This is a list with the top 10 football derbies in Europe, each with a little history and some graphical information. To make it clear a derby is a match between teams from the same city, so no, Barcelona – Real and such other very important and fascinating games will not be on the list. I will focus more on the rivalry and not really on international results.
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Fenerbahce – Galatasaray
The derby of Istanbul, a city split up in two sides, one in Europe and one in Asia. Always a very spectacular match as these two teams always go for the title and if the game gets boring at times, the atmosphere in the stadium will not fail to impress you. The clip will say more than I can say in words.
AS Roma – Lazio Roma
Il derby Capitolino, from the city of Rome is probably the most political derby on the list, left vs right.
Two teams that aren’t really full of trophies but in a city as big as Rome there is adrenaline and lots of chaos before the start of the game. The political factor plays an important part in this one and that is maybe what makes this derby so intense.
Celtic FC – Rangers FC
Named The Old Firm derby, from the city of Glasgow, one of the oldest in the world and all about religion, Catholics – Protestants.
A game full of hate mainly because of the religious history of the match, Celtic having Irish roots (hence the colors) and thus being Catholic and the conservative Rangers see themselves as more Scottish and protestant. I’m sure you know about all the religious problems in Ireland, well it seems that Glasgow has also been influenced – and in a strong way.
Olympiakos Piraeus – Panathinaikos Athens
The Eternal Enemies, probably one of the most intense matches in the stands.
If you want great atmosphere and great football then this is a game that you should not miss. With a lot of investments made in football in recent history, Greek football is sure to catch up with the western part of Europe.
Red Star Belgrade – Partizan Belgrade
The Veciti Derbi, always a very violent match in which wounded policemen is not something rare.
As I already mentioned this is probably the most violent match from this list, arrests, injured and even casualties every time the match is played.
Arsenal FC – Tottenham Hotspur
The North London derby, probably the most important rivalry in England – a country full of local derbies.
First match in 1887, I don’t really have a reason why I consider this match the most important in English football but I love it, so much passion.
AC Milan – Internazionale Milano
Derby Della Madonnina, the match in which the best teams from Milan fight for glory and prestige.
Maybe the most followed derby from the list around the world, 2 teams with great history and even greater prestige. It might not appeal to everyone because of all the tactics that Italian football teaches but nonetheless a match that I hope to see live in this lifetime.
Benfica – Sporting Lisbon
The O Clássico, the derby of the capital city between teams with a lot of trophies.
Huge trophy rooms and huge support for the two teams from the capital city of Portugal. The stadiums will surely be full when these two teams go head to head and as EURO 2004 was held in Portugal they both have new and beautiful stadiums. Estadio da Luz for Benfica and Jose de Alvalade for Sporting.
Spartak Moscow – CSKA Moscow
Teams with a lot of support in Russia not only the capital.
Spartak has won about everything in Russia in the ninetees but recently CSKA has made up ground by winning the League in 2002 and 2006. There is a lot of money invested in Russian football and that is making them go further in Europe, like Zenit winning the UEFA Cup and the national side doing an impressive job at EURO 2008. Be sure to watch this one.
Dinamo Bucharest – Steaua Bucharest
The Great Derby, a rivalry that started in the communist era and was basically the Police vs Army.
With both teams founded in the communist regime they always had the support of politicians and generals, basically all the good players were playing for them and the national side was a mix. This has made the derby quaite decesive for winning the League and most people from Romania picking one of them to support.