After 17 years, the "Chuan-Yu Derby" returns to the Chinese Super League! Tongliang Long hosts Chengdu Rongcheng, continuing the saga of rivalry and passion.

Report by journalist Lu Mi. At 19:35 on March 21, in the third round of the Chinese Super League, a match carrying countless emotions and fervor of Southwest football will kick off at Longxing Football Stadium—Tongliang Long hosts Chengdu Rongcheng. After 17 years, the "Chuan-Yu Derby" reappears in the CSL. This clash is not only a contest between two teams on the competitive level but also a collision and inheritance of football cultures from both regions. Decades of rivalry and history will write a new chapter in 2026.

The "Chuan-Yu Derby" is one of the longest-standing and most intense regional derbies in Chinese football history. Originating from the professional football split after Chongqing became a municipality directly under the central government, it has experienced years of competition across various leagues including Jia-A, CSL, and China League One. It has witnessed the rise and fall of Sichuan and Chongqing football, with each encounter full of passion and tension, making it a unique derby symbol in Chinese football.

In 1997, Chongqing officially became a municipality directly under the central government. That same year, Qianwei Huandao entered Jia-A, marking the formal rivalry between Sichuan and Chongqing football, and the first generation of the "Chuan-Yu Derby" began.

On July 10, 1997, the first derby kicked off at Datianwan Stadium, with Huandao and Quanxing drawing 0-0. The stadium echoed with shouts of "雄起" (rise up), blending warmth from shared roots and competitive tension. These elements set the tone for a derby filled with intertwined love and rivalry. Subsequently, Sichuan-Chongqing clashes in Jia-A became increasingly fierce, with Datianwan and Chengdu Sports Center becoming iconic venues for fans' memories in the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Entering the CSL era, the "Chuan-Yu Derby" continued its intensity, but as both teams fluctuated, meeting opportunities gradually decreased. The last "Chuan-Yu Derby" in the CSL dates back to 2009, when Chongqing Shixian Taibai faced Chengdu Sheffield United. In the first leg, Chongqing drew 1-1 at home; in the second leg, they won 3-2 away in Chengdu. After this clash, Chengdu Sheffield United was relegated, and Chongqing football also experienced ups and downs. The "Chuan-Yu Derby" then temporarily left the CSL, marking a separation of exactly 17 years.

Until Chengdu Rongcheng rose to the CSL and Tongliang Long steadily developed, both teams finally reunited in 2026, bringing back the CSL "Chuan-Yu Derby" after a 17-year hiatus. After Tongliang Long's promotion, Chengdu Rongcheng promptly sent congratulations, and football enthusiasts from both regions eagerly awaited this reunion.

Unlike other derbies characterized by sharp opposition, the "Chuan-Yu Derby" exists against the backdrop of a "dual-city economic zone"—the two regions are geographically close and culturally connected. Fans exhibit fierce rivalry on the field yet mutual respect and tolerance after matches, with football serving as a bond connecting both areas. From fans traveling across provinces by bus to watch matches in the past to today's mutual journeys to Phoenix Mountain and Longxing Football Stadium, the "Chuan-Yu Derby" has long transcended mere victory and defeat.

As current representatives of Sichuan and Chongqing football, Tongliang Long and Chengdu Rongcheng last officially met in the third round of the 2023 CFA Cup, which produced the biggest upset of that year's cup and set the stage for this year's derby rivalry.

On June 23, 2023, Tongliang Long, then in China League Two, hosted Chengdu Rongcheng, already in the CSL, with a significant disparity in strength. However, Chengdu Rongcheng was restricted by rules from using foreign players, while Tongliang Long, with tenacious fighting spirit, held firm for 90 minutes, resulting in a 0-0 draw. In the penalty shootout, Tongliang Long narrowly won and advanced. This victory made Tongliang Long famous overnight, staging a classic where a lower-tier team eliminated a CSL powerhouse.

Additionally, both teams played a friendly match before the 2025 season, but the reference value of friendlies is limited.

Meeting again after nearly three years, the identities of both teams have changed. Tongliang Long has fulfilled Chongqing football's dream of returning to the top league, with the new season's goal being survival; Chengdu Rongcheng firmly ranks among CSL strong teams, with a well-equipped squad aiming for championship contention.

For Tongliang Long, this derby is a crucial match to showcase their strength after promotion. In the first two CSL rounds, they achieved one win and one draw. Moreover, the 2023 CFA Cup victory has bolstered their confidence. The whole team will rely on resilient defense and quick counterattacks to strive for points at home, defending Chongqing football's honor. For Chengdu Rongcheng, with two consecutive wins, this away match undoubtedly aims for victory, seeking revenge for the previous cup elimination and consolidating their league position with a win.

After 17 years, anticipation for this CSL "Chuan-Yu Derby" is immense. Regardless of the outcome, this clash will be recorded in Chinese football history, marking Sichuan and Chongqing football standing side by side once again in the CSL.

In the second round, Tongliang Long versus Liaoning Ironman attracted over 40,000 spectators cheering on-site. The "Chuan-Yu Derby" likely won't see fewer; the passion and fervor of Southwest football will once again ignite completely at Longxing Football Stadium.