Steeped in history, the Rheinderby between Köln and Gladbach is lacking its former glory
On Sunday, Köln will host eternal rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach. Although one of the most historic derbies in Germany, this weekend's affair will be one for the purists.
It is one of the most historic games in German football, on Sunday, 1. FC Köln will host eternal rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach for the Rheinderby. Indeed, fans of both clubs will tell you with some snobbery that this is the real Rheinderby, between two real Traditionsvereine with a history far exceeding that of the third club in the region: Bayer Leverkusen. Don’t even mention Düsseldorf; that city and club doesn’t count.
Sure, unlike Leverkusen, Köln (three times) and Gladbach (five times) have been German champions. But part of the truth is also that you have to go back to the 1970s to see the names of either club engraved in the Meisterschale. Gladbach last won the Bundesliga in 1977, and Köln won it in 1978—the Billy Goats beat out the Foals on goal differential that season.
The 1977/78 title race between Gladbach and Köln might explain the animosity between the two clubs. But there is more to the story. The Rheinland is an odd part of Germany, in general. Köln, Mönchengladbach, Düsseldorf, and, if you dare to include it, Leverkusen are just a short train trip separated from one another.
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