5 Greatest Football Rivalries of All Time

The footballing world is filled with some very fierce clashes throughout the year, but nothing compares to the contest between two rival clubs. Whether you call it a Derby, Clasico or something else, all these words resonate only one emotion – passion. The ardour and intensity that players bring to the pitch and the atmosphere created by fans in the stadium during the greatest rival matches remain unparalleled.

For more than a century now, the world has witnessed a myriad of some remarkable rivalries develop attributing to the vibrant history and diverse culture that Clubs have had since their inception. Several players and managers have come and gone, but the traditions and legacy of the clubs have been passed on, only to have incited the rivalries even more. Let us take a look at five of the most vehement and intense rivalries of all time –

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#5 The Old Firm Derby

Celtic v Rangers - Scottish Premier League

The Old Firm is one of the grandest and fiercest rivalries in the entire European region. Played between two of Scotland’s giants, Rangers F.C and Celtic F.C, this derby is one of the oldest in the planet, with the first match being played in 1888.

There are some unique facets apart from a passion for the game when it comes to the driving force behind this rivalry, mainly religion and politics. Celtics represent the Irish Catholic while Rangers traditionally comprise of the Protestant faction that opposes them.

When it specifically comes to head to head matches, Rangers have seemed to dominate the contests having won 159 times out of the 399 times, with Celtics winning 144 of the clashes, coupled with 96 draws.

The derby has also witnessed a history of violence from the fans invading the pitch to acts of vandalism which go on to prove that the Old Firm is more than just a game for the Scottish people.

#4 The Intercontinental Derby

Ziraat Turkish Cup'Galatasaray AS v Akhisar Belediyespor'

Every time the Red and Yellow plays Black and Yellow in the “Kitalar Arasi Derbi”, the stadium erupts with roars and cheers. Played between two of Turkey’s most successful clubs, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, this rivalry captures the uniqueness and beauty of the game including the rich culture represented by the clubs, the colour and passion.

Like any other rivalry, this derby has much more history to it. Both the Istanbul sides represent a different side of the city, with Fenerbahce representing the Asian side and Galatasaray the European side.

Although Fenerbahce have seemed to dominate the clashes with 144 wins to Galatasaray’s 122, this clash has always lived to its expectations with the atmosphere at the stadium being electrifying. Despite the occasional acts of violence which often turned hostile, the energy that the fans bring during the duels is palpable and incomparable.

#3 Superclasico

River Plate v Boca Juniors - Supercopa Argentina 2018

Having once been considered “the number one sporting event to attend before you die”, this rivalry between two neighbourhoods of the city of Buenos Aires, Boca Juniors and River Plate, is the apotheosis of Football derbies. The competitive and intense atmosphere that is shared between the two sides speak volumes about the impact football has had on people’s lives.

The ferocity on the pitch and phenomenal support from the fans has more than just football to be accredited to. Boca is a club of the Dockland area which represents the working class whereas River hail from the affluent Belgrano Cartier.

Currently, Boca holds a commanding lead in head to head competitions having won 126 matches to River’s 107 wins in addition to the 106 draws that took place. Every meeting is played out in a febrile atmosphere of extreme noise, resentfulness, strident bravado and not infrequent violence.

#2 The North West Derby

Manchester United v Liverpool remains to be one of the most hotly contested clashes in Europe

When it comes to British Football, the North West Derby is extremely gripping and arguably the most important rivalry. Liverpool and Manchester United, both highly successful English clubs have always brought flair and passion to the game which is seldom seen elsewhere.

The quest to be England’s “best” Football Club is one of the main motivation for the teams which adds on to the already existing rivalry that the two cities of Liverpool and Manchester share. United seem to have an edge in the head to head encounters having won 73 matches compared to Liverpool’s 62, coupled with 51 draws.

From last-gasp winners to verbal abuses and brawls, this fixture has been witnessing it all and is the quintessential representation of what English football is all about.

#1 El Clasico

The greatest rivalry in world football

Their rivalry dates back to 1902, and just like the Old Firm, this derby also has more to it than just Football. Barcelona represents the Catalan people whereas Madrid is linked to the Spanish Royal family. Right from Di Stefano’s fiasco to Figo’s pig head incident, these clashes have seen it all.

No other rivalry can grab the sporting world’s attention like a contest between two of the biggest superpowers in global football. With more than 400 million viewers, this derby is the epitome of all derbies played between two of the biggest sporting giants – Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

In head to head matches, Barcelona holds a comfortable lead over Madrid with their 105 wins to Real’s 92 wins. Having seen a plethora of stars including Ronaldinho, Zidane, Beckham, Messi and Ronaldo; the El Clasico has never ceased to amaze the world.

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Rivalries are an integral part that brings out the best in this beautiful game. These feisty and intense clashes only go on to show that for the world, Football is not just a game; it is something much more than that.

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