Football Rivalries Reignited: Become the Ultimate Underdog Slayer in Football Manager!

Unlock epic clashes in Football Manager! Master tactics, groom wonderkids, and overturn historic rivalries. Your managerial reign begins here.

From The Netherlands to Chile, turn tides and make history in Football Manager as you tackle legendary football rivalries and fight to change the course of their epic sagas.

There are several challenges you can take on in Football Manager. From taking over one of football’s biggest names to building up a dynasty from scratch, players are left to their own devices when coming up with the tests they want to face. When it comes to challenges, few are as intense as going head-to-head with your derby rivals.

However, not every clash is born equal, and sometimes one side takes the upperhand. This is where you, the manager, have the power to overturn the tides of time, build up the underdog and make these heated derbies a clash of epic proportions once again.

 

Feyenoord vs Ajax

The Ajax vs Feyenoord match, commonly referred to as "De Klassieker", is the biggest fixture in Dutch football. This intense rivalry between the two clubs has a rich history and is deeply ingrained in the culture of the Netherlands. The rivalry runs deeper than football, with the cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam historic rivals and a big societal divide between their identities.

However, it’s been hardly as equal as those in the docks of Rotown would hope. With an impressive record of 76 wins, 44 draws, and 45 defeats against Feyenoord, Ajax holds a significant advantage over their arch-rivals.

The statistics highlight the disparity between the two clubs. Ajax's 31-victory lead exemplifies their historical superiority in head-to-head encounters with Feyenoord. This dominance has contributed to their status as a powerhouse in Dutch football, and make the envy of Feyenoord.

 

Sporting Lisbon vs. Benfica

The Derby da Capital between Benfica and Sporting Lisbon is a fixture that ignites passion and excitement among football enthusiasts in Lisbon and beyond. The rivalry between these two clubs goes beyond mere competition on the pitch. It represents a clash of ideologies, traditions, and local pride, further enhancing the intensity and significance of the encounters.

When it comes to head-to-head clashes, Benfica stands as the dominant force. With an impressive record of 82 wins, 45 draws, and 49 defeats, Benfica holds a commanding 33-win advantage over Sporting Lisboa. This remarkable statistic illustrates the historical superiority of Benfica in the derby, showcasing their ability to consistently outperform their rivals. The dominance of Benfica extends beyond the direct confrontations with Sporting Lisboa. Benfica proudly boasts 37 league titles, making them the most successful club in Portugal's top flight. In contrast, Sporting Lisboa has secured 19 league titles, a respectable number but one that pales in comparison to Benfica's remarkable tally.

 

Zürich vs Basel

A rivalry born not in the annals of history but in the digital era of the 21st century, the rivalry between Basel and Zürich captures the attention and passion of football enthusiasts across Switzerland as they’ve fought increasingly for silverware in the last couple of decades.

The winners, however, have usually been the boys in red and blue of Basel. In their head-to-head record, they emerge as the dominant force with an impressive tally of 64 wins, 43 draws, and only 31 defeats. This means Basel holds a substantial 33-win advantage over Zürich. Furthermore, their success transcends the direct confrontations with Zürich, boasting an impressive collection of 20 league titles, seven more than their rivals.

 

Inter vs Juventus

Our journey takes us to Italy, where we encounter a soccer derby that may surprise many with its one-sided nature. The rivalry in question, often branded the “Derby d’Italia”, involves two iconic clubs: Juventus and Inter Milan. However, it’s impossible to doubt that the Vecchia Signora have established their dominance in this historic derby.

The head-to-head record speaks volumes, with Juventus triumphing in an impressive 85 encounters, while 45 matches ended in draws, and 48 resulted in defeats. This substantial 37-win difference underscores the historical superiority of the Bianconeri over the Nerazzurri.

The dominance of Juventus extends beyond the direct clashes with Inter Milan. The club has accumulated an astonishing 34 Serie A titles, double the number of titles won by their rivals. This remarkable achievement further cements Juventus' status as one of the most successful and revered clubs in Italian football history, and one massive behemoth to overcome for any potential Inter manager.

 

Universidad de Chile vs Colo Colo

Going to South America, we focus on two clubs who represent the pinnacle of Chilean football. However, while they both boast impressive trophy cabinets and a fierce rivalry that captivates fans across the country, one certainly comes ahead.

Colo Colo stands as the most successful club in Chilean football history, having secured an impressive 32 league titles. Moreover, they are the country's only Copa Libertadores winner, making them the best team in Chile’s history. In contrast, Universidad de Chile, while also a highly accomplished club, has amassed “only” 18 league titles.

The head-to-head record between Colo Colo and Universidad de Chile showcases the difference between them. Colo Colo has established an abysmal 40-win advantage over their rival, having emerged victorious in 88 encounters. This significant difference puts a chip on U de Chile’s shoulder to come back at their biggest rivals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Football Manager offers aspiring tacticians the thrilling opportunity to reshape some of football’s most storied rivalries. Whether it’s rekindling the fire in “De Klassieker” between Feyenoord and Ajax, or tipping the scales in the fever-pitched Derby da Capital in Lisbon, the game challenges players to craft strategies that defy historical dominance. With underdogs waiting for their day in the sun across Europe and South America, the possibilities are limitless. Engage in a high-stakes world of tactics, strategy, and club management, and you just might etch your name in the annals of football history as the mastermind who turned titanic rivalries on their head. This is not just a game; it's a test of your ability to rewrite history and revive the timeless magic of football rivalries.