Derby fever: Why football fans in Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia are on fire!

Derby fever: Why football fans in Berlin and North Rhine-Westphalia are on fire!

In Germany, football derbies have a very special status because they evoke the most passionate emotions. Names like Schalke against Dortmund, Hertha against Union and St. Pauli against HSV bring back memories of thrilling games and an atmosphere that brings even the boldest athletes together. There are two top derbies on the program next Saturday: Union Berlin meets Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC takes on FC Schalke 04 - two games that really send fans into a frenzy. These duels are a reminder not only of the rivalry between the clubs, but also of the special connection between the supporters and their teams.

A football night like this is more than just a game; it is an event that enlivens the gastronomy and fills the streets of the city with cheering fans. Torsten Mattuschka, a former professional turned analyst, speaks passionately about the atmosphere of a derby: "When you play against Sandhausen, you have to pump yourself up. Before a derby you are on high tension," he emphasizes.

Derbies and their meaning

These rivalries are not just sporting disputes, but also reflect the social climate of the cities involved. Mattuschka, who once gave goosebumps with a sensational free kick, describes how the atmosphere in the stadium boils from the first to the last minute during such games. “There are brutal feelings of happiness in the game – the 25,000 Union players in the red corner, that goes through your body, it’s pure goosebumps,” he remembers of his most formative derby.

The past few years have shown how long fans have to wait for such events. In Düsseldorf they recently experienced another derby against 1. FC Köln after 1,585 days, which increased the anticipation enormously. “The fans demand 100 percent from the team in a derby, but they also give everything themselves,” says Mattuschka, emphasizing the intensity of derby matches. Whether in the Pott or in Berlin, expectation becomes the driving motive for everyone involved.

Another aspect is the tradition of derbies in Germany. In Nuremberg and Fürth, for example, the city rivals face each other 272 times, while Leipzig celebrates its personal derby on Sunday. Mattuschka explains: “One fan goes to work with a big chest, while the other is picked on for six months.” This emotional drop is what makes derbies so unique.

The rivalry between football clubs is not limited to one region. In the south, Bayern and TSV 1860 Munich are known for their rivalry, and in Hesse there is also a lot going on between Eintracht Frankfurt and Kickers Offenbach. Such encounters not only guarantee exciting games, but also a heated atmosphere in the stands.

Among the many challenges and emotions that come with football derbies, the central question remains: When will Berlin experience a real derby in the first division again? Mattuschka comments on this and emphasizes that he "would like to have the derby back in league one. That brings so much energy and would be simply brilliant." Fans and players alike are already looking forward to these unforgettable duels.

The entire event will certainly not take place without confrontations. Many fans, more mobile than ever, are ready to show support in the stands and push their teams to victory. “The derbies thrive on the rivalry and passion of the fans,” sums up Mattuschka, underlining the fascination that these games have.

To get further insights into the fans' anticipation and the importance of the upcoming derbies, you can check out the coverage on www.rbb24.de track.