El Clasico and the Top 10 Biggest Club Games in Europe

El Clasico's significance in European football has been thrust to the fore in recent years due to a number of off-field confrontations.

While there has always been the history of the two sides in Spain and what each club represents, the additions of Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid and Pep Guardiola’s phenomenal success at Barcelona mean the fierce rivalry has taken on a dimension of aggression which has perhaps not been present since Luis Figo swapped the blue and red of Barcelona for the white of Madrid. 

The tensions of the many Clasicos that took place last season have meant the tie has once again become one of the biggest and most watched games in European club competition, as well as one of the most spectacular adverts for the sport.

The two clubs, possessing a vast percentage of modern-day greats, are given license to showcase their talents, styles of football and the social and cultural standards their supports adhere to.

With Barcelona and Real Madrid dominating the headlines around Spain, what are the other club games which can be considered the biggest in Europe?

(Not in any order)

Inter Milan vs. AC Milan

One of the biggest derbies in European football and especially in Italy, where only a select group of referees may officiate the tie, AC Milan and Inter Milan's rivalry stems from the founding members disagreements over who can play for the club.

The dispute led to a split and the formation of two separate Milan sides.

The AC Milan supporters were commonly of working class backgrounds, consisting of immigrants from the south, whereas Inter's fans were traditionally bourgeoisie.

They are now two of the biggest clubs in Italy, both of whom have had their ups and downs in the league.

What has been notable, however, is Inter Milan's dominance in the league for much of the 2000s, whereas AC Milan have fared much better in European competition than their rivals.

Rangers vs. Celtic

The Old Firm is the fixture between the two most successful clubs in Scotland, Celtic and Rangers. The sides play each other four times in the league alone and often find themselves drawn together in cup competition.

However, the rivalry is much more deep rooted than just football.

Glasgow's sectarianism divides the city between Catholics and Protestants. Celtic fans are often seen waving the colours of the Irish flag, while Rangers supporters stand by the Union Jack.

The combination of political, religious and footballing differences makes the Old Firm one of the best club games in Europe.

Manchester United vs. Liverpool

This is one of the biggest rivalries in England and certainly the most watched game in the Premier League.

The heated rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool has been at the forefront of the English game, due to Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to overtake Liverpool's 18 league titles and establish Manchester United as the dominant side in England.

While the tie has maybe lost some of its spark in recent years due to Liverpool's fall out of the top four and the rise of Manchester United's cross-town neighbours, it continues to be a hotly contested affair which brings about some of the most memorable team and individual performances.

Notably, both Dimitar Berbatov and Dirk Kuyt netted a hat trick last season in their sides respective home fixtures.

Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahce

These two have a unique rivalry due to the geographical placement of both of these sides in Turkey. While both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are city rivals, one lies in the European half of the city and the other occupies the Asian half.

Turkey has always been feared by other European teams for its hostile and intimidating atmospheres, but the hatred between these two sides often results in clashes both inside the stadiums and around the city.

Regardless, it is still one of the most spectacular games in Europe.

Roma vs. Lazio

The Rome derby is one of the biggest in Italy, separating the differences of those living in the capital and representing a battle for whom the rightful Roman club is.

Often a scene of violence and controversy, in 1979 a Lazio fan was killed by a flare fired by Roma fans. The Lazio Ultras have often displayed banners of swastikas and other symbols of racism toward those supporting and playing for Roma.

While much of these acts of violence are down to a small minority of supporters, and although both S.S. Lazio and A.S. Roma are not as historically successful as the clubs from northern Italy, this fixture is always a heated occasion, much of which is thanks to the atmosphere from the crowd in the Stadio Olimpico

FA Cup Final

The FA Cup is perhaps one of the greatest draws to the English game for those arriving from foreign shores. As one of the oldest cup competitions in European football, it also gives teams the opportunity to perform at the world-famous Wembley Stadium.

What has been a great advert for the game in England is the passage that "lesser" teams in the country have found themselves on to reaching the final.

"Giant killings" are part of the magic of the Cup in the country and recent years have seen former giants in the Cup final give way to teams such as Portsmouth, who won the competition in 2008, defeating Cardiff City, and Stoke City, who lost out to winners Manchester City last season.

Arsenal vs. Tottenham

The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is one that has arguably become more intense in recent seasons due to the increased challenge for Champions League places.

Before Harry Redknapp rocketed Spurs up the league table, it was Arsenal who were the dominant side in this fixture.

For 10 years Tottenham were unable to beat their city rivals in the league, and a draw in 2004 saw Arsenal win the league title for the second time at White Hart Lane (the first being in 1971).

But with the rise of Spurs into the fortunate few and able to compete for European places in the Premier League, their fortunes have greatly increased in recent years in this fixture.

One of their most memorable victories is the 3-2 win at the Emirates Stadium, overturning a two goal deficit in the process.

Olympiakos vs. Panathinaikos

Two of the most popular and successful clubs in Greece, Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, compete in the Derby of Eternal Enemies.

While the country's league is not as popular or prestigious as much of the others in Europe, it does serve up some of the most fanatical support.

There is a clear hatred and divide between the supporters of both of these clubs, much of it stemming from social and cultural differences.

The atmosphere during this encounter is the real draw.

Despite not possessing the quality of players similar to that of England or Spain, most football fans will not want to miss the experience of one of the most heated clashes in Europe.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Schalke 04

A league with fantastic support and interaction between players and fans, the Revierderby is one of the important and spectacular derbies in Germany.

Dortmund and Schalke, the two biggest clubs in the Ruhr region of Germany, compete in what is often a very good contest of football.

While neither club is always considered challengers for the title like Bayern Munich, their matches are always exciting to watch, an element which is aided by the feverish support of the German fans.

Champions League final

The Champions League final is the pinnacle of the club game in Europe, and arguably a competition which displays most of the world's best talents, more so than the World Cup.

While Barcelona have dominated the European stage for the majority of the past few years, it has been the consistency of English clubs which have garnered most attention in recent years.

By no means an easy competition to win, there is, however, a considerable amount of luck that accompanies a safe passage to the final.

Perhaps the most watched club game in all of Europe and one which gives added prestige and status to the victor.