As one of the most popular football clubs in the world, Paris Saint-Germain has gained a reputation for being a dominant force on the field. However, with great success comes great rivalry.
PSG has had some intense matches against various teams, but who is their biggest rival? Let’s take a closer look.
Olympique de Marseille
There’s no denying that Olympique de Marseille is PSG’s biggest and most historic rival. The rivalry between these two teams dates back to the 1970s when they first faced off against each other. Both teams have a massive fan base, and when they play against each other, it’s not just about winning or losing but also about pride and bragging rights.
The rivalry between PSG and Marseille is often referred to as “Le Classique,” which translates to “The Classic.” The name itself implies that this match is something special and significant. Whenever these two teams meet on the field, there’s an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
The History
The rivalry between PSG and Marseille has been intense right from the start. In their first encounter in 1971, PSG was defeated 4-2 by Marseille. Since then, both teams have played against each other more than 40 times in various competitions like Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and Trophée des Champions.
Both teams have had their fair share of victories over the years. However, what makes this rivalry unique is the passion and animosity that fuels it. The fans of both teams have been known to engage in violent clashes before and after matches.
Recent Years
In recent years, the rivalry between PSG and Marseille has become even more intense due to PSG’s dominance in French football. PSG has won seven out of eight Ligue 1 titles since 2012. This has led to Marseille’s fans feeling even more bitter towards PSG and their supporters.
The tension between the two teams has been palpable in recent years. During a match in 2017, PSG’s Neymar was sent off after receiving two yellow cards. After the match, Marseille’s Patrice Evra confronted him, and a scuffle broke out between the two teams.
Other Rivals
While Olympique de Marseille is PSG’s biggest rival, they have had some intense matches against other teams as well. Lyon and Bordeaux are two other teams that have had a history of rivalry with PSG.
Lyon
Lyon and PSG have had some memorable clashes over the years. In 2008, Lyon defeated PSG 1-0 in the Coupe de France final. However, PSG got their revenge when they defeated Lyon 4-1 in the final of the Coupe de la Ligue in 2014.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux and PSG have also had some heated moments on the field. In 2015, during a match between these two teams, a brawl broke out between both sets of players. The referee had to separate them, and three players were sent off.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Paris Saint-Germain has had some intense matches against various teams over the years, Olympique de Marseille remains their biggest rival by far. The rivalry between these two teams is not just about winning or losing but also about pride and passion. Whenever they play against each other, there’s an electric atmosphere in the stadium that cannot be matched by any other team.