Borussia Dortmund - Schalke 04: Bundesliga Revierderby
One of the bad news stories last season in the Bundesliga was that Schalke 04 was relegated to the second division. This may sound like something unimportant to those who do not follow German football closely. However, it had a serious connotation for not only the fans of the team but also the fans of another team: Borussia Dortmund, Schalke's historical rival. The reason is that, for the first time in many years, the Revierderby did not take place, and for a season, one of the most important rivalries in Germany was put on hold. For decades, it was unthinkable that a Ruhr Derby match (Revierderby) would not take place and that Borussia and Schalke would not meet in the Bundesliga. Well, unfortunately, last year, that nightmare came true. But the good news is that Schalke 04 will return to the Bundesliga this season. So, once again, they will face their arch-rival, and Revierderby's history will continue to be written. A bit of history: in 1904, the team we know today as Schalke 04 was founded in the urban region of Rhine-Ruhr, one of the most populous areas in Germany. A couple of decades later, the team was mostly made up of players who were themselves coal miners from Gelsenkirchen. Thus, since then, the team has been known as The Mineros (Die Knappen).
Borussia Dortmund was founded in 1909 in Dortmund, which also belongs to the Rhine-Ruhr region. They were born about 35 kilometers away from the Schalke 04 headquarters. A group of young Catholic athletes founded the club. The marked differences in their founders’ origins created an instant rivalry (mining workers and Catholic athletes) as well as their proximity. This rivalry persisted even during the war and post-war times. Since their first meeting in 1925 (Schalke 4-2 Dortmund), the passion of the fans has never waned. Therefore, it was quite a tragedy that the derby suffered an interruption last season. Socially, Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen are two sister cities because of the short distance that separates them. But, there is a gap that arises because of the Revierderby, which was the first great rivalry in German football. They are two of the teams with the most successful histories in Germany. Schalke 04 has won which titles and Dortmund 8. Moreover, they have two of the biggest fans in the Bundesliga.
In the long history of confrontations, many violent events have occurred between the supporters of both teams. Thus, each match represents a real confrontation between the most extreme supporters of these clubs. The police authorities always need to be on alert. Given the proximity of the cities, the frequent fights have affected the inhabitants of Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen. Since 1925, these teams have met 158 times, with 55 wins for B. Dortmund, 60 for Schalke 04, and 43 draws. The rivalry returns this year! So, it will go a long way in lifting the spirits of both teams’ fans and fans of German football in general.
