A game where, for geographic reasons, ancient history, religion, competitive rivalry or who knows what else; the stakes are raised and passions are high. Position tends to be irrelevant, form goes out the window, and it is a game you would not want to bet on. Even years ago when Man City were one of the also-ran's in the Premier League and United were rampant as ever, they still knew they would be in for a game. Southampton v Portsmouth is always the first fixture I look for when the fixtures are released and we are in the same division, it's the one game that we have to win.
In no particular order, here is my list of five of the greatest football derby's - with a classic edition of each one thrown in for good measure. Let me know what you think, what have I missed, how could I include that one, why the hell don't I just kill myself, etc etc
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Manchester and London would probably nowadays be able to stake their claim, but I would suggest there has never been a bigger rivalry within one city than the Milan derby. Two teams that for 50 years have been relative powerhouses of the European game, the pantheon of superstars to have played in this one is hard to match. The noise within the stadium, in particular the Ultra's behind the goal, is frightening - once watching on Channel Five I think it was, a bomb went off (well probably a firecracker but hard to tell) and the camera literally shook with the noise and size of the explosion. A famous European semi final that descended into violence, with Dida getting hit by a flare thrown from the stands is one memory, but for me the stand out is the Ronaldo years, when he was at Inter, Il Fenomeno always managed to score against Meeeeelan and in those days, with his status as the world's number one player, it felt like the biggest game around.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid
It had to be on there, didn't it. El Classico - a game with such a high status that it has it's own title, a brand which people around the world know it by regardless of their native tongue. The history behind this one and the allegiance with Catalonia vs Franco's Spain lend it a certain air of significance, casting Barca as the bohemians and Madrid as the imperial masters. Over the years that I have been watching though, the role of master has swung many times and never been irrevocably with one club - such is the beauty of a derby as fierce and famous as this one. Whilst I try and watch as much football as I can, whatever time zone I find myself in, El Classico is the one that I will watch every time, no matter what time it means getting out of bed or what social occasion I have to fake a reason to miss. The bitch-fest of last season left a sour taste at times, but generally this game does not disappoint - the presence of the game's two best players on opposing sides right now lends it that extra degree of further magic. As far as memories go, I'll pick Ronaldinho scoring two sensational individual goals, burning past Sergio Ramos, destroying Iker Casillas, and - in a moment which still gives me goosebumps - receiving the applause of El Bernabeu, a standing ovation that must have hurt them deeply.
Glasgow Rangers vs Celtic
Initially I did not want to touch this one with a ten foot religion pole, but you can't deny it's place in the list. The religious significance of the Old Firm is widely known, and far better understood by many more people than I. Having attempted to discuss it on nights out in Glasgow with friends, I realise this is not a subject to treat lightly. Way to blow the mood, Englishman. Leaving the deeper meaning aside and focussing on the football, this game often is played out to one of the most vociferous, cauldron-like atmospheres you will ever see. The fact that these two will always be slugging it out for the League title, or in some instances a Cup Final, gives the result a huge degree of significance beyond pure bragging rights. It may lose points recently for the fact that Scottish football in general is experiencing something of a slump, but for years this game would showcase two teams packed with talent and capable of giving anyone on the continent a good game. None more so for me than Celtic hero Henrik Larsson, the stand out moment I've picked is his lob at Parkhead which the ecstatic ballboys knew was in eons before it ever crossed the line. Dreadlocks, tongue out, what a player.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
In contrast perhaps to the Old Firm derby, this game has taken on increasing significance in recent years, since the emergence of City as a genuine threat. Previously, as mentioned above, this was City's Cup Final, whilst United had their own, actual Cup finals to contend with. Nowadays and in particular this season with the start that both teams have made, this is a big time, all star clash of the titans. It's hard to find anyone who thinks that the Premier League trophy won't be residing in Manchester come May, and these games - especially the one at the end of April, will have some say in the colour of the ribbons. Wayne Rooney's superlative winner at Old Trafford last season was one for the ages, but for me the highlight has to be the 2009 4-3 victory to United, with Michael Owen netting the late, late winner. I don't think I've watched a better, more exciting game of football since that one.
Arsenal v Tottenham
I'll let you in on something, readers. I actually don't think this one is worthy of a place on here. But, I said 5, so here's number 5. My reasons for the hesitance are two-fold. One, although the balance is swinging very much Spurs' way at present, for the best part of the last 15 years, it's been a highly uncompetitive derby, with Arsenal being dominant to the point of irrelevance. Second, for a huge chunk of that time, Arsenal had bigger, Man United-shaped fish to fry, and had arguably a fiercer rivalry with Fergie and Co. That being said, it has to be conceded that the North London derby is one of the bigger derbies in England, and certainly has been extremely good value in terms of entertainment provided. I don't know though, with all the others I've listed being for such high stakes, this one almost feels a little bit also ran. To redeem it though, I said it was entertaining and no game exemplifies that more than the incredible 4-4 Emirates draw a couple of years ago, breathless.
Honourable mentions go to: Saints Pompey of course; the Merseyside derby (AKA the Red Card Factory); Roma Lazio particularly in the Gazzetta/Batigol years; the North East Tyne Wear derby (Byker GROVE) and of course the big one, AFC Hamsey v Lower Kingswood.
Dishonourable mentions: Derby County, The Epsom Derby (not a ball in sight), the Hollywood Brown Derby (a hat shaped restaurant for the love of God) and of course the big one, Terence Trent D'arby.
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