Top Men’s Soccer Rivalries to Know: El Clásico, Manchester Derby, and More

Soccer’s global appeal brings with it some of the most passionate and historic rivalries in sports. These matchups not only ignite fierce competition on the pitch but also fuel deep-seated emotions among fans worldwide. Let’s explore some of the most iconic rivalries in men’s soccer.

El Clásico: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (LaLiga)

• Series Record: Real Madrid leads 105-52-102 (W-D-L)
• The inaugural clash took place on May 13, 1902, with Barcelona securing a 3-1 victory.
• Last Meeting: January 13, 2025 – Barcelona won 5-2
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Barcelona, two matches (2024-present)

El Clásico is one of the most intense rivalries in world football, pitting Spanish powerhouses Real Madrid and Barcelona against each other. Beyond being a battle for supremacy in LaLiga, this matchup is steeped in historical and political significance. Barcelona symbolizes Catalan identity and independence, while Real Madrid has long been associated with Spanish nationalism. Over the years, legendary players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have further fueled the rivalry, making it a must-watch event.

The Manchester Derby: A Clash Between Manchester United and Manchester City in the Premier League.

• Series Record: Manchester United leads 80-54-61
• First Meeting: October 3, 1891 – Manchester United won 5-1
• Last Meeting: December 15, 2024 – Manchester United won 2-1
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Manchester United, three matches (2024-present)

The Manchester Derby showcases two of England’s most successful clubs. Manchester United, with its rich history, dominated English football for decades, while Manchester City’s resurgence in the 21st century has intensified the rivalry. With both clubs now competing for top honors in England and Europe, their clashes are among the most anticipated fixtures in the football calendar.

The North West Derby: Manchester United vs. Liverpool in the Premier League.

• Series Record: Manchester United leads 83-61-72
• The first encounter took place on April 28, 1894, with Liverpool emerging victorious with a 2-0 win.
• Last Meeting: September 1, 2024 – Liverpool won 3-0
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Liverpool, three matches (2024-present)

Manchester United and Liverpool represent the pinnacle of English football, boasting a combined 39 league titles. Their encounters are fueled by regional pride and decades of dominance in domestic and international football. The North West Derby is widely considered England’s fiercest rivalry.

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Der Klassiker: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga)

• Series Record: Bayern Munich leads 69-32-35
• First Meeting: October 16, 1965 – Borussia Dortmund won 2-0
• Last Meeting: November 30, 2024 – Draw
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Borussia Dortmund, two matches (2024-present)

Germany’s most-watched rivalry, Der Klassiker, features Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. While Bayern has historically dominated, Dortmund has occasionally disrupted their supremacy, creating dramatic showdowns in both league and cup competitions. This fixture often determines Bundesliga title races.

Le Classique: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Marseille (Ligue 1)

• Series Record: Paris Saint-Germain leads 52-21-35
• First Meeting: December 12, 1971 – Marseille won 4-2
• Last Meeting: October 27, 2024 – PSG won 3-0
• Current Unbeaten Streak: PSG, four matches (2023-present)

France’s fiercest football rivalry, Le Classique, pits PSG against Marseille. The animosity between these clubs extends beyond football, stemming from cultural and economic differences between Paris and Marseille. PSG’s recent dominance has heightened tensions, making each encounter a heated battle.

El Súper Clásico: Club América vs. Chivas Guadalajara (Liga MX)

• Series Record: Club América leads 81-70-68
• The inaugural match occurred on July 29, 1943, with Guadalajara claiming a 1-0 victory.
• Last Meeting: March 8, 2025 – Draw
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Guadalajara, two matches (2025-present)

The biggest rivalry in Mexican football, El Súper Clásico, sees Club América face off against Chivas Guadalajara. While América represents cosmopolitan Mexico City, Chivas is known for fielding only Mexican players, adding national pride to the rivalry’s intensity.

Superclásico: Boca Juniors vs. River Plate (Primera División)

• Series Record: Boca Juniors leads 92-84-87
• First Meeting: August 24, 1913 – River Plate won 2-1
• Last Meeting: September 21, 2024 – River Plate won 1-0
• Current Unbeaten Streak: River Plate, one match (2024-present)

Argentina’s Superclásico is a rivalry like no other. Boca Juniors and River Plate, both based in Buenos Aires, have fan bases that are deeply devoted, making their clashes some of the most electrifying in world football. This rivalry has even witnessed tragic events, such as the 1968 stadium disaster.

Old Firm Derby: Rangers vs. Celtic (Scottish Premiership)

• Series Record: Rangers lead 170-104-169
• The first matchup took place on May 28, 1888, with Celtic securing a 5-2 victory.
• Last Meeting: January 2, 2025 – Rangers won 3-0
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Rangers, one match (2025-present)

The Old Firm Derby is Scotland’s premier football rivalry. Rangers and Celtic not only compete for titles but also represent cultural and religious divides in Glasgow. With both clubs dominating Scottish football, their encounters are always intense and closely contested.

De Klassieker: Ajax vs. Feyenoord (Eredivisie)

• Series Record: Ajax leads 95-49-63
• First Meeting: October 9, 1921 – Draw
• Last Meeting: February 2, 2025 – Ajax won 2-1
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Ajax, two matches (2024-present)

The Dutch football rivalry between Ajax and Feyenoord, known as De Klassieker, is a battle of pride between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Their matches are marked by passion, history, and a fierce competition for domestic dominance.

El Tráfico: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC (MLS)

• Series Record: LA Galaxy leads 10-5-9
• First Meeting: March 31, 2018 – Galaxy won 4-3
• Last Meeting: September 14, 2024 – Galaxy won 4-2
• Current Unbeaten Streak: Galaxy, one match (2024-present)

Los Angeles’ premier soccer rivalry, El Tráfico, emerged when LAFC joined Major League Soccer in 2018. The fixture quickly became one of MLS’s most anticipated events, featuring thrilling encounters and memorable moments, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s stunning debut performance.

These rivalries define the passion of football, making them must-watch fixtures for any soccer enthusiast.