Top 10 Footballing Rivalries Across Europe

With Real Madrid visiting the Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the first "El Clasico" face off of 2016, it's time to see how the battle between the two Spanish giants ranks with some other fierce rivalries across European football.

Sergio Ramos sees red as Barcelona beat Real Madrid by 4 goals to 3 in a thriller at the Bernabau.

10. Cardiff City vs Swansea City - The South Wales Derby

This emotional encounter between the two most successful Welsh clubs has provided some memorable games in the past including a 2-2 draw at the old Ninian Park, home to the Bluebirds for 99 years until 2009. It was in fact the final time the two would lock horns at Cardiff's famous home ground, when one of the most thrilling matches between the two would be played. The two were chasing a play off place in the Championship, when Cardiff were controversially awarded a late penalty, which Ross McCormack cooly converted to level it late on.

The two sets of fans have never seen eye to eye, and passion has often turned into aggression. Fans of the Swans chased two Cardiff fans into the sea after fans clashed following game that took place in Swansea, this incident was mimicked by Jonjo Shelvey when his frustration boiled over in 2013 when Swansea lost 1-0 to Cardiff in the first ever top flight South Wales derby.

9. Benfica vs Porto - O Clasico

This battle between Portugal's two most successful club sides goes way back, the first meeting coming in 1912. Porto were thrashed by 8 goals to 2 in their own home game, paving the way for the fixture to become the most anticipated one every year. Despite the embarrassment of the first loss, Porto have the most wins (91), compared to Benfica's 55.

Possibly the greatest, most dramatic game between Porto and Benfica came in a title deciding game in 2013. The Aguia went to Porto in search of a point that would leave them favourites for the Primeira Liga crown, but a last gasp winning strike for Brazilian youngster Kelvin put Porto in the driving seat for the title and gave Benfica fans and players late heartache. Porto claimed the title later that season and the triumph was their 27th to date.

8. Inter Milan vs AC Milan - The Derby della Madonnina

Perhaps a fixture that has lost a little meaning in terms of league standing in recent times, the Milan derby still means a lot to fans and is sure to be the first game fans look to at the start of the season when the fixture list is announced.

Both Inter and AC Milan battled out Serie A for many years until both were beaten to the title by Juventus, who have won the title 4 years on the trot, but before Juventus the trophy sat in the cabinets of either AC Milan or Inter Milan. In the years between 2005 and 2008 AC Milan had one of the best teams in Europe, with Star players such as Paulo Maldini, who made a record 56 appearances in the derby, Kaka, Cafu and the deadly forward duo of Shevchenko, who has scored more goals against Inter Milan for AC Milan than any player (14) and the Argentinian ace Hernan Crespo. Italy dominated world football, claiming the World Cup in 2006, and AC Milan won the Champions League in 2007, getting their revenge over English side Liverpool who beat them in 2005. Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan won the Champions League in 2010 but when the Portuguese manager left they did not recover.

The latest installment in the fixture ended in a 3-0 victory for AC Milan, in a dominant display from the team in red and black, Inter Milan's manager Roberto Mancini was sent off and Mauro Icardi missed a penalty. Brazilian central defender Alex gave Milan the lead, and two late second half goals from new signing Carlos Bacca and young french forward M'Baye Niang secured their 51st victory over Inter in Serie A.

7. Newcastle vs Sunderland - The Tyne-Wear Derby

The Black Cats against the George Magpies. The red and white stripes against the black and white stripes. Newcastle United against Sunderland is one of the most fiercely contested fixtures of every Premier League season. This local derby of the north east dates back to 1883, and since then there have been a total of 155 meetings, and each side has won the same number of games over the opponent (53) with 49 draws, making it always a closely contested tie.

Ahead of kick off in the game between the sides in 2014, there were a number of violent encounters between the rival supporters as Sunderland fans arrived at Newcastle. The fixture always requires extra attention from the police force as fans are always fired up ahead of the game, during and after, as fans become angry with defeat and emotions are running high.

Many great strikers have taken aim against their opposition, for Newcastle Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer, Michael Owen and Kevin Nolan scored some crucial goals against their local rivals, Kevin Nolan got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 home triumph for the Magpies in recent times. For Sunderland Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn formed a lethal partnership in the late 90's, Kevin Phillips playing a key role for Sunderland in the early 2000's winning the European Golden Boot. But in recent times Jermaine Defoe has proved a hero, scoring in his first Tyne-Wear derby, the winner, on the stroke of half time. The goal, a volley from around 30 yards out, left fans in a wild state as Defoe was left walking off the pitch in tears. It was one of the most memorable derbies, for Sunderland fans, and one of the best goals scored in the fixture.

Fans celebrate Defoe's goal at half time as he leaves the pitch following an amazing derby debut strike.

6. Arsenal vs Tottenham - The North London Derby

When Spurs meet Arsenal expectations of a thriller are always high. The rivalry does not just occur on the pitch, fans on social media sites Twitter and Facebook are constantly arguing over who has the better side. The rivalry between is constantly ongoing because the two are always so close in the league table, this season both are chasing the title, previously the two have been battling it out for a place in the Champions League qualification spots. In 2006, with Tottenham needing a win away to West Ham to secure the fourth and final Champions League spot ahead of the Gunners, Spurs players were famously struck with food poisoning, and went on to lose the game and miss out on Champions League football at Arsenal's expense.

In October 2008, at the new home of Arsenal the Emirates Stadium, a thrilling encounter produced eight goals, including a stunning half way line volley from David Bentley. It was Spurs manager Harry Redknapp's first game in charge of a Tottenham side who had started the season poorly. With the scoreline poised at 2-1 in favour of Arsenal, there were four minutes of madness whereby three goals were scored, two from Arsenal's Adebayor and van Persie sandwiched by Darren Bent's strike for Tottenham. The score going into the latter stages was 4-2 and it looked like a certain Arsenal victory, but two late goals, in the 89th minute from Jermaine Jenas and an Aaron Lennon stoppage time equaliser.

David Bentley celebrates his spectacular strike at the Emirates.

5. Manchester United vs Liverpool

This colossal collision between English football's two most successful teams is a rivalry with so much at stake every time the two teams meet. United have won 20 league titles to Liverpool's 18, but it has not always gone the way of the Red Devils. Under Bill Shankly in the 60's Liverpool football club dominated English football, and Manchester United, displacing the achievements of Sir Matt Busby's United. However, Sir Alex Ferguson completely turned it around and won 13 league titles without any reply from Liverpool. He also won the Champions League twice in 1999 and 2008, compared to Liverpool's one Champions League title in 2005.

In the first ever meeting between the sides on a European stage, Liverpool beat United 3-1 over two legs, including a passionate 2-0 display at Anfield. Fans of Liverpool were chanting throughout the 90 minutes at the top of their voices, with the famous "You'll Never Walk Alone" sending a shiver down the spine of any football fan. Another success for Liverpool came in 2009 when Rafa Benitez and Alex Ferguson's personal rivalry reach new heights. Spanish striker Fernando Torres scored with a superb finish and piled misery on United, who had lost Nemanja Vidic through his 3rd sending off in his last 3 games against Liverpool. In September 2015, Manchester United swept aside Liverpool in a 3-1 victory on a special night at Old Trafford. The moment of the night came late on as expensive teenage signing Anthony Martial scored a stunning goal on his debut to send United fans going wild and make it a dream debut for the frenchman. He skipped past Martin Skrtel and finished cooly to finish the game off in the latter stages.

4. AS Roma vs Lazio - The Derby della Capitale

The two Italian clubs both have distinct histories, both sharing the same home stadium, the Stadio Olimpico, home to Italian football's international side. The game has been marked by fighting between fans over the years, counts of racism, rioting and death. A geographical dispute began over 25 years where Lazio were founded in the centre of Rome, causing anger in the Roma camp.

Roma have overcome their opponents more often (66) and have relied upon inspirational captain and legend Francesco Totti. The talisman has made a record 41 appearances in the fixture and has scored the joint most goals (11) sharing the status with Dino Da Costa, another Roma man. One of the most dramatic encounters came in January of 2015. Lazio led Roma in the league table and were 2-0 up after goals from Mauri and Felipe Anderson in the 25th and 29th minutes.

3. Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce - The Kitalararasi Derby

This is the most hotly contested match in Turkish football, contested by the two Istanbul based clubs with both sets of fans showing their passionate hate for the opposition each time the two teams face each other.

Nowadays both teams have been heavily invested in, especially Galatasaray who have dominated the league, and qualifying for the Champions League on a regular basis. Foreign imports such as Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba have been able to out-wit their rivals in recent times. On the whole, however, the results have been very even, Fenerbache have won 144 times over their rivals compared to Gala's 122 wins with 115 drawn games.

Both sets of supporters are known for creating crazy scenes at their respective stadiums as they create banners intimidating to opponents, forming a cauldron atmosphere. The yellow and white wall created on the main stand of the Sukru Saracoglu for some games is a stunning sight, so too is the crazy scene displayed by Gala fans at the Turk Telekom Arena, as flares light up the stadium pictured below.

Gala fans create a scene in a match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.

2. Celtic vs Rangers - The Old Firm Derby

The Old Firm Derby is a game played between Scottish football's two most successful clubs. The match up dates back to 1888, hence the naming "Old Firm" and has always been a feisty affair. Rangers and Celtic fans search for the bragging rights after each tie, and match is always evenly contested. The two have dominated Scotland's Premier division for practically as long as it has existed and the record shows the two are evenly matched. In 400 meetings, The Gers have beaten Celtic a record 159 times to Celtic's 145, and the sides meet up soon in what will be an eagerly contested Scottish Cup Semi Final. Rangers are buzzing off the back of securing promotion back to the top flight after a barren 4 year spell which saw them relegated a few divisions due to financial problems. Next season will see the return of the top flight Old Firm, which will be a fascinating game of football.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid - El Clasico

The most high profile football match in European football, between the two most successful clubs in the world, is a match like no other. With it being played at such a high at such a high intensity it is always a fascinating tie, with so much at stake, especially for fans of each side. The home side will always create a hostile atmosphere for the opponent, shouting abuse at players. A prime example of the hatred shown for Real Madrid players by Barca fans is the famous Luis Figo pig head incident. Having been a captain, talisman and idol at Barcelona, Luis Figo left Barcelona to play for Real Madrid. On his return the the Camp Nou, a fan through the head of a pig at the Portuguese superstar as he took a corner.

What makes El Clasico such an important game is that they are both always playing for so much, with the two being a cut above the rest in Spain. The sides have always been made up of super stars. Nowadays the makeup of the two starting elevens makes it the most expensive match in football history. Now its al about Messi, Suarez and Neymar against Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema. The questions are always being asked and causing arguments.Who's the better team? Ronaldo or Messi? Barcelona have had the edge over Los Blancos in recent times, earlier this season they beat Los Blancos 4-0 at the Bernabau without main man Mess who was recovering from injury. The Galacticos managed by Vicente Del Bosque were a dominant force in la Liga for a sustained period until the Tikka-Takka style of play was installed by former player Pep Guardiola. It is now two young managers, Zinedine Zidane the legend and icon of Madrid as a player, against Luis Enrique, a former captain at Barcelona on the back of a treble winning debut season as a manager. Barca currently lead Madrid by 10 in La Liga, so could completely rule them out of the title race. But if Zidane could motivate his men to beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp in his first Clasico as a manager, they could start to pile the pressure onto Luis Enrique's side.

#football