Spartak vs CSKA - Historic Football Rivalries

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Spartak vs CSKA - Historic Football Rivalries

April 29, 2022, by Sophie

Historic Rivalries - Spartak vs CSKA

The history of football in Russia is long and full of very important moments. The football tradition in that country dates back to the end of the 19th century. So, the first official football game was played in 1893 in Saint Petersburg. An innumerable list of great football players has come out of Russia, and the Russian Premier League is strong. This league has a good level and internationally renowned teams, and the four great Moscow teams are among the most recognized teams: CSKA, Dynamo, Spartak, and Lokomotiv. These four teams capture the attention of an entire country. And just like in leagues of other countries, there could not be a lack of a great rivalry that would excite and divide the fans at the same time. But, while there are certainly many football rivalries in Russia, none compare to the expectations, history, and importance of the Moscow derby: CSKA vs. Spartak,

They played for the first time on June 1, 1922, with a 2-4 victory for Spartak over CSKA. There has been nothing but an intense rivalry between the two from that day on. This rivalry goes beyond football and polarizes Moscow fans, as several very radical components make the Moscow derby much more than just a football game. We can understand the difference between what each team represents to its fans. However, it is necessary to know a little about the two teams' history. Thus, we will understand that beyond just being two of the best clubs in Russian football, they also represent what divides that country socially and politically.

Spartak vs. CSKA: The Moscow Derby

The CSKA (Central Club of Army Sports) was initially founded in 1911 as a society of skiers. But, over the years, football was added as another sport in the association. However, everything changed in 1923, when it was taken over by the Red Army to become the army team. Therefore, the team represented the interests of the Russian government, along with another famous team, the Dynamo. Though, CSKA's counterpart is the team that represents the complete opposite: FC Spartak. It was one of the most important clubs during the existence of the Soviet Union. Then, after its dissolution, it was for many years the strongest and most emblematic team of the Russian League. Unlike CSKA, the history of Spartak (named after the famous Roman enslaved person, Spartacus) has a very different root.

Spartak has remained an independent club that has never been controlled by the Red Army (in its beginnings) or the Russian government. So, it has always been called "the people's team." His fans assume the importance of Spartak with everything that has to do with freedom and social democracy. Hence, when CSKA and Spartak cross paths, this encounter translates into a duel between what the Soviet Union represented and the fight of the Russian people against communism which is bigger than football itself. Russia completely comes to a standstill when the two teams meet, and to date, there have been 189 matches between the two teams. Spartak has won 82; CSKA, 70, and 37 ties amid a rivalry that may never end.

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