Superclásico Olimpia-Cerro: How Will the Fans Access Defensores del Chaco?
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A high-stakes Paraguayan football "superclásico" between Olimpia and Cerro Porteño is scheduled for Sunday.
- Security measures are heightened following disturbances that led to the suspension of their last match in April.
- Specific entry routes, security checks, and restrictions on fan items are in place to prevent further incidents.
The Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asunción is set to host another intense "superclásico" between Paraguayan football giants Olimpia and Cerro Porteño on Sunday. This highly anticipated match, part of the Torneo Clausura's sixth round, carries significant weight due to the volatile history between the two most popular clubs in the country.
The atmosphere is particularly tense given the events of the previous encounter in April. That match, played during the Torneo Apertura, was suspended just 30 minutes after kickoff due to violent disturbances among organized fans of Cerro Porteño in the North Stand. This incident has prompted a robust security operation for the upcoming game.
How will the fans get to Defensores del Chaco?
National Police's Sub-chief of Sports Events, Commissioner Isidro Benítez, detailed the security plan. Fans will be directed through specific access routes, with Cerro Porteño supporters entering via Carlos Antonio López Avenue and Alejo García Street. Olimpia fans will use Colón Avenue and Juan León Mallorquín Street. Multiple security checkpoints, including ticket and ID verification, electronic validation, pat-downs, and breathalyzer tests, will be implemented at varying distances from the stadium.
Further measures aim to control the crowd dynamics. Cerro Porteño fans will be confined to the North Stand and Preferencias E sections. Olimpia, as the home team, has also prohibited Cerro fans from bringing drums or flags into the stadium. Organized fan groups will have designated meeting points and strict departure times to manage their movement towards the venue.
The previous classic, in April, was suspended due to disturbances in the stands.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.