Aston Villa–West Bromwich Albion F.C. Rivalry: A Tale of Two Cities
Historical Roots of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion is one of the oldest and most bitter in English football. The two clubs are based in the nearby cities of Birmingham and West Bromwich, respectively, and their close proximity has led to a fierce rivalry that has been played out on the pitch for over 100 years. The first meeting between the two sides took place in 1888, and since then, they have played over 150 competitive matches.
On-Pitch Battles
On the pitch, the rivalry between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion has been intense. The two teams have a long history of close matches, and there have been some memorable moments over the years. In 1900, Aston Villa beat West Bromwich Albion 12-0 in the FA Cup, which remains the biggest victory in the history of the rivalry. However, West Bromwich Albion has also had its moments, including a 5-0 win over Aston Villa in 1954.
Off-Pitch Rivalry
The rivalry between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion is not just confined to the pitch. The two sets of fans have a long history of animosity, and there have been numerous incidents of violence and hooliganism over the years. In 1982, a riot broke out after a match between the two teams, and several people were injured. In recent years, the rivalry has been less violent, but there is still a lot of tension between the two sets of fans.
Current Rivalry
The rivalry between Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion is still going strong today. The two teams are both in the Premier League, and they are often competing for a place in Europe. The matches between the two sides are always fiercely contested, and the fans are always passionate. The rivalry is one of the most intense in English football, and it is sure to continue for many years to come.
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