Iconic Derbies ⚽️ ⚔️ 🏆

The History of Rivalries in Europe’s Big 5 Leagues ⚽️👑🌍

Europe’s top football rivalries ​​transcend sport. Remember that many of Europe’s top football clubs were established way back in the 19th century! The football clubs are deeply entwined with the history of the cities and regions that they represent. 

And, anyone familiar with history knows that European countries, and the continent at large, went through tumultuous 19th and 20th centuries. And through it all, football clubs offer fans a sense of belonging and connection, whilst also providing an outlet for passion and that primal need for competition. 

Europe’s top football rivalries are therefore a reflection of the historical competition, both economically and culturally, between cities and regions. 

This article gives insights on the history and importance of the biggest rivalries in Europe’s big 5 leagues. 

Let’s get into it. 

What are the Biggest Rivalries in Europe’s Big 5 Leagues? 

There are plenty of rivalries to choose from across Europe’s big 5 leagues. The following footballing derbies have rich histories with fascinating stories and key moments.  

England 🇬🇧

Manchester United vs. Liverpool 

In England, the North West Derby between Manchester United and Liverpool is an inter-city rivalry with a fascinating economic beginning.

Spain 🇪🇸

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

In Spain, el Clasico is a battle between differing cultures and ideas, with Barcelona representing Catalunya and Real Madrid Castilian.  

Italy 🇮🇹

AC Milan vs. FC Internazionale 

Italy is home to some of Europe’s most passionate derbies, particularly same city derbies, but the Derby della Madonnina between AC and Inter Milan has a fascinating history. 

Germany 🇩🇪

Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Schalke 04

In Germany, the biggest Revierderby is the Ruhr Derby between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Some say Munich is at the center of German football, but in reality the heart of German football beats in the Ruhr. 

France 🇫🇷

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Olympique de Marseille

The top rivalry in France is Le Classique involving PSG and Marseille. This is a match that symbolizes the antagonism between France’s capital city, Paris and the regions, represented by France’s second city, Marseilles. 

The History of the North West Derby 🇬🇧

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

A large part of the rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool stems from the fact that the cities of Manchester and Liverpool are just 35 miles away from each other. 

Two industrial cities in the northwest of England, with excellent access to the Atlantic Ocean, Liverpool and Manchester have been economic competitors for centuries. 

By the early 19th century, the port city of Liverpool had established itself as a global center of commerce with large volumes of general cargo and passengers passing through the city’s many docks. At the same time, Manchester had become a leading industrialized city, with a substantial textiles manufacturing industry. Manchester’s industry was also supported by an impressive network of canals that enabled an efficient flow of raw materials and finished goods. 

The rivalry between Manchester and Liverpool really kicked off in 1894 with the opening of the Manchester Ship Canal. It was the Manchester Ship Canal that allowed Manchester to export its manufactured goods directly, effectively bypassing the port of Liverpool.

Since then the football teams have gone on to become the most successful in England.

At the time of writing; head to head in competitive competitions, Liverpool have won the North West Derby 71 times, whilst Manchester United have won 81 times. 

The History of El Clasico 🇪🇸

Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

El Clasico is more than a football match. Spain’s two top teams represent the country’s complex history, and differing cultural attitudes. 

Founded in 1902 in Spain’s capital city, Real Madrid CF has a rich history including complex connections to the central power bases in Castile-León and Castile–La Mancha. FC Barcelona is actually the older club, having been founded in 1899. For the true Culés, FC Barcelona has always been a symbol of Catalan identity and pride.

The rivalry between these football clubs is based on competition, both sporting and economic. Barcelona is the economic powerhouse of Catalonia, while Madrid serves as the political and financial center of Spain. The intense rivalry between Barca and Madrid really began to build during the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) and in the aftermath when the autonomy of the Catalonia region was suppressed. 

Although both clubs are run as associations, meaning they are owned by registered supporters who are involved in electing the club president, the theme of altering visions and approaches continues to play out to this day. 

Real Madrid have traditionally followed a ‘Galactico’ model of signing the biggest and best names available. Barcelona, on the other hand, have always favored bringing through homegrown stars via the famous academy —La Masia. 

Barcelona and Real Madrid are the most successful clubs in Spanish football, by far. 

At the time of writing; head to head in competitive competitions, Barcelona have won El Clasico 100 times, whilst Real Madrid have won 102 times. 

The History of the Derby della Madonnina 🇮🇹

AC Milan vs. FC Internazionale

Although Italy’s historical capital city, Rome, has its own fierce derby it is the Derby di Milano AKA the Derby della Madonnina that is Italy’s premier derby. 

In recent centuries the northern city of Milan has become Italy’s financial and industrial powerhouse and the Derby della Madonnina is the battle between the city’s biggest football clubs. Named after the Virgin Mary statue atop Milan’s Duomo Cathedral, the Derby della Madonnina is a unique rivalry with a compelling history.  

The story begins in 1899 with the founding of Milan Football and Cricket Club. However, the steady rise of Italian nationalism in the early 20th century led to the creation of separate league competitions; the Italian Championship permitted Italian players, whilst the Federal Championship permitted both Italian and foreign players. 

It was these rules that effectively led to the splitting of Milan Football Club, and a new club FC Internazionale was founded in 1908. 

1926 was an important year in the rivalry between Milan’s two top teams. This was the year that the Divisione Nazionale (the precursor to Seria A) was established, leading to annual league games between the AC (the Rossoneri) and Inter (the Nerazzurri). The year of 1926 also saw the official inauguration of the iconic San Siro stadium. 

Originally, the San Siro was AC Milan’s home ground but in 1947, Inter became co-tenants and the two clubs have shared the ground ever since.

At the time of writing; head to head in competitive competitions, AC Milan have 79 wins, while Internazionale / Inter Milan have won the Derby della Madonnina 88 times.

The History of the Revierderby 🇩🇪

Borussia Dortmund vs. FC Schalke 04

For most of us, when we think of German football we think of the mighty FC Bayern Munich, the most successful football club in Germany. However, when it comes to rivalries, the passion and history of the Revierderby or Ruhr derby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 is unmatched. 

The Ruhr region in the west of Germany has long been an important industrial area, known for its heavy industry, particularly the coal and steel industries. Schalke are the older club, having been founded in 1904 in the city of Gelsenkirchen; whilst Borussia Dortmund were founded in 1909 in Dortmund. 

These two cities and their most-beloved football clubs are only 30 kilometers apart. The historic clash between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04 is borne out of an old-school rivalry between the workers in these industries. The steel mills are located in Dortmund and the German coal industry is centered around Gelsenkirchen. 

Although Borssia and Schalke played each other a few times between 1909 and 1027, the intensity of the rivalry began to increase from 1936, with the creation of the Gauliga. 

RegDespite the intense rivalry, the two football clubs are well aware that there is a need for an arch rival or nemesis. Over the years, the two clubs have assisted each other in various ways. For example, after Borussia were relegated from the top flight in 1974, Schalke offered financial help. 

At the time of writing, head to head in competitive league matches; Schalke 04 have 33 wins, and Borussia Dortmund have won the Revierderby 37 times. 

The History of Le Classique 🇫🇷

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Olympique de Marseille

In recent years, French football’s historic rivalry Le Classique has lost ground to ‘Le Cashique’, as AS Monaco have emerged as the only football club who can get close to matching PSG’s massive spending. 

However, through history the big rivalry has always been Le Classique, the rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille. 

This rivalry is very French in nature, i.e. this fixture symbolizes the struggle between central and provincial powers. France’s capital city, Paris, has always been at the center of French power and influence whilst Marseille’s important port saw it grow to become the country’s second largest city. 

The rivalry represents other cultural divides too, including; north versus south and cosmopolitan elegance versus the relaxed Mediterranea lifestyle.

What’s interesting about Le Classique, is that it’s not even that classic! Olympique de Marseille are the historic club having been founded in 1899,whilst PSG are a much younger and wealthier pretender that was only founded in 1970. However, as well as the rivalry between the two cities, the domestic success of the two football clubs led to a fierce rivalry developing on the pitch. 

At the time of writing, head to head in competitive matches; Olympique de Marseille have won 17 times, whilst PSG have won Le Classique 36 times.

The final whistle 

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