Looking at European Soccer Rivalries
Americans call them discounts. On the other side of the Atlantic, they are called derby (pronounced darby). Among the most enduring European competitions are:
Tottenham vs Arsenal: Whether matches are played at Tottenham’s White Hart Lane or Arsenal’s Highbury Stadium, both north London stadiums are sure to be brimming with intense competition in English football.
Milan vs Inter Milan: Playing in the same stadium, that’s normal. AC Milan fans boast 15 league titles, while Inter supporters stand behind their 13.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: It’s not just about the two best teams in Spanish football history. This derby features two distinctly different cities. Real represents the traditional culture of Spain, while Barcelona is located in the Catalan region, which has a strong separatist movement that wants independence from Spain.
Rangers vs Celtic: It’s more than just a football game in Glasgow, Scotland. It’s literally a debt in a struggle called The Old Company. Rangers’ supporters are mostly Protestant, while Celtic are Catholic. Although they play each other four times a season during the 12-team Scottish Premier League, fans of each side rarely get tired of this standoff between Glasgow’s enduring powers.
Boca Juniors vs River Plate: The first professional match in 1931 between these two rivals in Buenos Aires set the stage for some unforgettable encounters in the Argentine First Division. River left the field in protest after Boca scored the equalizer after a controversial penalty kick. Boca got the victory.
Vasco da Gama vs Flamengo: Traditionally, matches between these two rivals take place in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana. Over the years, these encounters have become more physical.
Elsewhere in England: There is another strong rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City in England, although the two leading clubs, United and Liverpool, also have a healthy rivalry.
In Germany: There is a constant rivalry between Bayern Munich and Munich 1860 between the haves and have-nots in the Bundesliga.
In Portugal: Lisbon opponents Benfica and Sporting Lisbon have played many unforgettable matches in the Portuguese First Division.
In the Netherlands: Ajax and Rotterdam have a long history in the Eredivisie.
In Uruguay: PeƱarol and Nacional hit the head on several occasions.