The Rivalry

             When you think soccer rivalries,  what teams come to mind?  There are many rivalries in the world of soccer that range from club to international.  In the past, an international meeting between Argentina and Uruguay was as heated as they come.  Both teams fought tooth and nail for victory and would stop at no expense to get it.  Another international rivalry happens in my country when the United States take on Mexico.  When these two teams step on the pitch you never know what can happen.  There could be good soccer played or the violent side of the sport can come out.  It always seems the clashes between the US and Mexico have important meaning whether its qualifying for the World Cup or just a "friendly fixture".

             In club soccer there are many rivalries.  One of my favorites take place in Italy at the San Siro.  The Milan derby is a great rivalry that pins Inter verse Milan.  The red and black verse the blue and black.  Both of these teams play in the same stadium and the fans are from the same backyards.  Some of the greatest players in the world have been involved making this pairing of  rivals historic.  This rivalry is for bragging rights whether the two teams are at the top or the bottom of the standings in the Serie A.

            Another more recent rivalry pins the "Bavarian Giants" Bayern Munchen against the defending champions Borussia Dortmund.  Bayern have always been the most decorated team in Germany but with the impact of the group in Dortmund a rivalry has been born.  Whether its a Bundesliga game, German Cup game, or any other game these two table toppers in the Bundesliga put on a show not duplicated by many.

            The next rivalry we will speak of is Manchester City and Manchester United.  Arguably the most competitive league in the world the English Premier League have talent from top to bottom.  Among the top of the table are the two Manchester teams.  The Red Devils of United have been the elite for years.  Sir Alex Ferguson and the boys make the UEFA Champions League every year by finishing in the top 4 of the EPL(English Premier League).  In present day the two top names are Rooney and Van Persie.  For the "Light Blues" or Manchester City, it wasn't as easy to reach the top.  For years City lived in the shadow of "ManU".  With the birth of wealth and great transfers the City side of Manchester climbed the tables to the top.  Last year they capitalized on a Premier League Title by triumphing over Manchester United.

          The Final Rivalry may be the top rivalry in the world better known as "El Clasico".  In Spain's La Liga there are two teams to talk about and they are Real Madrid and Barcelona.  The storied rivalry known throughout the world is like watching a piece of artwork come to life.  The white kits of Madrid and Barca's blue and red mesh like paint to a canvas to tell the story of the match.  As if the rivalry wasn't strong enough,  these two teams also have two of the top players in soccer today.  Lionel Messi an Argentine that was taught the soccer trade in Barcelona like most of their talent and Cristiano Ronaldo a Portuguese winger with athletic attributes like no other.  Both venues also setup a great atmosphere.  In Barcelona there is the Camp Nou and in Madrid they have the Santiago Bernabeu.  

         I think the rivalry is the gem in all sports.  Two teams that just don't get along and the fiery chants of their fans can create echoes in stadiums heard round the world.  These rivalries could be from multiple clashes between two teams or a local foe like a derby between two neighboring teams.  I hope we can see more rivalries made in soccer to further enhance the competitive drive.