Football is the most followed sport globally, and it comes as no surprise that several rivalries have been witnessed among different clubs, some dating back over a hundred years.
Managers and players come and go, passing on their pride and legacy from one generation to the next to keep the fire alive. A lot happens between matches pitting historical rivals, where, in most cases, form doesn’t matter. Players are programmed to play for the badge. Suffice it to say, these are full-fledged wars fought for the ultimate bragging rights. Even for Betway betting fans, the odds are mainly determined by the ground at which the game is being played. Here, we highlight some of the oldest rivalries that still exist.
Real Madrid and Barcelona (Spain)
Known as the El Classico, this clash pits Spain’s two most successful sides, and arguably some of the biggest footballing sides in world football. A lot has been written about this historic rivalry, from the Catalonia politics, to the Di Stefano fiasco and Luis Figo’s infamous switch.
In recent seasons, the domestic dominance of these two sides and their vulnerabilities elsewhere in La Liga have elevated the game’s profile to new heights within the context of the season.
Rangers and Celtic (Scotland)
The Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic has always been there, even when Rangers were relegated to the lower tier before coming back to reclaim glory. These two of Scotland’s biggest sides represent a divided city of Glasgow, torn apart by ideology, culture, and religion.
The intensity of this contest is heightened by the fact that these sides are Scotland’s most dominant teams, and by a considerable margin. Their rivalry was so intense that every clash was characterized by fan violence emanating from the hostilities between the two sides.
Liverpool and Manchester United (England)
Considered the premier rivalry in English football, the North West derby stands as one of the most-followed sporting events globally. It is a clash that brings together two of England’s most successful clubs, boasting a combined total of more than 140 trophies. Liverpool are currently enjoying better days compared to their rivals, but when these sides meet, make your Betway wager with care because anything can happen in this game.
The rivalry extends beyond football, reflecting the historical animosity between the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Situated just 35 miles apart, these cities have long been engaged in industrial and economic competition with each other.
Boca Juniors and River Plate (Argentina)
The Superclásico stands out as one of the most intense derbies globally, with Boca Juniors and River Plate clashing since 1913 to claim the title of the best club in Buenos Aires. The fan bases are socially divided, with Boca Juniors known for having working-class supporters, while River Plate fans tend to come from the upper class.
These clubs have faced off severally in the Copa Libertadores, with River Plate eliminating Boca Juniors five times in the 2010s.Â
Olympiacos and Panathinaikos (Greece)
The intensity of the rivalry between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos can be attributed to the social differences between their regions and fan bases. Panathinaikos, based in the capital city of Athens, represents upper-class and old Athenian society. In contrast, Olympiacos, based in Piraeus, a port city, draws its support from the working class.
This derby extends to the fans, and violent incidents are not uncommon when these teams clash. In a tragic incident in 2007, a Panathinaikos fan was fatally stabbed during a clash between supporters.
There are so many football rivalries that can be written about, but these are just some of the most popular ones that remain significant to date. Besides being the meetings of historical foes, they also present ideal Betway betting opportunities for fans due to their high quality odds. However, it is always advisable not to bet with the heart when it comes to these fixtures.
