Factfile

Here are some of the world's other biggest derbies:

Argentina

Boca Juniors vs River Plate

The Superclasico in Buenos Aires between two of the country's most popular and successful clubs, is the biggest fixture on the Argentine soccer calendar.

Brazil

Corinthians vs Palmeiras

The Derby Paulista pits the Sao Paulo adversaries against each another. The Estadio Morumbi witnessed a record 120,522 spectators when the sides met in 1974.

England

Liverpool vs Everton

The two clubs won the league trophy seven years running in the 1980s but the fixture remains enthralling despite recent form. Liverpool's Anfield ground and Everton's Goodison Park are just 1km apart.

Tottenham vs Arsenal

Fans of the bitter north London rivals aim for bragging rights on a regular basis. Only 15 players, including former England defender Sol Campbell, have played for both since 1913.

Italy

AC Milan vs Inter Milan

Dubbed the Derby della Madonnina in honor of the statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the Milan Cathedral, the rivalry dates back to 1908 and has added value as the clubs share San Siro stadium.

Portugal

Benfica vs Sporting Lisbon

Dates back to 1907. Porto has been in the ascendancy in recent years but the game is still eagerly anticipated.

Spain

Barcelona vs Espanyol

Otherwise seen as a clash between Catalan and Spain, with Barca symbolic of independence and Espanyol, who has the royal crown on its crest, rule from Madrid.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid

Also billed as the bourgeois versus the working class: Real is based in the upmarket northwest of the Spanish capital, with Atletico's Vicente Calderon ground in the industrial southern suburbs.

Scotland

Celtic vs Rangers

"Old Firm" clashes are also seen as a battle between Roman Catholics and Protestants and were linked to the violent conflict in Northern Ireland between republicans wanting union with the Republic of Ireland and pro-British unionists.

China Daily

(China Daily 12/08/2012 page16)