Top 10 Rivalries in Soccer

By Kolby Burtnett, Reporter

There are many rivalries all over the world. The NFL for example, the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the biggest rivals in the NFL, but when it comes down to soccer, the fans are crazy, especially at rival games. For Example:

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#10 AC Milan vs. Internazionale “The Derby Della Madonnia”

The Derby Della Madonnia is one of the biggest rivalries in Series A, Milan and Inter have been butting heads since 1908. Both clubs called Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) their home and it has been the setting for some of the nastier games in Series A. The two clubs were once one, but in 1908 the foundation of Inter occurred. The working class is connected to A.C. Milan while the upper class is represented by Inter. Click Here for a video in 2012 of the rival game.

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 12: Marco Materazzi of Inter Milan and Rui Costa of AC Milan look on as Inter fans shower the pitch with flares during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg between AC Milan and Inter Milan at the San Siro Stadium on April 12, 2005 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)


#9 Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos – Greece “The Derby of Eternal Enemies”

You know a rivalry is legit if it is called the “Derby of Eternal Enemies.” This rivalry isn’t just about soccer. It involves social, cultural and regional hate. When Greece’s two biggest clubs meet, riot police, flares and red cards are very common. Panathinaikos are considered to represent high class Greek society. Olympiakos was founded in Piraeus,
a part of Athens, which attracted support from the working class. Both teams have huge groups of fans and crazy is a very good word to describe these people. Here’s a picture from the derby game.

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#8 Al-Ahly vs Zamalek – Egypt

According to author Alex Olliver, Cairo has “a footballing rivalry that can genuinely claim to dwarf Real v Barca and Boca v River Plate.” When these two teams played there was an very big uprising in the streets after the game in 2013. These teams are very violent toward each other, from throwing rocks at each other to political fights.

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#7  Juventus vs Internazionale – Italy “The Derby d’Italia”

The Derby d’Italia first got its name when the clubs involved were the most successful in the country. The clubs are ranked first and second in wins and goals in Serie A history. It is probably the most intense rivalry in Italy between clubs from two different cities, which also share opposing political beliefs.

Juventus-v-Inter


#6 Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce – Turkey 

Turkey’s most successful teams represent two parts of Istanbul. Galatasaray represents The European part while Fenerbahce represents the Asian part. It is one of the most dynamic rivalries, that captures two different cultures coming together to fight one another on the pitch. The game has been played for over 100 years and the fire is still just as fiery as ever.

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#5 Manchester United vs Liverpool – England

Possibly one of the most important rivalries in British Soccer, the rivalry between the Red Devils and the Reds is one between the two most successful clubs in the history of English Soccer. he clubs share over 120 titles and the two cities, are just 35 minutes away from each other. This rivalry is a game based more on success more than other things.

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#4 Lazio vs AS Roma – Italy “Derby Della Capitale” 

They aren’t the biggest or most successful clubs in Italy, but the fight for Rome in the “Derby Della Capitale” is one of the world’s best. The lack of success in the Series A for both these clubs forced them to focus on their hatred of each other. The game is about control of a city and is said to be the fiercest rivalry in the country. In 2004 a game was postponed due to a big riot that had broken out. The president forced the referee to suspend the match.

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# 3 Boca Juniors vs River Plate – Argentina “Superclasico”

Argentina is home to one of the world’s best rivalries, the Superclasico. Known for their passionate fans, these Argentine clubs engage in insane matches where fireworks, flags, toilet paper and riots are part of the norm. Tourists flock to Argentina to see the game and the matchup is known around the world as one of, if not the most intense rivalry. The supporters and players match each other’s passion. Boca represents the working class while River represents Belgrano in northern Buenos Aires.asdfasdfasdf


#2 Rangers vs Celtic – Scotland

These two clubs were the powerhouses of the Scottish league until Rangers financial implosion landed them in the Third Division. This caused the rivalry between the two clubs to take a hiatus, but the Rangers are fighting their way back and are currently in the Scottish Championship division while Celtic remains in the Scottish Premiership. Besides the fact that they rarely play each other it is still one of the most intense rivalries in soccer.download


  # 1 FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Spain

The two Spanish giants take our number one spot for soccer’s greatest rivalry. It is arguably one of the most well known rivalries in the world and attracts vast amounts of viewers every time they play. Barcelona represented the Catalanism and the Catalan people, while Real Madrid has been linked with Spanish nationalism and the royal family of Spain. Barcelona (107) holds a 12 win advantage over Real Madrid (95) as these matches are always the biggest of the La Liga season. Normally the two are competing for the title. Add the two greatest players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi in, and you can see why this is the best rivalry today.2014-03-23_MADRID-BARCELONA_19.v1397643800