While supporting a team always brings with it plenty of emotion--total frustration, absolute elation, complete disgust--the matches that clubs play against their biggest rivals add another layer of complexity to the drama on the pitch. The people you see on a daily basis, chat with at work, nod hello to on the street, stand behind at the market, suddenly become your greatest enemy. To say the atmosphere is charged at these games would be a gross understatement. Supporters pull out all the stops, whether it’s their best chants, their stash of smoke bombs, or (unfortunately) their fists.
The Thrill Of A Derby: Sunday Football Features Tasty Rivalries
Four immense derbies all happen on Sunday, taking place in various corners of the world. Even if you don’t have a rooting interest in any of these clubs, all will likely provide a thrilling match:
Scotland
Old Firm: Celtic v Rangers, 7:45 a.m. EST
The two most successful clubs in Scotland meet tomorrow in Glasgow in one of the world’s hottest derbies. Both teams have perfect records in the Scottish Premier League, although Celtic sit behind Rangers in the table due to goal difference.
Turkey
Fenerbahçe v Galatasaray, 9 a.m. EST
Turkey’s biggest clubs square off in what many consider the best football derby in the world. While Istanbul’s clubs have put up a poor showing thus far in the Süper Lig, Fenerbahçe’s win on Monday put them in to fouth place in the league, and they’ll be seeking their 140th win against Galatasaray.
Brazil
Derby Paulista: Corinthians v Palmeiras, 1 p.m. EST
São Paulo's two oldest clubs face off for the 332nd time. Corinthians sit third in the Brasileirão, while Palmeiras are ninth. Yet Palmeiras have turned their season around, thanks to the arrival of Luiz Fleipe Scolari, and could very well pull off a win over Corinthians.
Mexico
El Super Clasico: Club América v Chivas de Guadalajara, 5 p.m. EST
Chivas sit in fourth in Group One of the Primera División, having only won three of their twelve matches. América have won just one more but sit second in Group Two.
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