Rivalries are something that make the experience for football fans around the world worthwhile. It shows how the sport is considered a religion in some parts of the world and in some cases the sport is driven by religion as well.
Several derbies have stood the test of time becoming a hallmark of the game. But the status of some have changed, either due to the cruel nature of circumstance or through the instability of clubs because of administrative reform.
Here are 5 footballing rivalries that are no more the same
5) Paris Saint Germain – Olympique Marseille
The PSG – Marseille rivalry is known as Le Classique in France and is one of the most decorated rivalries in the country. Unlike usual derbies it is not based on fans in a city divided, but on the fact that the two clubs are based out of the biggest cities in France.
Both teams are two of the most popular clubs in the country and are also the only two French clubs to have won a trophy in Europe. Like any rivalry Le Classique is a high tension affair. There are several abuses that are hurled between the two sets of supporters and increased security measures are taken each time the two teams face off.
In the past, the derby has decided several high profile occasions including domestic cup finals as well League positions. But in the 2000s, the clubs did not really see significant clashes as both teams had not been in peak form.
Since 2011, after PSG were taken over by the Qatari owners the rivalry sees PSG become the favourites in the derby regardless of whether it’s played home or away. Marseille are unable to compete with the financial capabilities of their rivals and we could see this as the beginning of a one-sided affair quite frequently from now on.
4) Liverpool – Everton
The Merseyside Derby is one of a kind when it comes to football derbies. The fixture has been given the tag ‘Friendly derby’ due to its appealing and peaceful nature between the fans. Unlike several other derbies around the world, there is no political agenda, nor any major anamoisty between the two clubs.
Liverpool and Everton used to dominate English football in the 80s. The rivalry was at its exciting best in 1986 when the clashes between the two clubs were deciding factors for the league title. The FA Cup also saw its very first all-Liverpool final, which the Reds won thanks to goals from Ian Rush and Craig Johnston
But times have changed. The derby is no longer how it used to be. Liverpool are still a big club but a flurry of managers in the last few years have seen them miss out on Champions League football more often than not.
Everton who were always a top half side have now become an inconsistent club that have underperformed for the quality of the squad they have. The Liverpool-Everton matches are still exciting affairs but it isn’t the same as it used to be
3) Celtic – Rangers
The Celtic-Rangers derby is one of the most iconic rivalries in the history of Scotland. The rivalry is known as the ‘Old Firm’ but the reason is unclear as to why it has been called so. The meetings between the two are generally very feisty and have caused, social, political and religious divides in Scotland.
Rangers supporters are largely Protestant Christians while Celtic fans are majorly Catholic. The Old Firm is a very tense and ferocious affair. Several assaults and deaths have occurred during matches with research showing hospital admissions increase during games.
But the rivalry changed after Rangers were relegated from the Scottish Premier League. The club suffered financial difficulties in last decade and eventually entered administration. In 2012, the club went into liquidation and after a change of ownership were relageted to the Scottish Third Division
The two clubs haven’t met in the league since but Rangers are set to return next season. They have managed to finish top of the Championship in 2015/16 but only time will tell if the rivalry will be as of old once again.
2) Manchester United – Arsenal
Since the inception of the Premier League, Manchester United have dominated the competition and have overtaken arch rivals Liverpool as the record holders of the league title.
But that changed after the arrival of Arsene Wenger. He helped transform the club and challenged United for the title, and for a decade the two clubs formed a duopoly in the league. It became a sort of traditional rivalry and meetings between the two were always fierce.
But as it stands, both clubs are enduring tough times. Arsenal haven’t won the league title since 2004 and United might finish outside the top four for the second time since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.
We don’t see the same energy and electric atmosphere there used to be, when the two clubs were at each other’s throats vying for the crown of England’s best. Hopefully in time the rivalry will be reignited and the clubs will rise again.
1) Inter Milan – AC Milan
The Milan derby is a special derby and the most unique in the world. The two teams share a stadium at the heart of the city and there is a fanatic and euphoric feel in the San Siro every time the giants meet.
The rivalry has become one of the most intense and violent affairs in Italy with several instances of violent conduct occurring during clashes. The peak of the rivalry was probably between the late 80’s and mid 90’s when Milan were dominating domestically and internationally winning 4 domestic titles and 3 European cups.
Inter weren’t far behind finishing runners up in the league and also winning two UEFA cups. In recent times, the intensity of the occasion hasn’t changed, but there is less significance on the result of the match. Both teams have seen their status fall in Italy as well as in Europe over the past 4 to 5 years.
Juventus have now become the dominating force in Italy, leaving Inter and AC fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification. The clubs will need to invest and rebuild if they want to achieve greatness once again.
