Fenerbahce vs Galatasaray: The Intercontinental Derby That Defines the Süper Lig

Two clubs, two continents, one city, one bitter rivalry. That's something that isn't said all that often.

In the case of Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, all the classic staples of a fierce, deep-rooted hatred between two clubs separated by only a few miles remain firmly in tact. Only in this particular case, all other rivalries seem fluffy, squidgy and tame in comparison to the absolute epitome of a 'football derby'.

This is Turkey's biggest football match, and nothing else quite matches up to it.

Starting its journey in the early 20th century, the formation of both clubs took their classic differing paths. Galatasaray was founded by the prestigious Galatasaray High School in the European half of the city, a place where all the wealthy members of Istanbul would send their children for education. Got an idea of where this is going yet?

Across the Bosphorus Bridge and into Asia, Fenerbahce sprung out of the work of the locals and its desire to be the 'peoples'' club, something that drew support from other locals. Meanwhile, Galatasaray garnered attention from those in a more elite position, resulting in a rivalry with strong tones of a class divide.

Fast forward a few years and those initial foundations lost their way, with both clubs neither considered wealthier or more privileged than the other. Now, you have two clubs, very equal in appearance, sharing a city, and hating each other's guts.

For 20 years the two sides regularly faced off in league and cup action, until a 1934 clash set the tone for what would be the eventual path this fixture would take for the remainder of its current plight. The ferocity of matters on the pitch were as gruelling as ever, but tempers eventually reached boiling point and both on and off-pitch fighting got so severe that the referee abandoned the game.

The mood was set.

From there began the scenes that have become commonplace today. Elaborate pyrotechnic displays, giant banners, hostile chanting, riots and fireworks are now staples of any encounter between the two, with the lengthy build-up between any upcoming match extending from days to weeks and even months.

Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahce is not just the lifeblood of sport in Turkey. It is a cultural divide ingrained into each member of the city from the day they're born. You're Galatasaray or Fenerbahce, Sarı Lacivertliler or Sarı-Kırmızılılar.

What is intriguing to note from the nicknames is the minor difference in colour. Both clubs sport yellow on their kits, with either red or blue the key divide.

Istanbul is their shared love, and the clubs are their shared differences.

Countless factors over the years have fuelled the fires of passion. The violence has previously reached tragic levels, with stabbings and death a disgraceful and desperately sad conclusion to the heated displeasure with which both sets of fans harbour for each other.

In May 2013 a 19-year-old was killed, tainting the passionate nature and invigorating aspect of what makes this fixture so cherished across the world.

And it's just that. Fans flock from across the globe to get a taste of what this match has to offer. Turkish football may not be held in such high esteem as other leagues across the continent, but these two clubs have been mainstays in European competitions and played host to some exceptional talent over the years.

Such intensity and passion between the two attracts not only supporters from afar, but players and managers too. The likes of Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder, Durk Kuyt, Lukas Podolski, Nani, Raul Meireles, Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie are just a few of the star names to flock to either club in recent history.

Meanwhile, Roberto Mancini, Frank Rijkaard, Zico, Joachim Löw and Graeme Souness have all dabbled in management for either side. The latter of whom is famed for one of this clash's most unforgettable moments, when the Scot led Galatasaray to a two-legged Turkish Cup final victory in 1996 despite being underdogs, before strolling into the centre circle and planting a flag of his side straight into the turf.

Success outside of their own country may not have been so forthcoming, but Galatasary hold the honour of claiming a UEFA Cup title in 2000, as well as a UEFA Super Cup crown the following year.

This is used as constant ammunition against their sworn enemies, with their achievements outside of Turkey granting them bragging rights they will never surrender.

Between the two, the fact that neither have entirely outshone the other in domestic competitions adds to the allure and grandeur of each match-up. Derby clashes can sometimes lose their appeal when one side dominates the other so frequently, but with Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, the sense of each clash never being a foregone conclusion means each game remains at its invigorating best.

Galatasaray hold the edge in Super Lig titles with 22, while their cross-city rivals fall just short with 19 crowns - although in overall Turkish trophies secured, Fenerbahce have the edge. Despite Galatasaray's greater Super Lig title tally, remarkably, their win away at the Şükrü Saraçoğlu in February of this year was their first triumph away at Fenerbahce's stadium since 1999. As said, you never know what to expect when these two meet.

Furthermore, over the history of the fixtures between the pair, Fenerbahce hold the edge having won a majority 146 times in the 391 games played.

Such a long-standing and bitter feud will pick up right where it left off when football eventually returns, and although Fenerbahce's grip on success has faltered in the last decade, it is without any doubt that the next Intercontinental Derby will be one of the feistiest in modern memory.

It's only so long these two can remain apart. Starved of the passion and pride that this fixture evokes, despite it being a strong, inner hatred they have for each other, it's nevertheless a tumultuous marriage that can't be broken.

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