The rivalry between América Futebol Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro, named as "Clássico das Multidões" (English: Crowd's Derby) and also called "Galo versus Coelho" (Rooster vs Rabbit), is a football rivalry from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The rivalry has a 110-year history, since first match happened in 1913, and it was considered the biggest derby of Minas Gerais for decades. Since América fell back, due to initially refusing to become a professional club, and Cruzeiro surpassed Coelho in popularity – and later, in titles – the derby lost its status as the most important one in the state. However, the rivalry between América and Atlético continued through the years, in decisive matches in the Campeonato Mineiro, in encounters for the Campeonato Brasileiro and even in the Copa Libertadores, in 2022.
History
Atlético Mineiro was founded in 1908 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais; América emerged four years later. According to Atlético, the first derby took place on July 27, 1913, and Galo won 1–0. According to América, the first match between the two clubs happened on November 13, 1913, and ended in a 1–1 draw.[2] The two clubs, alongside Yale, disputed the Taça Bueno Brandão in 1914. It was the first competition organized in the state, and it was won by Atlético.[3] In 1915, Atlético also won the first edition of the Campeonato Mineiro, the state league of Minas Gerais.[4]
Despite Atlético's initial successes, América was the dominant force in the football of Minas Gerais in the first decades, winning the following ten editions of the Campeonato Mineiro.[5] Atlético only won the state league again in 1926.[6] The matches between the two clubs were known as the Clássico das Multidões ("Derby of the Masses") in the early days, as they were the most popular clubs in Belo Horizonte.[7] Atlético Mineiro was founded by liberal, upper-class students, but from an early age it opened its doors to players from every social class, nationality or ethnicity, which earned it a "people's club" status in Belo Horizonte and in the state. América, meanwhile, had a reputation as an elitist club.[8][9]
In the 1930s, Atlético pioneered professionalization of football in Minas Gerais, whereas América resisted against it. América suffered a setback as a result of its internal disagreements regarding professionalism.[10]
A historical and controversial Campeonato Mineiro final between the two happened in 1948. América won 3–1 with what was known as the "gol do guarda" ("guard goal"). The match took place at Alamaeda, and Atlético had the advantage of a tie to be the champions. When América was winning 2–1, forward Murilinho kicked the ball, after which it bounced on a municipal officer and entered the goal. The goal was confirmed by English referee John Barrick, and América was the champion of the competition after 22 years.[11]
With América's setback in the 1930s and Cruzeiro's rise to prominence since the 1940s, the derby lost its space to the Clássico Mineiro. The rivalry between Atlético and Cruzeiro eventually became the biggest derby in Minas Gerais in the 1960s, after the construction of the Mineirão.[12]
