Top 10 Derbies in European Football
Article by Antony Moule
Whether it be a fiercely fought local rivalry or a match-up between the top teams in the country, derbies are great for football. They embody the very nature of the game and generate such an emotional and spiritual response from everyone involved that they become more than just another a fixture.
Players are enthused, the media becomes animated, the coaches feel the pressure and the fans are overloaded with emotion, but on some occasions, a derby means more than that. Here we take a look at the 10 best derbies from across Europe.
Whether it be a fiercely fought local rivalry or a match-up between the top teams in the country, derbies are great for football. They embody the very nature of the game and generate such an emotional and spiritual response from everyone involved that they become more than just another a fixture.
Players are enthused, the media becomes animated, the coaches feel the pressure and the fans are overloaded with emotion, but on some occasions, a derby means more than that. Here we take a look at the 10 best derbies from across Europe.
10. Merseyside Derby: Everton Vs Liverpool
The Merseyside Derby is the longest running top division derby in England, having been contested in every season since the 1962-63.
It has been previously called 'The Friendly Derby' with no fan segregation in place due to many families and friends being both Everton and Liverpool fans.
However, on the pitch it is a different story. It is one of the most aggressive and contested derbies with more red cards in this fixture than any other in the Premier League.
It has been previously called 'The Friendly Derby' with no fan segregation in place due to many families and friends being both Everton and Liverpool fans.
However, on the pitch it is a different story. It is one of the most aggressive and contested derbies with more red cards in this fixture than any other in the Premier League.
9. Derby della Capitale: Lazio Vs Roma
The Rome Derby is one of the most fiercely contested and fought over derbies in Europe. It's origin is of a political nature, but more recently, racial abuse and violence has tainted the fixture.
It is speculated that many fans of both sides believe this to be the rivalry to represent the city of Rome to the rest of the country.
In modern times, both teams have had plenty of great footballing talent available, making sure that the games themselves are engaging and exciting.
It is speculated that many fans of both sides believe this to be the rivalry to represent the city of Rome to the rest of the country.
In modern times, both teams have had plenty of great footballing talent available, making sure that the games themselves are engaging and exciting.
8. North London Derby: Arsenal Vs Tottenham Hotspur
The North London Derby is one of the most entertaining matches in Europe. It is one of the most high scoring fixtures in the Premier League and with both clubs embodying the philosophy of attractive attacking football, the games always attract the fans.
But there is also some historical context thrown into the mix as well. Many Spurs fans won't be slow to point out that Arsenal migrated to North London from South London in the early 20th century, and that the "intrusion" has fuelled the rivalry since.
With both clubs generally being close to each other in regards to competing for silverware, the fans always see each game as too important to loose.
But there is also some historical context thrown into the mix as well. Many Spurs fans won't be slow to point out that Arsenal migrated to North London from South London in the early 20th century, and that the "intrusion" has fuelled the rivalry since.
With both clubs generally being close to each other in regards to competing for silverware, the fans always see each game as too important to loose.
7. Derby della Madonnina: AC Milan Vs Internazionale
The Milan Derby! One of the most interesting inner-city derbies due to it only occurring at the San Siro - the shared home ground for both Inter and AC Milan.
With both teams being two of Italy's most successful clubs, this fixture has always been deemed a six pointer in regards to challenging for championships.
Although more recently, both teams have seen a dramatic loss in success, the fixture still attracts the global attention it deserves and still produces some fantastic and memorable derby moments.
With both teams being two of Italy's most successful clubs, this fixture has always been deemed a six pointer in regards to challenging for championships.
Although more recently, both teams have seen a dramatic loss in success, the fixture still attracts the global attention it deserves and still produces some fantastic and memorable derby moments.
6. El Derbi Madrileño: Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid
The Madrid Derby is contested by the two halfs of the Spanish capital - Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. Historically, each half has represented a contrasting political identity.
Real Madrid have always been considered the established club, regularly praised and highlighted by the Spanish government for their success and triumphs. Compared to the more modest achievements and working class following of Atletico Madrid.
However, recent Atletico league performances and achievements look to drive the 'second' team in Madrid to become a third heavyweight in Spanish football.
Real Madrid have always been considered the established club, regularly praised and highlighted by the Spanish government for their success and triumphs. Compared to the more modest achievements and working class following of Atletico Madrid.
However, recent Atletico league performances and achievements look to drive the 'second' team in Madrid to become a third heavyweight in Spanish football.
5. North West Derby: Manchester United Vs Liverpool
A rivalry between the two most successful football teams in English football... Yes this makes the list.
Liverpool were the dominant force in the English top division throughout the 70s and 80s, winning multiple domestic and European titles. After which, the recently retired Sir Alex Ferguson was hired by Manchester United and created the all conquering club that went on to achieve great wonders of modern football.
The history and size of both clubs mean that the fans always want to get one up on their neighbour city. A match between these clubs is like two experienced heavyweight boxers with a blood feud fighting and is always a great experience!
Liverpool were the dominant force in the English top division throughout the 70s and 80s, winning multiple domestic and European titles. After which, the recently retired Sir Alex Ferguson was hired by Manchester United and created the all conquering club that went on to achieve great wonders of modern football.
The history and size of both clubs mean that the fans always want to get one up on their neighbour city. A match between these clubs is like two experienced heavyweight boxers with a blood feud fighting and is always a great experience!
4. Der Klassiker: Borussia Dortmund Vs Bayern Munich
Der Klassiker, Dortmund - Munich, a truly contemporary rivalry with these two teams dominating current German football. Not to say that these two teams didn't compete for domestic titles previously, but their impressive rise in the past couple of seasons mean that this game is right up there as a derby.
Both teams have formidable line ups - some of the most talented collection of players available, and both have exciting, youthful, energetic mangers.
The games are always full of goals and display an array of beautiful football. Add into the mix that these two teams look set to compete for domestic and European titles for some time to come, this derby is going to get bigger and bigger.
Both teams have formidable line ups - some of the most talented collection of players available, and both have exciting, youthful, energetic mangers.
The games are always full of goals and display an array of beautiful football. Add into the mix that these two teams look set to compete for domestic and European titles for some time to come, this derby is going to get bigger and bigger.
3. Manchester Derby: Manchester United Vs Manchester City
The Manchester Derby, although furiously fought throughout its history, has only truly been propelled into the folk law of derbies in recent history.
These two teams are what you would call yearly title contenders - both teams have the financial capacity, squad and managers to fight for all trophies every year, but when they play each other... it really gets interesting.
There have been several instances in recent seasons that these two teams created unforgettable moments for English and world football. Late goals to win titles, red cards, controversy, brilliant team performances and world class finishes are all associated with the Manchester Derby. It doesn't look like it will slow down anytime soon.
These two teams are what you would call yearly title contenders - both teams have the financial capacity, squad and managers to fight for all trophies every year, but when they play each other... it really gets interesting.
There have been several instances in recent seasons that these two teams created unforgettable moments for English and world football. Late goals to win titles, red cards, controversy, brilliant team performances and world class finishes are all associated with the Manchester Derby. It doesn't look like it will slow down anytime soon.
2. Old Firm Derby: Celtic Vs Rangers
The Old Firm Derby - some of you may question if this can still be considered with the troubles and changes that Rangers had to go through not too long ago.
But it is undeniable that this derby was more than a match. It is claimed that this derby is infused with Catholic and Protestant disputes, Northern Ireland politics and social identity.
And when you know that if you win this derby, you can all but confirm whether you will be crowned domestic champions, this game becomes very interesting for the viewer.
When previously played, this was always wild fire of a match, with emotions and motivation on such a high that you could do nothing but get carried away with it.
But it is undeniable that this derby was more than a match. It is claimed that this derby is infused with Catholic and Protestant disputes, Northern Ireland politics and social identity.
And when you know that if you win this derby, you can all but confirm whether you will be crowned domestic champions, this game becomes very interesting for the viewer.
When previously played, this was always wild fire of a match, with emotions and motivation on such a high that you could do nothing but get carried away with it.
1. El Clasico: Real Madrid Vs FC Barcelona
There is only one number one derby in modern football - the El Clasico, Real Madrid versus FC Barcelona. From a footballing perspective, these two teams have dominated world football for the previous two decades.
Matches between these two sides other are more of a volcanic eruption of passion, desire and skill that is predominantly not seen in any other fixture. Moreover, this match is considered a battle for identity with Barcelona located in Catalonia, where the locals and fans want independence from Spain.
The politics aside, both these teams have always possessed some of the best talent on the planet and watching these two footballing giants compete never fails to amaze.
So there you have it, the Top 10 Derbies in Europe. Do you agree with the list, does your team have a derby worth shouting about, let us know.
@ADMoule
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Matches between these two sides other are more of a volcanic eruption of passion, desire and skill that is predominantly not seen in any other fixture. Moreover, this match is considered a battle for identity with Barcelona located in Catalonia, where the locals and fans want independence from Spain.
The politics aside, both these teams have always possessed some of the best talent on the planet and watching these two footballing giants compete never fails to amaze.
So there you have it, the Top 10 Derbies in Europe. Do you agree with the list, does your team have a derby worth shouting about, let us know.
@ADMoule
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