, facing every other team once.
The teams are awarded three points for a win, one point for a draw, and no points for a loss.
The team with the most points at the end of each tournament is declared the winner.
If two or more teams are tied on points at the end of a tournament, a tie-breaker system is applied, based on goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head results, and fair play points.
The winners of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments qualify for the final match, which is played in a neutral venue. The winner of the final match is crowned as the champion of the season.
If the same team wins both the Apertura and Clausura tournaments, it is automatically declared the champion, without playing a final match.
The winner of the Intermedio tournament does not qualify for the final match, but earns a spot in the Copa Sudamericana, another continental club competition.
The teams' performances in the three tournaments are also accumulated in an annual table, which determines the relegation and qualification for international competitions.
The bottom three teams in the annual table are relegated to the Segunda División, while the top four teams (excluding the Intermedio winner) qualify for the Copa Libertadores. The next four teams qualify for the Copa Sudamericana.
The Teams and Records of the Campeonato Uruguayo
The Campeonato Uruguayo has seen the participation of 44 different teams since its inception, but only 11 of them have managed to win at least one title. The league is dominated by two teams from Montevideo, the capital city: Peñarol and Nacional. These two teams have won a combined 97 titles out of 117 seasons, and have also achieved international success and recognition. Let's take a closer look at them and other notable teams and records in the league.
Which teams participate in the league?
The 16 teams that are currently playing in the 2021 season of the Campeonato Uruguayo are:
campeonato uruguayo de primera división
tabla de posiciones del campeonato uruguayo
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torneo clausura del campeonato uruguayo
final del campeonato uruguayo
equipos del campeonato uruguayo
historia del campeonato uruguayo
peñarol en el campeonato uruguayo
nacional en el campeonato uruguayo
defensor sporting en el campeonato uruguayo
danubio en el campeonato uruguayo
liverpool en el campeonato uruguayo
rentistas en el campeonato uruguayo
cerro largo en el campeonato uruguayo
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cerro en el campeonato uruguayo
deportivo maldonado en el campeonato uruguayo
fénix en el campeonato uruguayo
sud américa en el campeonato uruguayo
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curiosidades del campeonato uruguayo
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ascensos y descensos del campeonato uruguayo
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Team
City
Founded
Titles
Peñarol
Montevideo
1891
50
Nacional
Montevideo
1899
47
Defensor Sporting
Montevideo
1913
4
Danubio
Montevideo
1932
4
River Plate
Montevideo
1932
0
Cerro Largo
Melo
2002
0
Rentistas
Montevideo1933
0
Plaza Colonia
Colonia del Sacramento
1917
0
Montevideo City Torque
Montevideo
2007
0
Fénix
Montevideo
1916
0
Cerrito
Cerrito de la Victoria
1929
0
Sud América
San José de Mayo
1914
0
Villa EspañolaMontevideo
1940
0
Boston River
Montevideo
1939
0
Deportivo Maldonado
Maldonado
1928
0
Progreso
Montevideo
1917
1
Note that some of these teams have changed their names, locations, or affiliations over time, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of Uruguayan football.
Which teams have won the most titles and trophies?
As mentioned before, Peñarol and Nacional are the undisputed giants of Uruguayan football, having won almost all of the league titles since its inception. Peñarol holds the record with 50 titles, followed by Nacional with 47. The only other teams that have managed to break their dominance are:
Progreso, which won its only title in 1989, becoming the first team outside Montevideo to do so.
Defensor Sporting, which won four titles in 1976, 1987, 1991, and 2008. It is also the only team to have won the Apertura, Intermedio, and Clausura tournaments in the same season (in 2017).
Danubio, which also won four titles in 1988, 2004, 2007, and 2014. It is the only team to have won two consecutive Clausura tournaments (in 2006 and 2007).
Bella Vista, which won its only title in 1990, becoming the first team from the second division to do so.
Rampla Juniors, which won its only title in 1927, becoming the first team to win the league without losing a single match.
Central Español, which won its only title in 1984, becoming the first team to win the league after being promoted from the second division.
Rocha, which won its only title in 2005, becoming the first team from outside Montevideo to win a professional title.
Liverpool, which won its only title in 2020, becoming the first team to win a title after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the league titles, there are other trophies that are awarded to the teams that win certain tournaments or matches. Some of these trophies are:
The Uruguayan Championship Cup (Copa del Campeonato Uruguayo), which is given to the winner of the final match between the Apertura and Clausura winners.
The Honor Cup (Copa de Honor), which is given to the winner of a match between the Apertura and Intermedio winners.
The Artigas Cup (Copa Artigas), which is given to the winner of a match between the Clausura and Intermedio winners.
The Super Cup (Supercopa), which is given to the winner of a match between the previous season's champion and runner-up.
The Uruguayan Super Cup (Supercopa Uruguaya), which is given to the winner of a match between the previous season's champion and the winner of the Torneo Intermedio.
The Gold Cup (Copa de Oro), which is given to the winner of a match between the winner of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments in the same season.
The Silver Cup (Copa de Plata), which is given to the winner of a match between the runner-up of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments in the same season.
The Bronze Cup (Copa de Bronce), which is given to the winner of a match between the third-placed teams of the Apertura and Clausura tournaments in the same season.
Which players and coaches have made history in the league?
The Campeonato Uruguayo has witnessed the emergence and development of many talented players and coaches, who have left their mark on the league and on Uruguayan football in general. Some of them are:
Alberto Spencer, who is the all-time top scorer of the league with 326 goals, playing for Peñarol between 1959 and 1970. He is also the all-time top scorer of the Copa Libertadores with 54 goals.
Diego Forlán, who is the only player to have won the Golden Ball award at the FIFA World Cup (in 2010) while playing in the Campeonato Uruguayo, for Peñarol in 2015 and 2016. He scored 36 goals in 77 matches for Peñarol, winning two titles.
Luis Suárez, who is the current captain and top scorer of the Uruguay national team, with 63 goals in 116 matches. He started his career in Nacional, scoring 12 goals in 34 matches between 2005 and 2006, before moving to Europe.
José Leandro Andrade, who is considered one of the best players of all time, and one of the first black stars of world football. He played for Bella Vista, Peñarol, and Nacional between 1918 and 1931, winning six titles. He also won two Olympic gold medals (in 1924 and 1928) and one World Cup (in 1930) with Uruguay.
Óscar Tabárez, who is the current coach of the Uruguay national team, and the longest-serving coach in international football history, with over 200 matches since 2006. He has led Uruguay to four World Cups, reaching the semi-finals in 2010, and to two Copa América titles, in 1987 and 2011. He also coached Peñarol, winning five titles between 1987 and 1990.
Gregorio Pérez, who is the most successful coach in the history of the Campeonato Uruguayo, with nine titles. He coached Peñarol (six titles), Defensor Sporting (two titles), and Progreso (one title) between 1981 and 1994. He also coached several other teams in Uruguay and abroad.
The Trivia and Curiosities of the Campeonato Uruguayo
The Campeonato Uruguayo is not only a competitive and prestigious league, but also a source of entertainment and curiosity for football fans. There are many facts, statistics, moments, and controversies that make this league unique and interesting. Here are some examples:
What are some interesting facts and statistics about the league?
Some of the most remarkable facts and statistics about the Campeonato Uruguayo are:
The highest-scoring match in the league's history was a 14-0 win for Peñarol over Lito in 1927. The highest-scoring draw was a 6-6 tie between Central Español and Fénix in 2005.
The longest unbeaten streak in the league's history belongs to Peñarol, who went 56 matches without losing between 1958 and 1961. The longest winning streak belongs to Nacional, who won 23 consecutive matches between 1940 and 1941.
The most goals scored in a single season by a player is 36, achieved by Fernando Morena of Peñarol in 1978. The most goals scored in a single match by a player is seven, achieved by Juan Pena of Peñarol in 1938.
The most appearances in the league by a player is 533, achieved by Rodolfo Rodríguez of Peñarol between 1972 and 1986. The most appearances in the league by a coach is 624, achieved by Julio Ribas of various teams between 1983 and 2019.
The oldest player to play in the league is Julio César Dely Valdés, who was 46 years old when he played for Nacional in 2014. The youngest player to play in the league is Diego Laxalt, who was 16 years old when he played for Defensor Sporting in 2010.
The most expensive transfer in the league's history was the sale of Rodrigo Bentancur from Boca Juniors to Juventus for 9.5 million in 2017. The most expensive transfer within the league was the sale of Nicolás Lodeiro from Nacional to Ajax for 5 million in 2010.
What are some memorable moments and matches in the league's history?
Some of the most memorable moments and matches in the Campeonato Uruguayo's history are:
The first edition of the league in 1900, which was won by Albion, a team composed mostly of British immigrants. Albion is also the oldest football club in Uruguay, founded in 1891.
The final match of the 1912 season, which was played between Nacional and River Plate at the Gran Parque Central stadium. The match ended with a 3-2 win for Nacional, thanks to a last-minute goal by Abdón Porte, who collapsed and died on the pitch after scoring. Porte is considered a legend and a martyr by Nacional fans, who have named a stand after him at their stadium.
The final match of the 1941 season, which was played between Peñarol and Nacional at the Centenario stadium. The match ended with a 3-2 win for Peñarol, thanks to a hat-trick by Atilio García, who is the all-time top scorer of the derby with 35 goals. García is also the all-time top scorer of Nacional with 465 goals.
The final match of the 1966 season, which was played between Peñarol and Nacional at the Centenario stadium. The match ended with a 4-2 win for Peñarol, thanks to a hat-trick by Alberto Spencer, who is the all-time top scorer of Peñarol with 326 goals. Spencer is also the all-time top scorer of the Copa Libertadores with 54 goals.
The final match of the 1994 season, which was played between Defensor Sporting and Peñarol at the Centenario stadium. The match ended with a 1-0 win for Defensor Sporting, thanks to a goal by Ruben Sosa, who had returned to his childhood club after playing in Europe. Sosa is also one of the best players of Uruguay's history, with 26 goals in 69 matches for the national team.
The final match of the 2005 season, which was played between Rocha and Nacional at the Centenario stadium. The match ended with a 3-1 win for Rocha, thanks to a brace by Sergio Souza, who became the top scorer of the season with 19 goals. Rocha became the first team from outside Montevideo to win a professional title.
The final match of the 2020 season, which was played between Liverpool and Peñarol at the Centenario stadium. The match ended with a 4-2 win for Liverpool, thanks to a hat-trick by Juan Ignacio Ramírez, who became the top scorer of the season with 24 goals. Liverpool won its first title in its 106-year history.
What are some challenges and controversies that the league has faced?
The Campeonato Uruguayo has not been immune to difficulties and disputes, both on and off the pitch. Some of the most notable challenges and controversies that the league has faced are:
The suspension of the league in 1925, due to a players' strike that demanded better working conditions and salaries. The strike lasted for six months, and resulted in the creation of a players' union and a new regulation for professional football.
The interruption of the league in 1973, due to a military coup that established a dictatorship in Uruguay. The league was resumed in 1974, but under strict censorship and repression. Many players and coaches were persecuted, exiled, or killed by the regime.
The cancellation of the league in 1998, due to a financial crisis that affected the Uruguayan economy and football. The league was declared null and void, and no champion was awarded. The crisis also led to the bankruptcy and disappearance of several clubs, such as Huracán Buceo and Colón.
The postponement of the league in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected the world and Uruguay. The league was suspended in March 2020, and resumed in August 2020, with strict health protocols and without spectators. The season was extended until February 2021.
The dispute over the league's name in 2021, due to a sponsorship deal that renamed the league as "Torneo Uruguayo Copa Coca-Cola". The deal was criticized by many fans, players, coaches, and clubs, who argued that it violated the tradition and identity of Uruguayan football. The deal was eventually revoked by the AUF, after a legal action by Peñarol.
Conclusion
The Campeonato Uruguayo is more than just a football league. It is a reflection of Uruguay's culture, history, and passion for the beautiful game. It is a league that offers excitement, quality, rivalry, and surprises. It is a league that has produced some of the best players and teams in the world. It is a league that deserves your attention and admiration.
Why is the Campeonato Uruguayo important and attractive for football fans?
The Campeonato Uruguayo is important and attractive for football fans because:
It is one of the oldest and most prestigious leagues in South America and the world.
It showcases the talent and potential of Uruguayan football, which has won two World Cups, two Olympic gold medals, 15 Copa América titles, eight Copa Libertadores titles, and six Intercontinental Cups.
It features two of the most successful and popular clubs in the world: Peñarol and Nacional, who have a fierce rivalry that dates back to more than a century ago.
It offers a competitive and balanced format that gives every team a chance to win trophies and qualify for international competitions.
It provides entertainment and curiosity with its facts, statistics, moments, and controversies.
How can you follow and enjoy the league?
You can follow and enjoy the Campeonato Uruguayo by:
Watching the matches live on TV or online platforms such as GOLTV or Fanatiz.
Reading news and analysis about the league on websites such as Ovación Digital or Referí.
Listening to podcasts or radio shows about the league such as Pasión Tricolor or Tirando Paredes.
Following social media accounts or blogs about the league such as @CampeonatoAUF or El Blog del Fútbol Uruguayo.
Supporting your favorite team or player by wearing their jersey or cheering for them at the stadium or at home.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Campeonato Uruguayo:
When does the Campeonato Uruguayo start and end?
The Campeonato Uruguayo usually starts in February or March and ends in November or December, following a traditional calendar. However, this may vary depending on the circumstances and the decisions of the AUF.
How many teams have been relegated from the Campeonato Uruguayo?
Since the introduction of relegation in 1909, 31 teams have been relegated from the Campeonato Uruguayo. The most recent ones are Juventud, Cerro, and Danubio, who were relegated in 2020.
Who is the current champion of the Campeonato Uruguayo?
The current champion of the Campeonato Uruguayo is Liverpool, who won its first title in 2020, after beating Peñarol 4-2 in the final match.
Which team has the most fans in the Campeonato Uruguayo?
According to a survey conducted by Equipos Consultores in 2019, Peñarol has the most fans in the Campeonato Uruguayo, with 45% of the population supporting them. Nacional is second, with 35%, followed by Defensor Sporting with 3%, and Danubio with 2%. The remaining teams have less than 1% each.
Where can I buy tickets for the Campeonato Uruguayo matches?
You can buy tickets for the Campeonato Uruguayo matches online through platforms such as RedTickets or Tickantel, or at authorized points of sale such as Abitab or RedPagos. You can also buy tickets at the stadiums on match days, subject to availability and health protocols.
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