Great Rivalries: Hamburger SV Versus SV Werder Bremen

August 07, 2022, by Toby Banks

Hamburger SV Versus SV Werder Bremen

Germany is a country that has contributed a lot to the history of football. Talking about German football is synonymous with greatness, and some of its teams belong to the world elite by winning many European tournaments. Besides, many of its players have become true legends. Perhaps the passion and intensity with which Germans love and respect football is rarely seen in other countries. That is why rivalries are an essential part of German football, and we can find many of them. But, there is one, in particular, that is above all, despite not being the most famous in the world: the so-called Nordderby, between the teams SV Werder Bremen and Hamburger SV. Indeed, this is a German classic. It may sound surprising, but we are not talking about two of the most recognized teams outside of Germany. Even though, every time the Nordderby takes place, these two cities are paralyzed. We must consider that a distance of only 123 kilometers separates these cities. Actually, a stronger confrontation does not exist in the history of German football. Likewise, what has happened over the years between these two teams does not compare to other rivalries: this is the most exciting thing that football can offer us. The first time these two teams faced each other was back in 1927. On that occasion, Hamburger SV won 4-1. Surely, the fans of both teams did not imagine that a rivalry was born at that time. And this rivalry became an emblem of the northern region of Germany until the present.

Nordderby: The Fiercest Rivalry In German Football

One thing that makes the Nord Derby such a particular rivalry is how close the two teams have been in their match history, adding to the excitement of each duel. The teams have met in 156 matches, with SV Werder Bremen leading with 58 wins to Hamburger's 54 and drawing 44 times. But the significant thing about these numbers is that they are the Bundesliga's teams that have met the most. Only in a few seasons has the Nordderby not been held due to some of the teams being relegated to the second division. But, since they are clubs with a long history in the first division, they have met almost every year since 1927. Nordderby is also known for the clashes between both teams' fans. Indeed, in each match, the police guard the stadiums so that the unfortunate incident of 1982 won't happen again. At that time, Hamburg fans attacked a SV Werder Bremen supporter, causing his death. That event negatively marked the two teams' histories. So, ever since that day, the German authorities have closely monitored whatever happens before, during, and after each game.

For others, what is surprising about Nordderby is that everything is even, unlike other rivalries in which one of the two teams has a historical advantage in victories. So, victories, defeats, draws, goals scored, goals conceded; all these elements have assured these teams a special place in the long history of German football.

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