Rivalries can be measured in so many different ways.
The most intense, the oldest, the most newsworthy. Then there are those that gather people from all over the world and take the beautiful game to a different level, a stratosphere not known to most players.
These are games that take the best players in the world, and two fanbases that hate each other since the beginning of football. There might be more intense rivalries or fans who dislike one another more, but none display the game at its best like these five.
5. Boca Juniors v. River Plate
The Superclásico is the most famous rivalry in the Americas and one of the most talked about worldwide. In their history, these two Argentine teams have played 320 matches, with 116 going to Boca, 104 to River, and 100 draws.
The entire country focuses on the match a week before it happens. The two most successful teams, both from the capital, battle not only for football pride, but for public and city dominance.
It is a rivalry that transcends the game, a battle between the wealthy and the lower class. One blue and yellow team founded by construction workers in the Boca neighborhood, versus a squad nicknamed "The millionaires".
It is a rivalry that has had names like Maradona, Riquelme, Aimar, Saviola, Francescoli, and Batistuta, among others. Definitely one worth seeing.
4. Celtic v. Rangers
The Old Firm derby is perhaps the rivalry with the lowest quality of football on this list currently, but it is a battle that never dies and maybe the one that most transcends football in the world.
The game has been played since 1888, and it pins Rangers' Protestant fans against Celtic's Catholic supporters. The hatred between these two Scottish sides is so intense that in 120 years of history, only five players have moved from one to the other.
In this more than century old rivalry, 381 matches have been disputed, with 152 wins for Rangers, 137 for Celtic, and 92 draws.
The two Glasgow representatives are also by far the two most successful teams in Scottish football, with 51 league titles for Rangers (most in the world), and 42 for Celtic (second most in the world). Watch at your own risk.
3. Manchester United v. Liverpool
Talent, trophies, and outright hatred are all ever so present in England's most famous rivalry, as both teams claim to be the best in their country.
Currently, Liverpool owns 58 total titles, while Manchester United holds 53. However, United has been more successful in the past 20 years, and in 2008 were crowned European champion and Premier League champion.
The hatred between fans has always been there. But the most captivating thing about this English battle is the talent both these teams have every year. They are always among the wealthiest clubs in the world and have great superstars year in and year out.
The two greatest teams in Great Britain are never happy with just one title. They have the obligation of going after the F.A. Cup, the UEFA Champions League, and the domestic tournament every single year. Currently, Liverpool has 5 European Cup trophies and Manchester United has 3, including two in the last 9 years.
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