Top 10 rivalries in football picked by AI - with no place for North London Derby
Artificial intelligence is constantly used these days... and it's even being asked to settle the biggest debates in football.
One topic that's frequently debated is rivalries, with fans torn over which is the biggest. Aston Villa and Birmingham City supporters will argue the case for the Second City Derby, while those from Arsenal and Tottenham will point towards the North London Derby.
Yet neither of those iconic fixtures belong in the top 10 rivalries in world football, according to ChatGPT. The popular AI website has compiled a list that includes classic games in Italy, Argentina, Germany, Scotland, Spain and England.
If AI is to be believed, here are the top 10 rivalries in world football....
10. Edinburgh Derby
ChapGPT's list starts with a shock. Not many fans will regard the Edinburgh Derby between Hearts and Hibernian as one of the fiercest, but it's undoubtedly historic. These two Scottish clubs have been tussling for success since Christmas Day in 1875.
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This rivalry peaked in 2012, when both teams reached the Scottish Cup final. Sadly for Hibs, Hearts stormed to a 5-1 victory at Hampden Park to claim the ultimate bragging rights. Both Edinburgh teams currently compete in the Scottish Premiership.
9. Derby della Capitale
The Rome Derby, as it's known in English-speaking countries, is one of the most heated rivalries in Europe. Although Lazio and Roma share the Stadio Olimpico in the heart of the Italian capital, the two clubs have hated each other since 1927.
That was when Roma were formed following a merger of three clubs to represent the city against Italy's northern powerhouses: Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan. Lazio fans have resented Roma ever since, as the fight for supremacy in Italy's capital continues.
8. Northwest Derby
Manchester United and Liverpool are the two biggest clubs in England (Getty Images)What do you think is the biggest rivalry in world football? Let us know in the comments below!
Is this actually a derby? Many would argue no, as Liverpool and Manchester United don't live in the same parish. Yet the rivalry between the two clubs is undeniable. It first started during the industrial revolution, with Liverpool and Manchester both vying to be England's northern powerhouse.
There is also a cultural rivalry between the two cities: the Beatles vs Oasis, Brookside vs Coronation Street, Concert Square vs Canal Street. But the main fuel behind this rivalry is the fact they are the two biggest football clubs in England. Manchester United have 20 league titles, Liverpool have 19... but the latter side has three more European Cups.
7. Revierderby
Known as the greatest rivalry in German football, the battle between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke has existed for almost 100 years. Like Manchester United and Liverpool, the two clubs have long battled for supremacy in Germany's industrial Ruhr region.
This rivalry has declined in recent years due to Schalke's struggles. Once regarded as one of the biggest clubs in Germany, Schalke currently reside in the second tier following their relegation last season. Let's hope they can find their way back to the top soon.
6. Merseyside Derby
Liverpool also share a famous rivalry with Everton (Getty Images)While Liverpool fans despise Manchester United, their nearest rivals are Everton. This unique rivalry often divides families and is sometimes referred to as the 'Friendly Derby' because of a lack of total segregation between fans. Many supporters reject that label.
This rivalry reached its peak in 1986, when Liverpool defeated Everton 3-1 in the FA Cup final. They were arguably the best teams in the country at that point. Liverpool won the title in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1988, and Everton did the same in 1985 and 1987.
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5. Manchester Derby
Liverpool nor Everton fans will enjoy ChatGPT's judgement here. Manchester United and Manchester City have contested this fixture since 1881, but the latter club haven't always been competitive. City defeated United just once between their wins in 1981 and 2002.
This rivalry didn't spark into life until City were bought by the mega-rich Sheikh Mansour in 2008. His investment allowed them to step out of United's shadow and challenge them for trophies. City have won six of their last eight meetings, including this year's FA Cup final. But is this game bigger than the Merseyside Derby? Not a chance.
4. Derby della Madonnina
AC Milan and Inter Milan both play at the San Siro (Getty Images)The Milan Derby between Inter and Milan is defined by the success of both clubs. Juventus are the most decorated team in Italy - winning 36 league titles - but the fight for second spot between Milan's two clubs continues. Both have been champions of Italy 19 times.
But outside of the country, it's obvious who wins this rivalry. Milan have won seven European Cups, with only Real Madrid (14) claiming more. Inter have a good record with three European Cups, but it will take them a long time to usurp their nearest rivals.
3. Superclasico
The only non-European fixture on ChatGPT's list is arguably the most passionate. Buenos Aires pair Boca Juniors and River Plate have contested this rivalry since 1913. It's thought up to 70 per cent of Argentine football fans support one of these teams or the other.
This rivalry came to a head when they both reached the Copa Libertadores final in 2018, South America's equivalent of the Champions League. The second leg of the tie was abandoned and moved to Madrid due to safety fears, which says everything.
We compiled our own list of the biggest rivalries in world football back in 2017 and put the Superclasico in at No.1... and that was before the Copa Libertadores final!
2. The Old Firm
Celtic vs Rangers is one of the most notable fixtures in world football (Getty Images)Now we're talking. Celtic and Rangers have battled to be Scotland's premier club since 1888, with Celtic winning 53 league titles (and one European Cup) and Rangers claiming 55. To put this into perspective, no other team in Scotland has won more than four titles.
This rivalry isn't just about football, as it's often reflected sectarian divisions within Glasgow. There are cultural, religious and societal issues rooted deep into the fixture. Yet the desire to be Scotland's leading team is the driving force behind this famous battle.
1. El Clasico
Surprise, surprise. The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid - Spain's two biggest clubs - is one every football fan in the world knows. And it's one that's grown in recent years thanks to presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid and Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
These two clubs are separated by miles of land, but their rivalry stems from what they represent. Madrid are the Spanish capital's leading club, while Barcelona represent Catalonia - an autonomous community which has longed for independence from Spain.
A victory for Barcelona is often seen as a victory for Catalonian interests. Yet, like in all these rivalries, El Clasico is led by a desire to win on the pitch. Madrid and Barcelona have dominated Spanish football and won 19 European Cups between them.
*ChatGPT's list of rivalries may change in the future.
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