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Major football rivalries

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This article deals with major football (soccer) rivalries around the world. This includes local derbies as well as matches between teams further apart.


Contents

[edit] Argentina

[edit] Boca Juniors vs River Plate

These two teams from Buenos Aires, Argentina are the protagonist of the so called El Superclásico of Argentine football (The Superderby. Spanish, clásico –meaning classic– is the word used meaning derby in Argentina). The rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate is intense, and the teams have sometimes taken to distribute posters to tease the other team after a defeat between them or even a loss in any major competition, or to show off after winning the local league or an international championship.

This derby is considered to be one of the most exciting in the world. in 2004, British newspaper The Observer made a list of the 50 sporting things you must do before you die, with Watch Boca Juniors Play River Plate in Buenos Aires at the top of the list. Due to their huge fan bases (Boca has 40% of the Argentine population and River 33%, contrary to Boca's claim that they are the club of half plus one [la mitad más uno] of Argentinians) Encuesta Hinchas, and remarkable success, this rivalry is one of great magnitude. Known worldwide for the passion of the fans, the fields of both teams are loaded with passionate songs (often based on popular Argentine rock band tunes) against their rivals, fireworks, flags and paper. There are also infrequent riots between the hardest supporters of both sides.

The history of matches between them shows an advantage to Boca Juniors, that's why Boca fans call their River counterparts "hijos nuestros" ("our sons") in allusion to statistics favouring their team. This is the record of matches between Boca Juniors and River Plate as of October 08, 2006:

Championship Played Boca Ties River
Local League179655460
International Competitions251096
Friendly Matches90372727
Local Cups2011
Total2971129194
statistics at RSSSF

[edit] Brazil

[edit] Flamengo vs Vasco

Main article: Clássico dos Milhões

The so-called "Clássico dos Milhões" (The Millions' Derby), named after the largest fanbases in Rio (and arguably across the country, if one discounts São Paulo state's sheer demographic weight), is considered by most the top Brazilian derby. It has been played since 1923 as Vasco da Gama rose to first division to clinch on the fly its first title, just to be denied an unbeaten row by Flamengo. This was celebrated by the latter as a title of its own and triggered from year 1 a nation-wide rivalry, at first on grounds of social and racial issues (Vasco was founded by Portuguese immigrants and was the first Brazilian club to include black players), and later on mass appeal as Flamengo grew progressively from its aristocratic origins to become the most popular Brazilian side. At state league level, both teams have been major winners: since 1923, Flamengo won 24 cups while Vasco won 22 (tied with Fluminense). From 1972 through 2001, in particular, at least one of both teams featured in every state league final phase, with 11 direct confrontations and 17 direct decisive qualifiers. At national league level, both teams cultivate similar unsurpassed figures, with 4 Brazilian titles since 1971, as a controversial 5th title to Flamengo in 1987 was denied by CBF. Fierce field rivalry also extended to international level where Flamengo boasts one Intercontinental Cup title whereas Vasco was once runner-up in 1998 and later on again in 2000 at the 1st World Club championship. Both teams won once the Libertadores Cup and Mercosul Cup. Runner-up statistics are also part of the rivalry as seen as shameful and hinting a lack of fighting spirit ("raça", i.e. literally race). Since 2002, both clubs seem to confirm their seemingly-atavic rivalry by simultaneously displaying poor performances and struggling to avoid relegation to Brazilian second division. They also compete at high level on other sports such as rowing (their original sport as both were founded "clube de regatas" - rowing regatte club - in 1895 and 1898 respectively, hence the coveted title of "earth and sea"), basketball, swimming, futsal or judo.

[edit] Bulgaria

[edit] CSKA Sofia vs Levski Sofia

Bulgaria's two most successful and indeed primary football clubs, PFC CSKA Sofia and PFC Levski Sofia, contest what is called the "eternal derby" or inaccurately "Sofia derby" ever since establishing themselves as powerhouses in Bulgarian football. The derby, whether for the A PFG, Bulgarian Cup or Bulgarian Super Cup, is often played at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, and hooliganism and violence between the fans are not a rare sight.

[edit] England

[edit] Manchester United vs Liverpool

The two most successful clubs in English football, Liverpool and Manchester United, have a long standing rivalry, so much so that no player has been transferred directly between the two since Phil Chisnall moved from United to Liverpool in 1964 (though some players have played for both clubs, having been elsewhere in between each tenure e.g. Paul Ince). The rivalry has its roots in inter-city animosity between Liverpool and Manchester and the historical success both teams have enjoyed throughout the decades. Both teams also have big city rivals in Everton and Manchester City respectively, but the inter-city contest arguably outranks both of these. Fierce to the end Man Utd and Liverpool respect but hate each other.

[edit] Greece

[edit] Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos

This is the most important rivalry in Greece. It's called Derby ton eonion antipalon (The derby of the eternal enemies) or Mitera ton mahon (Mother of all the battles}. They are the most successful greek clubs. Olympiacos has been the more successful of the two domestically (in terms of honours plus the wins at the derbies) but Panathinaikos is the "European" team of Greece as it is the only team from the country which has great success in European competitions..

The derby represents a local animosity too as it is the most classic derby of Athens. Panathinaikos comes from the center of Athens and Olympiacos from the Athens' port, Piraeus. It splits Athens and whole Greece in two. Traditionally, Olympiacos used to represent the working class of Piraeus and Panathinaikos the aristocracy and middle class of Athens, the capital. Now the fanbase of both are almost similar and they are supported by all the social classes (aristocrats, middle class, working class). The hatred is so intense that many times some creepy incidents have taken place between the fans especially before or after the derby in many regions of Athens. The rivalry exists in other sports too (basketball, volleyball, waterpolo etc).

[edit] Italy

[edit] Internazionale vs Juventus

Main article: Derby d'Italia

The Derby d'Italia is a semi-annual football fixture in italian football between Internazionale and Juventus. It is unique in Italian Football due to the fact that, till the 2006-07 season, the derby was the only match which has always been played in Serie A. It is considered the most important derby in Italian Football, although the Derby della Madonnina (Milan Derby) is sometimes seen as more prestigious, while the Rome derby is seen as the most hotly contested derby. In the 2006-07 Serie A season, for the first time ever, this derby will not be played as Juventus have been relegated due to the Calciopoli scandal.

[edit] Mexico

[edit] Guadalajara vs América

A long standing rivalry between the teams of two of the most important cities in México: Chivas of Guadalajara and Club América of Mexico City.

Chivas is known for a long-standing tradition of fielding only Mexican-born players, contrasting with América, who typically hires famous foreigners. América is owned by Televisa, the main communications company in México, and thus have a huge fan base in the whole country although Guadalajara also have a very large supporter base nationwide (and is owned by Jorge Vergara, through his company Omnilife). Both teams have been very successful, each having won 10 championships.

This match is sometimes seen as the match of the 'capitalinos', the inhabitants of Mexico City, versus the 'provincianos', the people from the rest of the country. As Mexico City holds most of the economic and political power, some resentment boils over. However, not all 'provincianos' share this view, particularly those living in the northern city of Monterrey who also have a share of economical power in the country, their own derby, and their own particular rivalry with Mexico City.

The matches tend to be very colorful, as both Estadio Azteca in México City and Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara seat a very large crowd of enthusiastic and roaring fans. Followers of both teams can be found on almost any city in Mexico.

América- 69 Wins

Guadalajara - 60 Wins

Draws - 64

[edit] Netherlands

[edit] Ajax vs Feyenoord

The most important rivalry in the Netherlands is that between Ajax Amsterdam and Feyenoord Rotterdam, known as De Klassieker (The Classic). Both clubs have won the Dutch national championship numerous times and have dominated the Dutch league since the beginning of professional football in Holland in the 1950s.

Ajax has been the more succesful of the two, and is renowned for its technical style of play, while Feyenoord has the blue collar appeal closely associated with Rotterdam as a port city. Critics accuse Ajax of arrogance and feel that the team is favoured by the media, while Feyenoord supposedly plays an unattractive style that is based on a "never say die"-mentality rather than skill. Whether this is true or not depends on whom you support.

Despite the fact that PSV Eindhoven has been more successful than Feyenoord in recent years, only one Dutch league match-up is referred to as the Classic.

Since 1922, 154 official Classics have been played. Ajax winning 63, Feyenoord winning 51 and 39 have ended in a draw (As of 2005).

[edit] Portugal

[edit] Benfica vs FC Porto

This is the biggest clash in Portugal. FC Porto, the symbol of the northern city of Porto, against SL Benfica, the big club from Lisbon, capital of Portugal. Many see this as the new power (FC Porto) in Portuguese football versus the traditional strong force (Benfica).

The matches between this two sports clubs, even in other sports such as basketball or rink hockey, always attract similar attention across the whole country and whole PALOP, showing all the rivalry that exists between North/South of Portugal (FC Porto/Benfica).

[edit] Scotland

[edit] Celtic vs Rangers

One of the most heated football matches in the world is the "Auld Firm" Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers. Both clubs play in Glasgow, Scotland and the match is one of the oldest derbies in the world, dating back to 1888, when Celtic first beat Rangers 5-2. The Old Firm derby is also one of the most contested matches in the world, with over 400 games having been played.

The Old Firm match is one of the most fiercely battled in the world and the crowds are rarely disappointed. The two clubs are without doubt the most successful clubs in Scotland, and the games can be essential in terms of league positions. It splits Glasgow in two and the rivalry is so intense that fans are warned not to wear team colours around the city at any times (Celtic's colours being green and white, while Rangers' colours are blue, white and red).

The matches are played at either Celtic Park with 60,000 fans or Ibrox Park in front of 50,000. In some cases, the match is played at Hampden Park, if the tie happens to be a Scottish Cup or Scottish League Cup final. Before an Old Firm game, local news coverage is often of nothing other than the game.

Rangers are considered a Protestant club with unionist and royalist supporters, while Celtic is considered a Catholic club with republican supporters. It has long had connections with the political conflict in Northern Ireland, with thousands of fans from Northern Ireland making the trip to Scotland for these matches and there can be occasional violence in Ireland following Old Firm games 1. Indeed, the conflict between the two clubs is so great that only three players have moved between clubs.

Rangers currently lead their bitter rivals in terms of trophies won (the most successful in fact in World Football with 107 won in all), although Celtic fans pride themselves on winning the European Cup while Rangers have not. Rangers also have an edge in the head to head history between the two clubs :-

Rangers F.C. - 242 Wins

Celtic F.C. - 190 Wins

Draws - 137

[edit] Spain

[edit] FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

The match between Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain is considered one of Europe's fiercest sporting rivalries. The derby between both clubs is generally considered to be the biggest in Football and in all of sports. From the start the clubs were seen as representatives of the two rival regions of Spain, Catalonia and Castile respectively, as well as the two cities themselves. The rivalry projects what many regard as the political and cultural tensions felt between Catalans and the Castilleans. These include the ideals of a unified Spain (Castilleans) and a separate/independent Catalan nation. Moreover, in terms of the political spectrum, Barcelona has traditionally been known for its working class and radical/liberal image - which explains the high level of left-wing support. Whereas Madrid is noted for its upper-class royalty (The "Real" in the club name is no coincidence) and conservative views.

The rivalry reached a new level during the Franco years when Real Madrid's international success was capitalized upon by Franco and Real Madrid became viewed by some as the regime team, with FC Barcelona sometimes seen as the opposition team. The Franco regime openly suppressed all regional identities (e.g. the Catalan language was officially banned). FC Barcelona and its ground, the Nou Camp (which was the only venue where Catalan was spoken without fear of arrest) was thus transferred into a sanctuary for the Catalans and became the symbol of their struggle. In 1936 at that time president Josep Sunyol, Republican was murdered by Franco's forces. However, during the Spanish Civil War itself, members of Real Madrid (then Madrid FC) also suffered at the hands of Franco supporters. Real Madrid president Rafael Sánchez Guerra, a prominent Republican, was imprisoned and tortured. They also arrested and murdered a Real vice-president and club treasurer and an acting president disappeared.

The rivalry was given a significant boost by the 1943 Copa del Generalísimo semi-final between the two clubs. The first leg at Les Corts ended in a 3-0 loss for Real, but the return leg in Madrid saw them win 11-1. It has been alleged by some that the FC Barcelona players were pressured into losing the game. Controversies such as the dispute over the signing of Alfredo Di Stéfano in the 1950s intensified the rivalry further.

As the two biggest, wealthiest, and most successful clubs in Spain, the rivalry is renewed on an almost annual basis with both teams often challenging each other for the league championship. The flashpoints of this rivalry are the twice-a-season superclásicos which draw vast audiences from around the world. Real Madrid's recent record against Barcelona is quite poor in the league, having only won once in the Camp Nou in the past 20 years, while Barcelona has won two out of the last three league games at the Bernabeu, including a game in November 19 2005, where even the Bernabéu faithful applauded two magnificent goals by Ronaldinho.

[edit] Trivia

  • Barcelona has never played in a white kit (which is the colour of Real Madrid)
  • Despite the rivalry between the two sides, supporters, specially the ones of Real Madrid are known to show respect to the individual talents in the opposition team. For instance, both Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona have enjoyed standing ovations from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, except Barcelona fans are usually not as nice, which was shown when a pig's head was thrown on the field when Luis Figo returned to the Nou Camp.
  • There is an urban myth that Real Madrid enter the Nou Camp in armoured trucks [citation needed]
  • After being identified as an icon in Barcelona, Luís Figo controversially joined Real Madrid in a 37 million pounds deal in 2000. His return to Camp Nou was thus met with much resentment. Whilst taking the corner kicks, Figo was showered with a plethora of objects including bottles filled with urine, a pig's head, broken glasses as well as other garbages. It prompted the referee to stop the match for 10 minutes. Riot police was also called in to help out with the situation
  • Maybe the most significant result was in a match played at Santiago Bernabeu in 1973-1974 season when Johan Cruyff lead FC Barcelona to a 5-0 win.
  • The number 5 is considered magical during the derby. Over history each of the clubs have scored 5 goals in a match against the opposing team, which is seen as a total demoralization of the opposing team. FC Barcelona humiliated Real Madrid with a 5-0 victory in 1994 in Nou Camp, a match where Romario scored a hat-trick. However, one season later (1995), Real Madrid gained revenge on FC Barcelona with an exact 5-0 win at home, a match where Iván Zamorano scored a hat-trick.
  • Real Madrid have won more La Liga titles than FC Barcelona, but FC Barcelona has won more Spanish Cups and Spanish Supercups. Real Madrid is the most successful club in Europe, winning the European Cup/UEFA Champions League 9 times. FC Barcelona has only won the UEFA Champion's League twice, thus making Real Madrid the dominant team in Spanish football.

Barcelona - 95 Wins Real Madrid - 86 Wins Draws - 50

[edit] Turkey

[edit] Fenerbahçe vs Galatasaray

Named as "Turkish Delight" in BBC's derby section, this is the clash of Turkey's two most successful teams. For some fans, winning the derby is more important than winning the league. Galatasaray won both the UEFA and Super Cup in 2000, and their fans tease Fenerbahçe fans because of their relative failure in European competitions. Conversely, Fenerbahçe fans mock their opponents due to recent derby results, such as the 2002/03 match in which Fenerbahçe won 6-0 at home. The fans of the two teams are traditionally split along class lines, with Fenerbahçe being the working class team and Galatasaray - who were founded by Galatasaray Lycee students - the more aristocratic. Fenerbahçe is a bit more successful than Galatasaray in the derby, which was first played in 1909. Even though there are ethnic, geographic or religious differences between sides in other derbies in the world, there's almost no difference between Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray fans; they are all Turks and most of them would react in the same way in another issue meaning that they don't like the other side because they are of Fenerbahçe or Galatasaray. During 82 years of Turkish football history, Fenerbahçe have won the domestic league 25 times while Galatasaray have won it 17 times. Fenerbahce is a lot wealthier than Galatasaray, but ironically Galatasaray have been more successful in Europe. Fenerbahce have a 5-star stadium and a budget of around 150 million dollars, while Galatasaray, an UEFA Cup and a Super Cup winner, are unable to make a decent addition to their squad due to their financial problems.

[edit] Uruguay

[edit] Peñarol vs Nacional

One of football's classic derbies,since 1900,the Uruguayan Superclásico is the confrontation between the two greatest teams of Montevideo, Nacional and Peñarol. Both teams have played a big part in developing South American football and are respected in the Americas and worldwide dispite their recent lack of international success. Together they sum up 8 Copa Libertadores and 6 Intercontinental Cups

The rivalry is an important component of the country's culture, which is paralyzed every time the clubs face each other at the legendary Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, since the venue never changes no matter which one is the local team.One of the few Derbies with somehow 50% and 50% attendance (others milan-inter/roma-lazio),as Centenario for this game is neutral field.

Achievements
  • Record of red cards:the 0-0 draw of april 14 of 1990,had 22 red cards,11 each side,(Nacional-9 field players and 2 bench players).The match ended at 85' for reglament of less than 7 players.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

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[edit] External links

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