30 best soccer rivalries in the world

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 23: Shirts bearing the names of Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona and Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF are seen on display at a merchandise stall prior to the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 23, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) /

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MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 02: Cristiano Ronaldo (R) of Real Madrid CF competes for the ball with Gabi Fernandez (L) of Atletico de Madrid during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid CF at Vicente Calderon Stadium on March 2, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

15. Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

The Madrid derby is one of the most typical rivalries in this list. Not only is it stirred by the local rivalry, but political unrest throughout the Spanish capital and the class differences between the two sets of supporters only adds to the fiery atmosphere in matches.

The Galacticos of Real are possible the most famous club in the world with the biggest fan base in the world. In the 50s, Real’s new president, Santiago Bernabeu Yeste committed himself to the galactico tactic of signing world-class players from across the world. Alfredo Di Stefano was the most famous of these, and he helped lead Real to five straight European Cups.

While the Real Madrid are living the high life signing players for world record fees, Atletico are the blue-collar, hard-working neighbors who have to scrap for every piece of success. The Bernabeu is located next to banks and businesses on the upper class Paseo de la Castellana. The Vincente Calderon is next to a brewery. That displays everything about the one-sided Madrid relationship.

Atletico is often seen as the rebellious sibling to the flashy Real, and supporters of Atletico prioritize beating El Galacticos every season. In recent times, both Madrid clubs have enjoyed some success, with Real beating Atletico in the 2014 Champions League final 4-1 after extra time. The quality of the sides, the history of the clubs and the friction between the two halves of the city make this is a great footballing rivalry.

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