Are you looking to use football as an excuse to travel around Europe? Of course you are!
Here are five great soccer derbies and how you can attend them.
5. The Rome Derby
Last time out: Lazio 0-0 Roma
Not the most exciting encounter, granted, but Lazio did manage to put a dent in their fierce rivals’ title aspirations.
Why go? They share a city, they share a stadium, but these two just can’t seem to get along. The sides next meet on January 11. Both teams are competing high in the Sire A table this season – adding extra spice to the game.
The fixture also provides an invaluable opportunity to visit the impressive Stadio Olimpico.
Joel Matip and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored as the Royal Blues surged into a 2-0 lead. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back, but it was too little too late for Dortmund.
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Getty Images / INPHO
Getty Images / INPHO / INPHO
Why go? Did you know that more than 1000 English fans are travelling to Germany to watch Borussia Dortmund’s home matches? It is easy to see why.
The Westfalenstadion boasts the highest average attendance on the continent. Over 80,000 turn up to watch each of Dormund’s home games. Yes BVB’s season has been a flop so far but when Schalke come to town it is time to sit up and take notice.
3. Manchester United v Liverpool
Last time out Manchester United 3 – 0 Liverpool
A difference of goalkeeping standards won the day for United last time out as David De Gea kept Liverpool at bay while Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin Van Persie struck at the other end.
Why go? “My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch,” said Alex Ferguson.
It doesn’t matter if this game is played at Old Trafford or Anfield. The atmosphere is always electric.
United dominated the fixture during the 90s but in recent times the scousers have closed the gap. Realistically, this season, both teams could be vying for the same spot in the top four. The outcome of these games will have a huge say on who gets there.
2. Old Firm derby
Last time out Rangers 0-3 Celtic
It’s strange to think that these sides haven’t met in the SPL since April 2012.
The last clash before Rangers were relegated to the Scottish third division ended in an easy victory for the Hoops - Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper providing the goals.
Why go? At long last we can look forward to this fixture again. Both sides were drawn together in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. The two legs will be played at neutral venues on 31 January and 1 February.
This fixture is the lifeblood of football in Scotland. And with, Rangers likely to get promoted back to the SPL, we can look forward to the Old Firm derby becoming a regular occurrence once more.
1. El Classico
Last time out Real Madrid 3 -1 Barcelona
Luis Suarez made his debut but couldn’t prevent ‘Los Blancos’ running riot.
Why go? Real Madrid v Barcelona. Is this the biggest match on earth? Probably. What other game boasts Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, Bale and Neymar?
Aside from the football, the rivalry’s political background offers added bite. Real Madrid are viewed as representing Spanish nationalism while Barcelona, unofficially, favour Catalan independence.
Five football derbies to add to your bucket list
Are you looking to use football as an excuse to travel around Europe? Of course you are!
Here are five great soccer derbies and how you can attend them.
5. The Rome Derby
Last time out: Lazio 0-0 Roma
Not the most exciting encounter, granted, but Lazio did manage to put a dent in their fierce rivals’ title aspirations.
Why go? They share a city, they share a stadium, but these two just can’t seem to get along. The sides next meet on January 11. Both teams are competing high in the Sire A table this season – adding extra spice to the game.
The fixture also provides an invaluable opportunity to visit the impressive Stadio Olimpico.
4. Revierderby
Last time out Schalke 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
Joel Matip and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored as the Royal Blues surged into a 2-0 lead. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back, but it was too little too late for Dortmund.
Why go? Did you know that more than 1000 English fans are travelling to Germany to watch Borussia Dortmund’s home matches? It is easy to see why.
The Westfalenstadion boasts the highest average attendance on the continent. Over 80,000 turn up to watch each of Dormund’s home games. Yes BVB’s season has been a flop so far but when Schalke come to town it is time to sit up and take notice.
3. Manchester United v Liverpool
Last time out Manchester United 3 – 0 Liverpool
A difference of goalkeeping standards won the day for United last time out as David De Gea kept Liverpool at bay while Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Robin Van Persie struck at the other end.
Why go? “My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch,” said Alex Ferguson.
It doesn’t matter if this game is played at Old Trafford or Anfield. The atmosphere is always electric.
United dominated the fixture during the 90s but in recent times the scousers have closed the gap. Realistically, this season, both teams could be vying for the same spot in the top four. The outcome of these games will have a huge say on who gets there.
2. Old Firm derby
Last time out Rangers 0-3 Celtic
It’s strange to think that these sides haven’t met in the SPL since April 2012.
The last clash before Rangers were relegated to the Scottish third division ended in an easy victory for the Hoops - Charlie Mulgrew, Kris Commons and Gary Hooper providing the goals.
Why go? At long last we can look forward to this fixture again. Both sides were drawn together in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. The two legs will be played at neutral venues on 31 January and 1 February.
This fixture is the lifeblood of football in Scotland. And with, Rangers likely to get promoted back to the SPL, we can look forward to the Old Firm derby becoming a regular occurrence once more.
1. El Classico
Last time out Real Madrid 3 -1 Barcelona
Luis Suarez made his debut but couldn’t prevent ‘Los Blancos’ running riot.
Why go? Real Madrid v Barcelona. Is this the biggest match on earth? Probably. What other game boasts Messi, Ronaldo, Suarez, Bale and Neymar?
Aside from the football, the rivalry’s political background offers added bite. Real Madrid are viewed as representing Spanish nationalism while Barcelona, unofficially, favour Catalan independence.
These two really, really, don’t like each other.
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