10 Biggest Football Derbies in History

1 year ago

Football derbies are the epitome of intense rivalries, showcasing the passion, history, and fierce competition between teams. From London to Rome, Istanbul to Glasgow, and Cairo to beyond, some of the biggest football derbies have become legendary, marked by captivating moments and unforgettable clashes. In this article, we explore the top 10 biggest football rivalries and delve into the stories, animosities, and historical significance that make these derbies truly special.

1. Barcelona vs Real Madrid

The concept of a derby is often used for matches between teams from the same city, but Real and Barca are exceptions. The fans of Spanish football refer to this as El derbi Español or El Super Clásico (the Spanish derby, the super classic). The El Super Clasico truly deserves to be called the greatest classic match, with various emotions flowing through it.

Barca and Real are two arch-rivals, fighting for regionalism deeply ingrained in the lives of Catalonia and Castile. Moreover, throughout the 80-year history of their confrontations, the animosity between the two top Spanish clubs has been fueled by battles for star players. Notable examples include the "silver arrow" Alfredo Di Stefano in the 1950s and Luis Figo's controversial "betrayal" in 2000. Bottles, coins, and especially the famous pig's head have been thrown at Nou Camp in protest against Figo's return.

2. AC Milan vs Inter Milan

The Derby della Madonnina (Milan derby) is always the most anticipated match in Serie A. Italy is known for its passionate ultras, so it's understandable why this match is considered the most violent in the world. In 2005, when the two teams faced each other in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals (with Inter at risk of elimination), the ultras threw everything they could onto the San Siro pitch. As a result, AC Milan's goalkeeper, Dida, was hit by a flare on the head, and the match was subsequently abandoned. In the current season's first leg, Inter overcame Milan with an incredible 4-0 victory.

3. Manchester City vs Manchester United

The first encounter between the two clubs from Lancashire took place in the 1894/95 season, and animosity and fierce play are commonly seen in every derby match. Manchester United legend George Best actively attacked Glyn Pardoe, breaking the Manchester City player's leg, in a fierce clash in 1970. In 2001, Roy Keane forced Alf-Inge Haaland to be "hospitalized" with a malicious tackle.

4. Boca Juniors vs River Plate

"The Superclásico" of Argentina and South America is what people refer to as the Buenos Aires city derby. Authorities always have to be involved in organizing extensive security measures inside and outside the stadium whenever these two teams face each other. However, there have still been instances of violence surrounding the match, with incidents occurring in the stands. On June 23, 1968, 71 fans tragically lost their lives at Estadio Monumental when they were trampled to death at Gate 12, despite the stadium's security personnel turning a blind eye. Additionally, the deep-seated hatred between Boca Juniors and River Plate extends to representing the working class and the bourgeoisie, respectively.

5. Liverpool vs Everton

The Merseyside derby is considered the friendliest derby in the United Kingdom. The teams of Goodison Park and Anfield always captivate the audience with their open and dedicated style of play, resulting in many goals being scored. Notable examples include Liverpool's 5-0 victory over Everton in 1962 and Everton's win in 1988, which ended Liverpool's record unbeaten streak of 29 matches. However, the most memorable match remains the thrilling 4-4 draw in the FA Cup in 1991.

6. Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

London fans have the opportunity to witness numerous derbies in a single season, as there are five teams participating in the Premier League: Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, and Fulham. However, the Chelsea-Arsenal derby has never been rated as highly as the Spurs - The Gunners. In 1971, the Gunners erupted in joy as they won the double by defeating Spurs in a thrilling match. In the 2005/06 season, Spurs came close to surpassing their rivals to secure a Champions League spot on the final matchday. However, a loss to West Ham, coupled with Arsenal winning all three points, shattered Spurs' dreams. Last season, the Spurs achieved a dramatic 4-4 draw at the Emirates Stadium, despite being down 3-1 and 4-2. This year, The Gunners dominated their opponents with a 3-0 victory in the first leg.

The animosity between the two clubs is further fueled by a few controversial transfer cases. An example is the "Judas" Sol Campbell's "betrayal" of Spurs when he joined Arsenal in 2001. Even now, after Campbell has left Arsenal, the Gunners' fans still haven't forgiven the black defender.

7. Roma vs Lazio

The Derby della Capitale (the capital derby) is referred to as the "war in football." The ultras of Lazio (Curva Nord) and the ultras of Roma (Curva Sud) are always separated in the stands whenever the two teams face each other, but that doesn't prevent violence from occurring. In 1979, Lazio's supporter Vincenzo Paparelli died on the stands after being hit in the head by a flare. In 2004, the Rome derby was canceled due to the fear of a potential "war" between the two teams after a child was killed by the police. However, despite the cancellation, there were still 13 arrests and 170 injuries in a horrific brawl. Exactly a year before, both Roma and Lazio had a violent match with two red cards and almost ten yellow cards shown by the referee.

8. Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce

The fiery clash between the two most successful teams in Turkey is highly regarded by fans on both sides. In fact, they consider defeating their rival even more satisfying than winning the championship itself. Fenerbahce, the team located on the Asian side of Istanbul, represents the working class, while Galatasaray consists of wealthy supporters. In 1996, a giant Galatasaray flag was raised by their fans in the Fenerbahce stands after Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup. This enraged Fenerbahce fans, leading them to tear the flag apart.

9. Celtic vs Rangers

Celtic and Rangers are also the two biggest teams in Scotland. Their derby matches have been taking place since 1888. In 1980, 9,000 fans stormed the pitch and engaged in altercations after Celtic defeated their rivals 1-0 in a Scottish Cup match at Hampden.

10. Al Ahly vs Zamalek

The Cairo derby is the clash between the two most traditional clubs in 20th-century Africa. When discussing the tension of this match, one cannot overlook the rare case of foreign referees being "protected." In 1966, fans from both sides set fire to a factory in Cairo after a highly controversial match.

These 10 biggest football derbies transcend the sport, captivating fans across generations. From the heated battles in North London between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal to the fiery clashes in Rome between Roma and Lazio, and the intense showdowns in Istanbul between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, these derbies unite and divide. Whether in the stands or on the field, the biggest derbies continue to captivate, entertain, and ignite the fervor of fans worldwide.

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