Football is full of heated rivalries between clubs that have hated each other for decades. Derbies such as Celtic v Rangers, AC Milan v Inter and Barcelona v Real Madrid get all the headlines, but some lesser-known clashes provide just as great an experience.
Atletico Madrid – Rayo Vallecano
Many football fans aren’t even aware that Rayo Vallecano are based in the Spanish capital of Madrid, but their derby with local rivals Atletico Madrid is one of the fiercest in the nation.
A game tense with political intrigue due to Rayo’s famously left-wing fanbase and Atletico’s more conservative crowd, expect fireworks, sometimes literally, once these two clubs meet on the pitch.
It’s fair to say that Atletico Madrid have come out on top and winning more times than not, having won all but two games in La Liga since 2014, and those other two games were draws.
Whether you’re going to watch this derby in Atletico’s newly renovated, clean and modern 68,000 Wanda Metropolitano stadium or Rayo’s slightly smaller but very charming 14,000 seater Campo de Futbol de Vallecas, you’re in for a treat when these two meet.
Roma – Napoli
The Derby del Sole (or Derby of the Sun in English) is a contest fought between Italy’s biggest clubs outside of the country’s much wealthier North.
Juventus, AC Milan and their city rivals, Inter have dominated Italian football ever since it started. Even Torino had their moments with their famous Grande Torino side of the 1940s. Trophy cabinets further south are a little emptier.
Roma’s last Serie A title came in the 2000/01 season, and Napoli’s even further back in 1989/90, in which they were led to the very top by the legendary Diego Maradona. This shouldn’t put you off from going to watch these two play, however.
Both Napoli and Roma boast some of the most incredible and passionate fans in all of European football. Walking around the beautiful city of Naples will prove how important the club is to the people, murals of Maradona grace many walls.
Videos of Paulo Dybala’s recent unveiling as a Roma player in the city centre are all the evidence one would need if they are looking for proof of how much football means to Roma fans. Thousands took to the streets to celebrate.
This derby means a lot. Don’t miss out, it would be an experience like none other.
Dortmund – Gladbach
German football isn’t all about Bayern Munich. Although the Bavarians have dominated the game domestically, the Borrussen derby between Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach is one with immense history.
This may not be a traditional local derby considering the cities of Dortmund and Gladbach are nearly two hours apart, with both clubs being Bundesliga regulars over the tournament’s history, there is no love lost between the two sets of fans.
Back in the 70s, Gladbach were Germany’s golden boys. They won the league title three times in a row from 1974-1977, with legendary Danish forward Allan Simonsen winning the Ballon d’Or in the last of those years.
In recent times, however, it’s Dortmund who have come out on top with the boys in yellow winning 6-0 as recently as February 2022.
Dortmund’s ‘Yellow Wall’ is the stuff of footballing legend, but honestly, it doesn’t matter which stadium you go and see these two play. Either way, you’re in for a feisty affair.
Espanyol – Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the very few clubs that are hard to hate, unless you’re an Espanyol fan that is. In Catalonia, they call this game the Derbi barceloní, and although this is La Liga’s most played local derby, it’s also its most one-sided.
Like so many Spanish rivalries, this one is steeped in politics. During General Franco’s dictatorship, FC Barcelona were seen as poster boys for the anti-establishment, whereas Espanyol were more compliant with authority.
Espanyol have had their moments, however. They managed to get a 2-2 draw in 2007, on the penultimate day of the season, helping Real Madrid to win the title that season. The biggest win in this fixture also belongs to Espanyol, a 6-0 win in 1951.
One of the best things about going to a local derby such as this is the opportunity to explore a city, and Barcelona has lots to see. Take in the sights, eat some amazing food, and go and watch one of the most unique derbies football has to offer.
Fulham – Crystal Palace
There are so many football clubs in London, it would be hard to walk a mile without coming across a stadium of some kind. There are currently seven clubs from the capital in the Premier League alone.
Fulham’s home of Craven Cottage is truly a one-of-a-kind stadium, it’s barely changed since the West London club moved into the ground in 1896. That’s over 100 years of footballing history within four stands.
It’s widely accepted amongst fans of English football that the Crystal Palace fans at Selhurst Park produce one of the best atmospheres in the country. If you’re going to watch a derby at this stadium expect desire, intensity and none-stop singing.
Under their respective managers, Patrick Viera and Marco Silva, both clubs play good football. A game between these two teams promises two things – goals and a good time.
Football is so much more than watching the best teams playing each other over and over again. These teams and games have dedicated fans and that kind of experience is what makes the beautiful game so beautiful.
