TOP TEN TEAM RIVALRIES

There are fixtures in the spread betting calendar that just stand out from all the others, usually owning to an intense rivalry that draws betting fans and spectators who go expecting to see an explosive clash.

Sometimes it’s simple geography that creates an intense rivalry between two sides. Sometimes however, it may be much more complex historical, politics or even religion that puts two sides at war in the sporting arena.

What can’t be denied though, is that such rivalries are certain to capture the imagination of the sports spread betting public for years to come.

Barcelona v Real Madrid

One of the biggest rivalries in world football involves the Catalunya region (Barcelona) and the Castile region (Madrid). Catalan people have been vying for independence for years and the games against Madrid, known as ‘El Clasico’, are the two biggest games of the year. The rivalry intensified in 2000 when Barcelona star Luis Figo made the unheard of decision to move to Madrid. Figo, a cult hero with the Barca faithful, was seen as a traitor and ended up with one fan throwing a pig’s head at his feet on his return. The two clubs regularly battle it out for La Liga and are virtually always the top two in the betting for the title.

Celtic v Rangers

Some things are bigger than football, and many people believe that the Celtic v Rangers match up is the biggest rivalry purely on grounds of religion. Glasgow Celtic is an Irish Catholic club, whilst Glasgow Rangers represent the Protestant community. There are four games between the two clubs each season in the Scottish Premier League and they are commonly known as the ‘Old Firm’ matches. The atmosphere is legendary, but Sectarianism has become a problem in the modern game with both clubs trying to stamp down on it. One of the key moments in recent history was when Mo Johnston transferred to Rangers days after being paraded in front of the media at Celtic Park. His decision – especially as he was a Roman Catholic – made him a traitor to many on both sides. In recent seasons they have been so evenly matched that they have often started joint spread betting favourites for the Scottish Premiership title.

Manchester United v Liverpool

Manchester United and Liverpool are undoubtedly the two biggest clubs in English football, winning a total of 34 Championships and seven European Cups between them. There has always been an intense rivalry between the two cities and the success of both clubs means that the two games are the biggest games of the season. These match ups can get very fiery and spread bettors regularly like to bet on a high number of yellow and red cards being shown. Liverpool’s team of the 1970’s and 80’s is often described as the best team of all-time, but it has been Manchester United, under the stewardship of Alex Ferguson, who have secured the bragging rights in recent years.

Boca Juniors v River Plate

The two biggest teams in Argentina come from different ends of the social spectrum in Buenes Aires. Boca, are traditionally the working class club who started the careers of superstars such as Maradona, Gabriel Bastituta and more recently Carlos Teves. They play at the Bombonera which is famous for its intimidating atmosphere, especially when playing against their most hated rival, River Plate, traditionally the middle class club from the Núñez area of town. Boca’s history is slightly more illustrious with seven Copa Libertadores trophies opposed to River’s two, but River have clinched the league title 32 times compare with Boca’s 23. Football betting has become big business in Argentina in recent years and most punters side with the big two in their season forecasts.

England v Germany

A somewhat obvious rivalry considering the two world wars, but games between England and Germany always create a passionate atmosphere. To many people this contest will be remembered for the 1966 World Cup Final in which England eventually won 4-2 after extra time. They have since met on a number of occasions with the Germans generally coming out on top in the major tournaments. It has become a running joke in England for years that they will always get knocked out by the Germans on penalties. Head-to-heads between the two nations are even at four wins each, but in 2001 English spread betting punters cleaned up when England won 5-1 in Munich.

Oxford v Cambridge

Two of the most famous universities in the world, the main sporting rivalry between them is the annual boat race which takes place on the River Thames. The race has been held every year since 1856 and students from both universities descend on London to cheer on their team. Cambridge, traditionally dressed in light blue, have a slight edge over their rivals with 79 victories to 73, but Oxford, always dressed in navy blue, have had the upper hand in recent years. The rivalry also crosses over to the rugby field, where Oxford and Cambridge annually contest the Varsity match at Twickenham.

England v Australia

The Aussies and ‘Poms’ have been intense rivals for hundreds of years on both the cricket and rugby pitch. The most famous rivalry is the Ashes series which stems from a burnt bail being placed in a small urn in 1882 to signify the death of English cricket after the Australians had triumphed on English soil. The battles remain as fierce to this day and have become famous for the ‘sledging’ that is designed to put batsmen off their game. Betting has become a major part of the Ashes and punters can bet on anything from how many catches are dropped by a team to the number of runs one batsman scores. Australia recently re-claimed the Ashes after England had won them in 2005 for the first time in 18 years.

India v Pakistan

As fierce a rivalry as you can get; mainly due to the countries’ proximity and their shared love of cricket. Pakistan was granted independence from India in 1947 but didn’t play test cricket until 1952 when they played India in Delhi. They have since faced each other on numerous occasions, always with an electric atmosphere. Pakistan won the World Cup in 1992, whilst India clinched the title in 1983. India’s first game was against England at Lord’s in 1932, but in recent times they have had to rely on the best batsmen in the world, Sachin Tendulkar, to keep their place as third best in the world. The latest big news to hit the cricketing world was the death of Pakistan coach, Bob Woolmer, with many people associating it with underworld betting syndicates.