Football’s Biggest Rivalries And The Matches You Will Want Tickets For This Season

As the new football season approaches, fans across Europe are eagerly anticipating the return of their favourite sport. While every match has its own appeal, certain fixtures stand out due to the intense rivalries between the teams involved. These matches often transcend mere sporting contests, becoming cultural events that capture the imagination of entire cities and regions. This article explores some of the biggest rivalries in European football and highlights the must-watch matches for the upcoming season, spanning the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and Serie A. 

The Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton 

Known as the ‘friendly derby’ due to the way it often divides families and friends, this fixture is the longest-running top-flight derby in English football. 

Anfield and Goodison Park, separated by just Stanley Park, provide atmospheric venues for this local clash. The proximity of the two grounds adds to the intensity of the rivalry, with bragging rights extending beyond the final whistle into workplaces and households across the city. 

While Liverpool has enjoyed more success in recent years, the unpredictable nature of this derby means form often goes out of the window. The departure of Jurgen Klopp has also made the outcome a lot less easy to guess. You’re going to want to find Liverpool FC tickets to see these games in person. You can look at LFC ticket options at Ticket-Compare. They will compare prices from a range of trusted sellers to show you what you’re dealing with.  

El Clásico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid 

This is one of the most watched football matches globally: El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This fixture transcends sport, embodying the cultural and political tensions between Catalonia and the Spanish capital. 

The Camp Nou and Santiago Bernabéu stadiums provide awe-inspiring venues for this clash of titans. The atmosphere on both grounds is unparalleled, with the passion of the fans creating a cauldron of noise and colour. 

El Clásico is more than just a football match; it’s a battle for supremacy in Spanish football. With both clubs consistently challenging for La Liga and Champions League titles, these matches often have significant implications for the season’s outcome. 

The intensity remains undiminished. Real Madrid has added Kylian Mbappé to their already formidable roster. Can Barcelona find a way to stand fast this season?

Le Classique: Paris Saint-Germain vs Marseille 

In France, the rivalry between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille, known as Le Classique, represents the clash between the capital and the provinces. This fixture embodies the north-south divide in French football and culture. 

The Parc des Princes in Paris and the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille offer contrasting but equally passionate atmospheres. PSG’s recent dominance, fueled by significant investment, has added an extra edge to this long-standing rivalry. 

The matches between these two giants of French football are often heated affairs, both on and off the pitch. The contrasting styles of play – PSG’s star-studded attack versus Marseille’s more physical approach – make for compelling viewing. 

As PSG continues to chase European glory and Marseille looks to challenge their domestic supremacy, both iterations of Le Classique this season promise to be must-watch encounters. 

Der Klassiker: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund 

Germany’s biggest rivalry in recent years has been between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, a fixture known as Der Klassiker. While not a traditional derby, the competitive nature of these matches has elevated this rivalry to new heights. 

The Allianz Arena and Signal Iduna Park provide spectacular settings for this clash. The famous ‘Yellow Wall’ of Dortmund’s south stand creates one of the most impressive sights in world football, while Bayern’s arena turns into a sea of red on match days. 

Bayern’s domestic dominance has been challenged by Dortmund more than any other German club in recent years. The tactical battle between these two sides, often featuring some of the Bundesliga’s most exciting young talents, makes for fascinating viewing. 

Both fixtures between Bayern and Dortmund are likely to have significant implications for the Bundesliga title race. The first encounter, typically scheduled for late autumn, often sets the tone for the season ahead. 

The Derby della Madonnina: Inter Milan vs AC Milan 

In Italy, few rivalries can match the intensity of the Derby della Madonnina between Inter Milan and AC Milan. Named after the statue of the Virgin Mary atop Milan Cathedral, this fixture divides the city like no other. 

The shared San Siro stadium provides a unique backdrop for this derby. The sight of the stadium split down the middle, with the Curva Nord in Inter blue and black and the Curva Sud in Milan red and black, is one of the most iconic images in world football. 

Both clubs have enjoyed periods of domestic and European success, adding layers of history to this already storied rivalry. The tactical nature of Italian football, combined with the passion of the Milanese fans, makes for a compelling spectacle. 

With both Milan clubs experiencing a resurgence in recent years, the Derby della Madonnina fixtures this season are not to be missed. They could well play a crucial role in determining the destination of the Serie A title. 

The Revierderby: Borussia Dortmund vs Schalke 04 

Returning to Germany, we encounter one of the most passionate rivalries in the Bundesliga: the Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04. This fixture represents the clash between two industrial powerhouses of the Ruhr region. 

Signal Iduna Park and the Veltins-Arena provide impressive backdrops for this derby. The famous ‘Yellow Wall’ of Dortmund’s south stand and Schalke’s passionate support create an atmosphere that has to be seen to be believed. 

While Schalke’s recent struggles have seen them relegated from the Bundesliga, the intensity of this rivalry means that any cup meetings or future league encounters will be highly anticipated events. 

Should the football gods smile upon us and deliver a Revierderby in a cup competition this season, it will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the German football calendar. 

The Derby d’Italia: Juventus vs Inter Milan 

Our final rivalry takes us back to Italy for the Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan. While not a local derby in the traditional sense, this fixture between two of Italy’s most successful clubs is one of the most eagerly anticipated in Serie A. 

The Allianz Stadium in Turin and San Siro in Milan provide world-class venues for this clash of Italian football giants. The atmosphere at both grounds is always charged when these two teams meet. 

Juventus’ domestic dominance in recent years has been challenged most consistently by Inter, who won the title this year. The tactical nature of Italian football, combined with the quality of players on display, makes this fixture a treat for football purists. 

Both meetings between Juventus and Inter this season are likely to have significant implications for the Serie A title race. These are matches that no fan of Italian football will want to miss. 

So, as we gear up for another thrilling season of European football, prepare yourself for these epic encounters. From the tactical battles to the passionate fan displays, from the individual moments of brilliance to the collective will of the teams, these rivalries encapsulate everything that makes football the world’s most popular sport. 

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of one of these teams or a neutral observer, experiencing these rivalries, especially in person, is an essential part of the football calendar. They remind us that football is more than just a game; it’s a reflection of identity, community, and shared history. As the new season kicks off, these are the matches that will write the next chapter in the ongoing story of European football.