The top rivalries in European football!
Football is much more than a sport. It is a spectacle, a fascinating and exciting sporting event where fans and football lovers get to watch their team play against other teams in order to win, dominate, qualify or hold the trophy, and punters get to make predictions and place their bets in sportsbooks found at https://allbets.tv/. Fans become passionate and immersed in supporting their team over rivals and they often get angry and hostile against opponents, overwhelmed by the magical moments of football matches and the clashes between clubs.
Not all matches evoke such intense feelings and emotions. Clearly, there are certain matches which generate stronger interest and trigger more affective reactions -whether positive or negative- from fans. Just consider watching your favorite team playing against its all time biggest opponent - that is one hell of a match! The heat is on, the atmosphere is ready to explode, the teams are ready for a combat and fans are going crazy!
There are certainly some rivalries in football that are considered to be the most classic, long-standing battles which remain throughout the years, whether because historically the teams are fighting each other for a position or even because the teams are offering unique spectator experience and unforgettable, intense and unique football moments.
Let’s see the biggest rivalries in world football…
Manchester United vs Liverpool
This is a fixture that is extremely interesting not only for the teams’ fans, but for the football fans altogether. It is a classic, all-time derby between the two top English clubs, which have been traditionally battling for the trophy. It is literally impossible to think of football rivalries and not include the absolute competition between these two.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
Manchester United has other ‘enemies’ as well besides Liverpool. Manchester City is also a big rival of United and everytime these two meet we get to watch the “Manchester Derby” - a rivalry between two teams which play at stadiums being just 4 miles apart!
Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos
The eternal ‘enemies’ of the Greek football scene! A rivalry that goes back in history, reflecting clashing values, traditions and social underpinnings. A rivalry that was also about the battle between the working class and the upper class, Athens versus Piraeus. And while these historical, social and traditional differences have faded away, the animosity between the fans of the two clubs remains intense.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
It’s pretty safe to say that speaking of rivalries without a special reference to the absolute derby, between the two best Spanish football clubs, is just not possible. The famous “El Clasico” - the battle between Barelona and Real Madrid, is one of the most anticipated fixtures in the world of football. While the term ‘El Clasico’ was initially used for the teams’ match up in the Spanish championship, today it is used to refer to any match between the two clubs. There are a handful of things keeping Barcelona and Real Madrid apart: political divides, history and social values. The two teams are competing with each other for trophies, cups, positions and for the best football players. Notably, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have been historically signing the most successful footballers in the world!
Lazio vs Roma
This is Italy’s biggest derby in football, the well-known “Derby della Capitale”, the eternal combat between the two top football clubs of the country, which amongst others, they share the same stadium - Stadio Olimpico - that only adds to the despise and hostility that the fans of one team feel towards the fans of the other team! Whenever Lazio confronts Roma, we have one of the biggest clashes, extending to more than just football - it is also a social “battle” between upper class Lazio and working class Roma.
AC Milan vs Inter
Just like Roma and Lazio, AC Milan and Inter are also a duo that is extremely interesting when playing against each other. The hostility between the two clubs has its origins back in history, but it perpetuates in time as the two clubs share the same stadium as well, calling it home. And we are talking about San Siro, where the big matches between the two have offered exciting football moments.
Benfica vs Porto
Portuguese football sees its heat going up when Benfica meets Porto - what is commonly known as “O Classico”! It is the rivalry between south and north, a derby between the traditionally dominant Benfica and the most recent rising Porto, a clash between two top clubs in the country fighting over dominance and title. This matchup is the absolute football event in Portugal, but unfortunately it has been marked with violent episodes, which only diminish the value of football.