Fiercest football derbies

Derbies have the uncanny ability to generate unrivaled intensity, insane scorelines and enduring memories. Derbies can be outlined through religious, sporting, cultural, along with political and dominance aspects. Here are some derbies sure enough to produce weird and extreme occurrences;

1. Celtic vs. Rangers - The Old Firm Derby not only involves football but religion, politics, ideology and history. In a religious aspect, the clash is/was basically Catholics vs. Protestants. Generally, Celtic fans had Irish roots therefore they were predominantly Catholics. Rangers' fans were native Scottish and hence predominantly Protestants. Politically, Celtic fans often supported the Labour party and ideals of socialism while Rangers' fans formed the bulk of Conservative party. At Ibrox - Rangers' home stadium, the UK flag is hoisted gleefully, whereas at Celtic Park the Irish colors are on display! With such a mix, only the brave would dare visit Glasgow for the derby. Kenny Miller may share an insight about how it feels to play for both teams.

2. Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahce - A thrilling and turbulent affair between Istanbul's finest is further escalated by an intercontinental element - Istanbul lies between Asia and Europe. Actually, Fenerbahce is on the Asian region of the city while Galatasaray is on the European side. Galatasaray faithfuls were historically from the wealthy families and often gave credence to aristocratic traits. Fenerbahce supporters were drawn from the working class populaces hence the club was seen as a common man's entity. Hooliganism in the Turkish football sphere makes the derby one of the most anticipated matches. Istanbul comes to life when the two Super Lig outfits clash in the Kitalararasi derbi. Ironically, there was a proposal to merge both teams before the First World War. Graeme Souness knows the stakes involved - he experienced it first hand.

3. Manchester United vs. Liverpool - The North-West England derby is founded on several aspects. Both teams are the most successful in English football history and the close proximity between them escalates the rivalry further. Both Liverpool and Manchester lay claim to being the ideal industrial hub(s) in the North-West and this spills over to the field. Extreme passion and unmatched rivalry defines the derby. Mancunians would do anything to see off the Merseysiders!

4. AS Roma vs. Lazio - the two Rome clubs share the Stadio Olimpico - an aspect that serves to augment the rivalry. AS Roma was formed after dictator Benito Mussolini ordered teams from the Rome region to craft a single team capable of breaking the monotony of Northern Italy teams - Juventus and AC Milan. However, Lazio defied Mussolini's orders and the rivalry started. Derby Della Capitale is no short of violence.

5. Inter Milan vs. A.C. Milan - Derby Della Madonnina entails prestige and Milan bragging rights. Originally one club founded by English individuals, an issue regarding the signing of foreign players led to the formation of Inter Milan. Despite Rossoneri's success in Europe, Inter relentlessly aim the scalp of their rivals whom they share the San Siro with. Nelson Dida knows the real hate between the two Milan entities. Ronaldo, Hernan Crespo, Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Vieira, Robert Baggio, Dario Simic et al have played for both teams

6. Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur - The North London derby captures the hate between the two London outfits - brought about after Arsenal was selected to join English First Division at the expense of the White Hart Lane team. The multi-ethnic aspect of North London adds an interesting twist to the derby. Sol Campbell is a study case as regards the derby. William Gallas and Emmanuel Adebayor have as well represented the two teams.

7. Liverpool vs. Everton - The explosive nature of the clash can be underlined via the fact that matches involving the two Merseyside rivals have produced more dismissals than any other match since the inauguration of the Premier League. Whether at Anfield or Goodison Park, family members can be seen supporting opposing sides. The fact that Everton vacated Anfield after a disagreement between the stakeholders and the eventual formation of Liverpool increases the stakes involved. Abel Xavier, Bramble and the likes know the heat associated with playing for both teams.

8. Real Madrid vs. Barcelona - the El Clasico is defined by reasons beyond football. The cultural and political agenda between Catalan and Madrid regions easily shape the clash. The fact that the two teams are the most visible in Spanish football increases the stakes involved. While Real Madrid is viewed as a government team due to nationalist themes after the exploits of Dictator Francesco Franco, Barcelona tries to identify with the Catalan dream of seceding from Spain. Well, Luis Figo knows better about the derby. Ronaldo, Luis Enrique, Michael Laudrup et al as well turned out for both outfits.

9. Manchester United vs. Manchester City - The derby dates back to when both clubs were known as Newton Heath and West Gorton respectively. The clash offers a chance to stake claim at Manchester bragging rights. The red half of Manchester comes up against an intolerant neighbor whose recent silverware make them think of being world class. Whether at Eastlands or Old Trafford, the match offers relentless and unmatched intensity. Carlos Tevez knows the heat associated with both teams.

10. Schalke 04 vs. Borussia Dortmund - the two Ruhr region heavyweights slug it out in the Rivierderby. The derby has previously outlined title-defining moments along with spectacular goals from - even a goalkeeper scored once! The passion, sheer commitment and intensity of the fans make the clash juicier. Both Signal Iduna and Veltins-Arena accommodate the crazy affair.

11. Sevilla vs. Real Betis - The Seville derby outlines real animosity for the fact that both teams were founded as Sevilla FC, but an internal conflict split the team into two - this is how Real Betis was formed. However, both teams have won the Spanish league title once.

12. Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid - The clash between the two teams entails an augmented experience due to the political aspect involved. The Los Blancos are seen as the favored/government team or the wealthy individuals while the Los Indios/rojiblancos are seen as the underprivileged class of the society. Such aspects inflame the El Derbi Madrileno. Hugo Snachez, Luis Aragones and Jose Antonio Reyes graced both the Vicente Calderon and the Bernabeu.

13. Partizan Belgrade vs. Red Star Belgrade - The Serbian clash is perhaps the most turbulent and violent derby of all. Partizan Belgrade was formed as an outfit for the army while Red Star Belgrade was formed as a club for the youth. There have been rampant cases of policemen as well as fans being injured during the clash. This clash is the most astonishing "Eternal Derby" - perhaps the most accurate one. The hostility is further stretched to handball and basketball sessions of the two teams.

14. Olympiakos vs. Panathinaikos - The derby is heavily influenced by political happenings in Greece. Both Athens teams count on their passionate fans, although riots and diverse violent acts underline the real hostility involved. The great Nikopolidis represented both teams as a goalkeeper.

15. River Plate vs. Boca Juniors - The Argentine superclasico have seen fatal tragedies as Buenos Aires finest slug it out. Each set of fans direct expletives towards their rivals, with Boca Juniors' fans branding their nemesis as chickens while River Plate fans referring to them as pigs.

16. Dinamo Bucharest vs. Steaua Bucharest - the clash was basically an affair between the army vs. the police. The clashes between the two Romanian giants have time and again been influenced by the communist policies in the country, along with the input of army generals and prominent politicians. The two teams are basically the most successful in the Romanian football aspect. The clash is also referred to as the "Eternal derby". Visit Bucharest at your own peril when the two giants are playing each other.

17. Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad - The Basque Derby involves outright egocentric antics of the teams involved. Individuals from the Basque region are extremely proud and the clash between Bizkaia province (Athletic Bilbao) and Gipuzkoa province (Real Sociedad) outlines the unique identity of the region.

18. Sporting Lisbon vs. Benfica - The two Portuguese giants contest in the derby de Lisboa. Traditionally, Benfica fans formed the working class whereas Lisbon fans were from the more affluent populaces. The rivalry started after several Benfica players crossed over to Sporting Lisbon in search of better deals.

19. PSG vs. Olympique Marseille - Le Classique is intensified by the cultural disparities between France's largest cities - Paris and Marseille. Furthermore, the clash is escalated by the fact that the two Ligue 1 outfits are the only French clubs to have won European honors.

20. Ajax Amsterdam vs. Feyenoord - De Klassieker involves Netherlands' most recognizable football brands. Whether at De Kuip stadion in Rotterdam or at the Amsterdam Arena, the clash offers a recipe for chaos involving radicalized Dutch fans. You can tell the rivalry involved as depicted by Johan Cruyff’s transfer from Ajax to Feyenoord.

21. Spartak Moscow vs. CSKA Moscow - Although the rivalry between the two teams came into being recently, the violence and intense nature of the clash underlines the hate between the militarians and the people's team.

22. Legia Warsaw vs. Wisla Krakow - the clash is shaped by the fact that Krakow used to be Poland's capital city, before Warsaw was named as the capital. The historical aspect of the two Polish cities forms a basis for the rivalry.

23. Fluminense vs. Flamengo - The rivalry between the two Rio outfits highlights the fact that the Brazilian league is more than flair. The rivalry started after some players left Fluminense to form Flamengo due to dissatisfaction.