Generally, THE Football Space does not cover match reports due to the vast number of games being played in Europe's major leagues, instead the blog seeks to provide an insight into the wider issues surrounding the game. This weekend was exceptional in footballing terms as there were an incredible eight (yes, eight!) major local derbies in Europe's top leagues!
Sunday provided English fans with the great excitement of the Liverpool versus Everton derby match, the West Midlands derby between Wolves and Birmingham City, and a London derby between Arsenal and Chelsea all on the same day! At least Sky Sports' "Super Sunday" could live up to its name now!
Europe had major rivalries that needed settling as well. Spain had the footballing public captivated by the El Classico: Barcelona versus Real Madrid. Saturday was also important for the Portuguese League as the Lisbon Derby between Sporting and Benfica took place and Italy had a major derby of its own on Saturday: "The derby of the lantern" between fierce rivals Genoa and Sampdoria. Then there was "the eternal derby": Red Star Belgrade versus Partizan. This may not seem a huge clash, but these two fierce enemies met on Saturday. Also on Saturday, was the heated clash between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, a game that could ultimately decide the league title come the end of the season.
The El Classico was perhaps the most exciting in prospect. The rivalry itself is famous for its atmosphere and history but this season it appeared to be, on paper at least, the greatest contest of footballing "super clubs" ever. Real Madrid's new superstars Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Benzema were competing against the European Cup, Spanish Primera Liga and Spanish Cup holders Barcelona. It was also the first time the three best players in the world had all been on the same pitch: Kaka, Messi and Ronaldo. The game, however, failed to live up to its star billing and finished 1-0 to Barcelona. The contest was relatively disciplined apart from the two red cards. Barca's Sergio Busquets was the first to recieve his marching orders. He was followed by Real Madrid's Lassana Diarra, who was sent-off in the last minute.
Before the El Classico, the three derbies in the Premier League were played. Chelsea beat an Arsenal side bereft of ideas 3-0 at The Emirates Stadium. Both sides have been impressive of late, with Arsenal third before kick-off and Chelsea flying high at the top. Didier Drogba's brilliant free-kick was the highlight of the day for Chelsea fans as their pursuit of the title advanced. Liverpool, the team at the heart of many newspaper stories, got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over rivals Everton at Goodison Park. For Everton, the season seems to get worse as they finished the day 16th in the table. The most understated derby of the day, Wolves at home to Birmingham City, went in Birmingham's favour as they beat their fellow Premier League struggler's 1-0 thanks to a Lee Bowyer goal in the third minute.
Italy's derby between fellow high-flyers Genoa and Sampdoria was not a close contest. Genoa, who were playing at home, secured a commanding 3-0 victory over their bitter enemies. The heated atmosphere affected the players with Biava being dismissed in the 45th minute. The red cards didn't stop there either, with Rossi and Cacciatore being sent off for Sampdoria in the second-half.
Saturday's Lisbon major derby, between Sporting and Benfica, was perhaps the most disappointing of the weekend. The game finished 0-0. The result was more favourable towards Benfica as they finished the weekend in 2nd place whereas Sporting are 6th.
Then there was "the eternal derby" between 1991 European Cup winners Red Star and Serbia Super League champions Partizan. The 2-1 win for Partizan kept them top of the league. Violence marred this clash as 40 fans were arrested and 8 were injured.
Lastly, a huge derby took place in Greece as Olympiakos entertained Panathinaikos. Flairs were everywhere in the stands and the hostile atmosphere favoured the home side as they beat Panathinaikos 2-0 thanks to a brace from Konstantinos Mitroglou.
