There's a clash of cultured Poles, violence on Olympiakos's terraces and arguably the most local clash in European among our next five top European derbies. University College Falmouth graduates Chris Matthews was there.
No 15. Tenerife v Las Palmas
The clash between Tenerife and Las Palmas must be classified as one of the most localised derbies in Europe.
The Canary Islands are situated just off Morocco meaning these two clock up more air miles than your average club during the course of the season.
Tenerife represent the island of the same name, whereas Las Palmas are from neighbouring Gran Canaria and when these two meet the affair is as passionate as anything else on offer around Europe.
Derby day sees fans make the short hop across the water to see the sides do battle.
Both sides have made sporadic appearances in the top-flight, but it is the Second Division where they primarily do battle.
Match day at Tenerife’s Helidoro stadium sees various acts of provocation aimed at riling the Las Palmas fans. Stuffed canaries (canaries being the symbol of Gran Canaria and Las Palmas) are hung from lampposts and attached to firecrackers in an attempt to goad their rivals as sides go head to head to determine who is crowned as ‘the kings of the Canaries’.
No. 14. Wisla Krakow v Cracovia
Krakow is well renowned as being the most beautiful and cultured city in Poland, having remained relatively untouched throughout much of Poland’s turbulent history.
However beauty is far from prevalent when the city’s top two clubs do battle in what is one of the most violent derby days in Europe and dubbed as ‘the Holy War’.
Wisla Krakow eclipse their city rivals Cracovia in terms of success, with Wisla having lifted the Polish title 14 times and often featuring in European competition. Cracovia operate on a far smaller budget and have been crowned champions five times, the most recent occasion way back in 1948.
Derby day tension is evident days and even weeks before kick-off as groups of fans from both teams patrol the city looking for fans representing their rivals. They then steel any club-related merchandise and proceed to set light to it on derby day in the ultimate act of provocation.
Since the fall of communism the hatred between the two has not abated and violence at the games is still rife and has even split over to Ice Hockey games between the clubs.
No. 13. Ferencvaros v Ujpest
With Hungarian football in poor general health, the clash between Ferencvaros and Ujpest is one of the only events that can guarantee a big crowd and a lively atmosphere.
Both clubs hail from Budapest and are named after the respective districts in which they are based.
Ferencvaros, known affectionately as ‘Fradi’, are the country’s most successful team with 28 Championship wins and Ujpest have also won the title a commendable 20 times. Another Budapest side, MTK, are sandwiched between with 23 crowns.
During Communist times, Ujpest were widely regarded as the team of the police, whereas ‘Fradi’ had no links to the authorities and these political differences resulted in huge friction which often caused violence between both sets of fans.
No. 12. Red Star Belgrade v Partizan Belgrade
Another fiery Eastern European affair.
Fans of these two capital city outfits fought side by side during the Yugoslav wars between 1991 and 1995, and also joined forces to help topple leader Slobadan Milosevic back in 2000.During these periods the terraces were actively used as a recruiting ground with troops drawn from both Red Star’s Delije fan group and Partizan’s Grobbari, however any camaraderie has long since evaporated and violence between the two groups is a common occurrence.
When Serbia’s most successful teams meet it is quite a spectacle. Spectacular pyrotechnics greet the arrival of the players and impressive displays of choreography add to the occasion.
Violence between the two sets of fans is not confined to match days and often occurs whenever Red Star and Partizan fans cross paths. In 2006 a street fight between younger fans of both clubs ended with a Partizan fan lying dead after being stabbed by a Red Star supporter.
No. 11. Olympiakos v Panathinaikos
With all away fans banned from attending this fixture, it is little surprise that this derby ranks right up there with the Istanbul derby in terms of hostility and sheer animosity.
Violence between the two sets of fans is not just confined to football and fights regularly break out at any sporting fixtures between the clubs, whether it is handball, volleyball or basketball.
Derby day sees an incredible noise and piercing whistles whenever the away team are in possession.
As well as being the two most successful clubs in the history of Greek football, a historical class difference can be attributed to the hatred between the fans.
Olympiakos are based in Piraeus and traditionally attracted a following of working-class employees who worked at the port. Alternatively Panathinaikos are based in the wealthy suburb of Ambelokipi just North-West of Athens and historically gained a wealthier following.
The Top Ten coming soon...