Football is a game of passions. Players are passionate, the fans are passionate, and rivalries are passionate. And boy, are there a lot of rivalries in the world’s most popular game. From regional, to national, to international, in this article, we explore the biggest rivalries in football.
The Manchester Derby
What better rivalry to start off our list than the Manchester Derby? One of the most well-known rivalries in the football world, the Manchester Derby refers to games played between Manchester United and Manchester City.
Two of England’s most notable and beloved clubs, the two Manchesters have had a long-standing rivalry for decades now. And though United is in the lead, recently City has begun to catch up. Regardless of who you route for, it is doubtless that the Manchester Derby attracts hundreds of fans and bettors. Online betting sites always make sure to thoroughly cover matches between City and United. And while usually United was the favorite, the Citizens’s recent Premier League track record has propelled them to the top of the odds on sports betting websites. Often times, bettors also enjoy spinning a few rounds on slots. This is why most online sportsbooks double as casinos, as you can see on novibet.ie.
Despite City’s recent success, United is still in the lead, with an all time score of 76 victories against City’s 54.
El Clasico
In terms of single club popularity, Real Madrid is definitely at the top of the heap. In terms of fans and followers, Real Madrid is in the lead. So, it is no surprise that a rivalry involving the club will be one of the most notable in the world.
El Clasico is a name for games played between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, two of Spain’s best and most respected clubs. Some might believe that Real Madrid are the leaders in this bitter rivalry. However, in terms of statistics, Barcelona is in the lead, with 115 victories against Real Madrid’s 101.
El Clasico extends beyond the field, however. Fans and followers of the two clubs seem to truly hate each other. So much so that every aspect of the two clubs has been politicized. Hopefully, we can see a future where El Clasico becomes a friendly rivalry, rather than a bitter one.
The Eternal Derby
The Eternal Derby, or Vechiti Derby, is a fierce rivalry between the two Belgrade-based football clubs in Serbia. Often referred to as the Beograd Derby, the competition sees the Red Star compete against Partizan.
The history of the derby goes back all the way to Yugoslavia, when the two clubs formed. Fans of both clubs would gear up for the games between the two clubs, bearing large flags or signs mocking the competition. The rivalry arose from these sorts of events.
The Red Star are the undisputed winners of the derby. Out of over 250 games, the Red Stars have won 113, whereas Partizan has won 81. The two clubs have tied in 69 games. The rivalry is strong to this day, and is often marked by fights between the two teams’ fans.
Featured photo via iStock.com user Steevy84
