LaLiga derbies last more than just 90 minutes
Passion, emotion, tension, hard-fought contests, rivalries, battles, commitment, feelings of belonging… any of the above could very well be used when it comes to capturing the essence of a LaLiga derby, encounters which never fail to awaken the inner passion of both sets of supporters.
During the course of the 2017/18 LaLiga Santander season, all of this and more is offered up on no less than 44 occasions, with 22 derby clashes contested home and away. These games are truly unique and no two derbies can be considered to be alike.
Some of them feature sides involved in the quest for the LaLiga title, as is the case when Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lock horns, whilst others see teams in the mix for a European spot go head-to-head, and then there are those that pit clubs bidding to avoid the spectre of relegation to LaLiga 1|2|3.
A derby encounter can never be seen as a run-of-the-mill fixture and they come packed full of ingredients that give them a special edge. The prospect of getting the better of your fiercest rivals means that there's far more at stake than just another three points.
What's more, LaLiga derbies don't just last 90 minutes, they span several weeks. Indeed, these games don't get under way and end with the referee's whistle, they kick off when the season's fixtures are released in August. The date is promptly earmarked by supporters who spend months on end just willing derby day to come around.
Whole cities are divided in the weeks leading up to the game and for a spell afterwards too.
Emerging victorious in a derby isn't the same as winning any other game.
It's all about your team putting three points on the board and ensuring that the eternal enemy ends up empty-handed. Madrid, Seville, Barcelona and Valencia are cities divided by rival allegiances and 19 of the 20 LaLiga Santander clubs are based in Galicia, the Basque Country, Andalusia and the Madrid and Valencia regions.
Culture, home-grown talent, tradition, history, emotions and excitement aplenty are what LaLiga derbies are all about.
Soccerphile.com