Revierderby
The greatest rivalry in German football.
The Revierderby is the name given to any association football match between two clubs in the Ruhr region in North Rhine-Westphalia, but in most cases it refers to the derby between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. Outside Germany, it is often referred to as the Ruhr derby.
- character
- Rivalry
- Affiliation
- Schalke 04 vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Region
- Ruhr Area, Germany
- Status
- Active Historic Rivalry
- Atmosphere
- Intense and Passionate
- Stadiums
- Veltins-Arena (Home) / Signal Iduna Park (Away)
- Significance
- One of the biggest derbies in European football
Lore & Background
The rivalry began with a 4–2 Schalke victory on 3 May 1925. Schalke's style of play at the time was described as a 'wandering ball from man to man' in a series of short, flat passes, giving birth to the Schalker Kreisel. Schalke won all three matches from 1925 to 1927. The teams did not meet again until the creation of the Gauliga in 1936. It is considered the greatest rivalry in German football.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Veltins-Arena hums with a low, electric tension before kickoff. Thousands of blue-clad voices merge into a single roar as the Schalke players step onto the grass. Across the pitch, the sea of yellow and black waits in anticipation. As the referee blows the whistle, the stadium erupts, not just for the start of a game, but for the continuation of a century-old saga where only one color can reign supreme.
Reader's Guide
The Revierderby refers primarily to matches between Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04. A local derby between other Ruhr teams (e.g., VfL Bochum, MSV Duisburg, or Rot-Weiss Essen) is often called a kleines Revierderby.
Did You Know?
- The first meeting was on 3 May 1925, a 4–2 Schalke victory.
- Schalke's 10–0 win on 20 October 1940 is the most goals scored by one team in the derby.
- Dortmund's first victory over Schalke came on 14 November 1943, with a 1–0 win.
- The first scoreless match was on 22 April 1951 (Schalke 0–0 Dortmund).
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Revierderby?
It refers to the fierce football rivalry between Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund located in Germany's Ruhr region. This fixture represents a deep cultural clash that extends far beyond the ninety minutes of play.
Which stadiums host these derby matches?
Schalke plays their home games at the Veltins-Arena, while Dortmund hosts them at Signal Iduna Park. Both venues are known for creating an incredibly intense atmosphere during this specific fixture.
Why does the Revierderby hold such importance?
It is considered one of the most significant derbies in world football due to the shared industrial heritage of both cities. The match embodies a historic tension between Gelsenkirchen's mining roots and Dortmund's steel history.
What are the team colors involved in this clash?
The rivalry is visually defined by Schalke's royal blue kits facing off against Borussia Dortmund's yellow and black. This 'Blue against Yellow' dynamic defines a generation of supporters in the region.
Is this rivalry still active today?
Yes, the competition remains an ongoing and passionate fixture whenever the two clubs meet officially. Fans continue to view these encounters as the most critical games on their respective calendars.
More in Veltins-Arena & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in the Schalke 04 universe
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