Paraguay Super Cup
The Paraguay Super Cup is an annual showpiece that kicks off the Paraguayan football season. It pits the Primera División champions against the Copa Paraguay winners, embodying the nation's passion for the beautiful game right from the preseason.
History and foundation
Launched in 1987 as Supercopa Paraguaya, the inaugural edition saw Sportivo Luqueño edge Olimpia 1-0. Powerhouses Olimpia and Cerro Porteño have dominated, with Olimpia holding a record 10 titles across 24 editions by 2023. A quirky note: the 2019 clash between Luqueño and Guaraní marked the first at the Nueva Chiácotah Stadium. COVID halted play in 2020, but Libertad's 2-0 win over Cerro Porteño in 2021 revived the excitement.
Tournament format
It's a straightforward single-leg affair on neutral ground, typically in Asunción. If one team claims both league and cup, the cup finalist faces the league runners-up. Ties are settled by penalties, no extra time. Governed by the Asociación Paraguaya de Fútbol.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.5 goals, reflecting Paraguay's tactical, gritty style. Top scorers include Freddie Arismendi (3 for Nacional) and Oscar Cardozo (Libertad). Stars like Roque Santa Cruz (Olimpia), José Luis Chilavert (Guaraní)—whose saves defined the 90s—and modern aces Ángel Mena and Fernando Cardozo have lit up these clashes with decisive strikes.