Are you daring to dream about your next football trip?

Here are ten earth-shattering derbies to whet your appetite. From the well-known classics to some of our favourite hidden gems.

Which game gets your vote?

 

1. Krakow’s Holy War: Wisla vs Cracovia

They call this game the Holy War – and not because Pope John Paul II was a Cracovia fan. 

City derbies are a rare beast in Poland – and Krakow’s clubs are definitely too close for comfort. The stadiums of Wisla Krakow and Cracovia are just 500 meters apart, and the housing estates where their fans live are even closer.

This is an everyday rivalry and preparations for derby day start months before. Resulting in an atmosphere unlike any other, and a real must-visit derby.

 

2. De Klassieker: Feyenoord vs Ajax

De Klassieker pitches Feyenoord against Ajax. But it’s much more than that. 

This is a clash of two cities with very different views on life – as the workers of Rotterdam go up against the culture and artistry of Amsterdam.

The match-day atmosphere in Feyenoord’s De Kuip is one of the loudest there is. And things get so out of hand that away fans have been banned for a number of years.

They really don’t get much bigger than De Klassieker!

 

3. The Casa Derby: Raja vs Wydad

The Casablanca derby might not be on every fan’s bucket list. But after reading this, you’ll probably agree it should be.

Raja vs Wydad is easily the biggest local rivalry in Moroccan football – a country where the growing  Ultras scene and colourful match days will blow you away. 

Life in Casablanca rarely stops, but this derby shuts the whole city down. As the club’s fans shutter their businesses for the day and head to the city’s 80,000 capacity Mohammed V stadium.

The party starts hours before kickoff and never stops. With thousands of fans jumping on the terraces and letting off so many smoke bombs you’ll think you’re in South America. 

The Casa derby is potentially the world’s most underrated game. But the secret won’t last long.

 

4. The Clash of Copenhagen: Brondby vs Copenhagen

Talking of underrated derbies, Scandinavia deserves a mention.

You probably thought life in Copenhagen is pretty chill – but try telling that to anyone who’s visited the derby between Brondby and Copenhagen.

”The New Firm” has escalated to crazy levels in recent years. And clashes between the 2 clubs always make headlines both on and off the pitch.

You can expect brilliant English-style stadiums and some of the best fan displays in Europe. As well as plenty of noise and a tense atmosphere beforehand.

Scandi football has always flown under the radar, but the Copenhagen derby gets harder and harder to ignore.

 

5. The Derby Della Capitale: AS Roma vs SS Lazio

Rome might not have the most titles in Italian football, but it definitely has the best derby.

AS Roma v SS Lazio is one of the world football’s most enduring rivalries. As two incredibly passionate fan bases go head-to-head for ownership of the Eternal City.

Nothing is more important to either set of fans than a derby day victory. And the Olimpico atmosphere is relentless. There’ll be flags, there’ll be smoke, and both curvas will give it absolutely everything. 

Everyone should see Rome in their lifetime – and what better time to visit than for the Derby Della Capitale?

 

6. The Intercontinental Derby: Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce

Talking of epic cities, how about a visit to Istanbul?

Locals call it ‘the city older than time itself’ and this stunning city has been at the forefront of history for over 2000 years. 

Istanbul is home to over 14 million people and has a lively football scene to match. As huge clubs like Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, and Besiktas rub shoulders every day – and derby days kick off big time.

The rivalry between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce is the craziest of the lot.

It’s Europe vs Asia. It’s yellow and red vs yellow and blue. And it’s an incredible tsunami of noise, colour, and passion.

Istanbul is an incredible place to visit, and the Intercontinental Derby is a unique way to experience it.

 

7. The Old Firm: Celtic vs Rangers

The English game might have the money and the stars. But you’ll find Britain’s best derby north of the border.

Glasgow’s Old Firm Derby is perhaps the most complex, deep-rooted rivalry in world football. As political, religious, and sporting tensions split Scotland in two.

Despite their differences, Rangers and Celtic have something important in common: a shared obsession with winning. Sport is the real driver of this rivalry, and Old Firm games often decide the Scottish title.

Proper stadiums, proper fans, and a proper football city. The Old Firm Derby is a must-visit for any serious football fan.

 

8. Rio’s Fla-Flu derby: Flamengo vs Fluminense

Rio’s biggest derby lets you experience the mythical Maracanã stadium at its best. 

Fla-Flu is a derby between cross-town rivals Flamengo and Fluminense, it is one of the fiercest derbies due to the outrageous support these 2 clubs command across Brazil.

Before kick-off, both fanbases fill the stadium with flags, banners, and fireworks. Setting the scene for a massive football party and an atmosphere that’s not to be missed.

 

9. Belgrade’s Eternal Derby: Partizan vs Red Star

Quite simply, the Belgrade derby is the craziest match day in Europe.

Old school stadiums? Check. Massive away supports? Check. Enough explosives to knock Earth out of orbit? Most probably.

The scenes at this derby make most warzones look like a holiday spot.

And when it comes to insane match days, nothing in Europe comes close.

 

10. The Superclasico: Boca Juniors vs River Plate

Buenos Aires is heaven for football fans. With scores of top-flight clubs and some of the most iconic match day experiences on earth.

Of these, the Superclasico between Boca Juniors and River Plate is the undoubted king – as BA’s two megaclubs clash and bring the city to a halt.

Whether it’s at Boca’s mythical Bombonera or the bouncing Monumental, the atmosphere just doesn’t stop. 

You’ll find packed terraces shaking with noise. Colour exploding all around you. And goal celebrations that literally sweep you away.

The Superclasico is football passion at its rawest and most intoxicating. Don’t miss it!

Feeling inspired?

You can see all of these derbies the local way with Homefans!

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