Top 5 Derbies to Watch This Weekend

DATE_FORMAT_LC5 2207

Each season we always get a weekend where several of the biggest derbies in European football are played. We have one such weekend on the 25th and 26th of February, with 5 special matches to look forward to across the continent.

Real Madrid - Atlético Madrid (Madrid Derby)

One of the biggest derbies this weekend comes in the Spanish capital between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Neither team can afford to drop points as Real Madrid attempt to chase down Barcelona at the top and Atlético Madrid hope to ensure Champions League qualification.

Real Madrid have dominated the derby in the league, winning 91 of 171 matches compared to the 40 victories of Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid has lost only 1 of the last 14 Madrid derbies and must start as favourites.

Tottenham - Chelsea (Northwest London Derby)

Switching to the English Premier League and we have a Northwest London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Spurs are hoping to keep their top four hopes alive with a win while Chelsea need to starting moving through the top half of the league.

The Blues currently lead the way in the all-time records with 71 wins to the 54 of Spurs. The rivalry was ignited in the 2015 Premier League encounter when Spurs were shown 9 yellow cards, which is a Premier League record and Mousa Dembélé was handed a six-match suspension for violent conduct.

FC Nantes - Stade Rennais (Derby Breton)

Moving to France and in Ligue 1 we have the Derby Breton to enjoy between FC Nantes and Stade Rennais. FC Nates are currently in the bottom half of the table while Stade Rennais are pushing for Champions League qualification.

There is not a great deal to split the teams in Derby Breton history and FC Nantes have won 40 matches compared to the 33 wins of Stade Rennais. Nantes will be hoping to stamp their authority on the game having won only 1 of the 7 most recent derby games.

AS Monaco - OGC Nice (Derby de la Côte d'Azur)

Reaming in France and we also have the Derby de la Côte d'Azur between AS Monaco and OGC Nice. AS Monaco are flying high near the top of the table, with a title challenge not out of the question while OGC Nice are trying to get into the European qualifying places.

Of the 103 matches played in Ligue 1 between the teams, AS Monaco have the advantage with 45 victories compared to the 30 wins of OGC Nice. AS Monaco are undefeated in the last 7 meetings between the teams in all competitions.

Olympique Marseille - Paris St. Germain (Le Classique)

It is certainly a fantastic weekend of action in Ligue 1 and the biggest match of all is Le Classique between Olympique Marseille and Paris St. Germain. Le Classique is a game between the two most successful teams in French football history.

It is always a huge occasion regardless of the position in the league of the two teams but this time, the Ligue 1 title race is very much on the line. The atmosphere is going to be something special and as things stand in Ligue 1 head-to-head, PSG have 34 wins and Marseille have 32 wins.

Marseille won the recent Coupe de France fixture between the teams but PSG have won 3 of the last 4 Ligue 1 meetings.