The biggest Liverpool rivals in football history reflect the club’s long-standing success and global stature. Liverpool ranks among the legendary football teams, known for numerous domestic and European titles, legendary players, and historic leadership. A football rivalry involves fierce competition, deep history, and emotional fan engagement. Liverpool’s rivalries with clubs like Everton and Manchester United highlight intense local pride, competitive balance, and unforgettable encounters. The rivalries have shaped Liverpool’s identity and added to football’s passionate narratives.
1. Manchester United
Manchester United shares one of football’s fiercest rivalries with Liverpool, officially known as the “Northwest Derby.” The origins of the Liverpool vs. Manchester United rivalry trace back to the 19th century when industrial competition between the cities created deep-rooted tension. The first major football clash occurred in 1894 when Liverpool defeated Newton Heath 2–0, replacing them in the First Division. The rivalry intensified across the 20th century, with Liverpool dominating in the 1970s and 1980s, while Manchester United became the leading English club in the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson. The name “Northwest Derby” reflects the regional battle, and Liverpool fans labeled Manchester United “The Glams” in the 1970s and 1980s to criticize their media attention despite limited success at that time.
Liverpool holds the upper hand in the Liverpool vs. Manchester United fixture. Liverpool have won five, drawn four, and lost one of the last ten Premier League meetings as recorded in May 2025. The total record stands at 83 wins for Manchester United, 72 for Liverpool, and 61 draws. Liverpool vs man united matchups in recent seasons reflect Liverpool’s superiority, despite the historical edge. Notable matches are the 1994 3-3 draw at Anfield when Liverpool came back from 0-3 down and the 1977 FA Cup Final, where Manchester United vs. Liverpool ended 2-1, denying Liverpool a treble. Another iconic moment is Liverpool’s 7-0 victory in March 2023, their largest-ever win over United.
2. Everton
Everton has played a central role in one of football’s oldest and greatest rivalries, known as the Merseyside derby. The rivalry began in 1892 after a rent dispute at Anfield between Everton’s directors and club president John Houlding. Everton left Anfield and moved to Goodison Park, prompting Houlding to establish Liverpool FC to occupy the now-empty ground. The first official Liverpool vs. Everton match took place on October 13, 1894, with Everton winning 3-0 at Goodison Park. The rivalry took on the name “Merseyside derby” due to both clubs being located in the Merseyside region of Liverpool. Anfield and Goodison Park sit less than a mile apart, separated by Stanley Park. The term “friendly derby” was once applied because many families supported both clubs. The rivalry later grew more hostile and currently holds the Premier League record for the most red cards, with Everton receiving 17 out of the 25 issued.
Liverpool holds the advantage in the current state of the rivalry. The club has dominated the fixture since the 2010s. Liverpool has won the last three home derbies by a 2-0 scoreline as of May 2025. Everton has failed to win a home derby since October 2010. Liverpool has recorded one loss in their last 24 top-flight home matches against Everton. The rivalry’s intensity remains strong, with Liverpool consistently finishing higher in the league. Three historic Everton vs. Liverpool matches include the 1989 FA Cup Final, where Liverpool won 3-2 in an emotional game following the Hillsborough tragedy. The April 2001 clash saw Gary McAllister score a last-minute 44-yard free kick to secure a 3-2 win for Liverpool. The November 2013 match ended in a 3-3 draw filled with lead changes and dramatic moments, marking it as one of the highest-scoring derbies in Premier League history.
3. Chelsea
Chelsea built its rivalry with Liverpool during the early 2000s, despite first meeting in 1907. The rivalry escalated when Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2–1 on the final day of the 2002–03 Premier League season, denying Liverpool Champions League qualification. Roman Abramovich’s takeover in 2003 intensified the competition, leading to repeated high-stakes clashes in domestic and European competitions. Media have referred to Chelsea vs. Liverpool as “The Clash of the Blues and Reds.” The most controversial moment came in 2005 when Luis García’s “ghost goal” sent Liverpool to the Champions League final, creating lasting debate and animosity.
Liverpool has held the upper hand in recent years. Jürgen Klopp’s side defeated Chelsea in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, the 2022 FA Cup and EFL Cup finals, and the 2024 EFL Cup final. Liverpool has 87 wins, Chelsea 66, and 46 draws in all-time meetings, as of May 2025. Chelsea recorded only 2 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses against Liverpool in the Premier League from June 2020 to May 2025. Chelsea won their recent encounter 3–1 on May 4, 2025, but Liverpool remains the more dominant side. Three iconic matches define the Liverpool vs. Chelsea rivalry. The memorable encounters include the 2005 Champions League semi-final featuring the “ghost goal,” the 2009 4–4 Champions League quarter-final held at Stamford Bridge, and the 2022 FA Cup final, which Liverpool clinched through penalties following a scoreless draw.
4. Arsenal
Arsenal shares one of English football’s longest and hottest rivalries with Liverpool, beginning with their first match in 1893 when Liverpool won 5-0 against Woolwich Arsenal. The rivalry deepened over the 20th century as Arsenal and Liverpool rose to prominence, with Liverpool dominating in the 1970s and 1980s, and Arsenal making strong title runs in the 1930s and late 1980s. Liverpool vs. Arsenal does not have a specific nickname, though each team has a well-known identity. Arsenal is called “The Gunners” due to their military factory origins, while Liverpool is called “The Reds,” a name tied to their iconic all-red kit introduced in the 1960s.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool remains one of the Premier League’s most-watched fixtures, with matches affecting title races or European qualification. Liverpool has held a slight lead in the total win count as of May 2025, reflecting recent dominance with higher league finishes and a Premier League title in 2020. Arsenal’s last league title came in 2004. Three iconic matches define the rivalry. The first is Arsenal’s dramatic 2-0 win at Anfield in May 1989, which secured the league title in the final seconds. The second is Liverpool’s dominance across the 1980s during their peak years. The third is a series of important matches in the 2010s and early 2020s when Liverpool consistently outperformed Arsenal during their title-winning form.
5. Real Madrid
Real Madrid and Liverpool first met in the 1965 European Cup semi-finals when they ended in a 3-2 aggregate win for the Spanish club. The rivalry gained momentum in 1981 when Liverpool won the European Cup Final with a 1-0 victory after Alan Kennedy scored the decisive goal. Liverpool vs. Real Madrid do not have a common nickname, but each team has its own identity. Real Madrid is known as “Los Blancos” because of their all-white kit. Liverpool is called “The Reds,” which refers to their iconic red uniform. The rivalry became more intense in later years with memorable matches in the Champions League. A major highlight came in 2009 when Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 5-0 over two legs in the Round of 16.
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool has tilted in favor of the Spanish side in recent years. Real Madrid has won the majority of the latest encounters, including the 2018 Champions League Final, where they claimed a 3-1 victory. The match featured two critical errors by Liverpool’s goalkeeper and an early injury to Mohamed Salah. The total record as of May 2025 shows more wins for Real Madrid, which underlines their control in the modern era. Three iconic matches define the rivalry. The 1981 European Cup Final ended with a Liverpool win. The 2009 Round of 16 showed Liverpool’s dominance with a 5-0 aggregate victory. The 2018 Champions League Final marked Real Madrid’s recent superiority with a strong performance and clinical goals.
6. Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur shares a modern and increasingly intense rivalry with Liverpool. The Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur rivalry grew stronger during the 2010s when the two clubs became regular contenders in the Premier League and European competitions. The rivalry is not based on geographical proximity or historical animosity. Competitive ambition and repeated high-stakes meetings fueled the tension. The rivalry does not have a popular nickname. Football media and fans refer to it as a competitive or high-pressure clash rather than a named derby. The rivalry gained global attention as Tottenham improved its standing and challenged Liverpool in crucial fixtures.
Liverpool holds the advantage in the rivalry. Liverpool has won 22 matches while Tottenham has won 9, with several matches ending in draws, as of May 2025. Recent Premier League results highlight Liverpool’s consistent superiority. The Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool rivalry continues to feature prominently in the league and European campaigns. One of the best matches took place in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final when Liverpool defeated Tottenham 2-0. Another essential meeting happened in January 2019 when Liverpool won 2-1 at Anfield. An earlier notable match occurred in April 2004 when Tottenham secured a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.
7. Manchester City
Manchester City and Liverpool developed a major rivalry in the mid-2010s when both clubs emerged as dominant forces under Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. The roots of the rivalry are traced to the 1976 to 1977 season, but the modern intensity began during the 2017 to 2018 campaign. The Liverpool vs. Manchester City rivalry does not carry a formal nickname. Supporters describe it as a high-level sporting contest rather than a bitter feud. Manchester City is called “The Cityzens,” while Liverpool is known as “The Reds.” The rivalry gained strength through tight Premier League races and key domestic and European fixtures that shaped the outcome of multiple seasons.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool remains one of the fiercest rivalries in football as of May 2025. Manchester City has slightly outperformed Liverpool in league matches during recent seasons. Liverpool has secured key victories in Champions League meetings and domestic cup competitions. The 2018 to 2019 title race ended with Manchester City earning 98 points and Liverpool finishing with 97. The 2017 to 2018 Champions League quarter-finals ended with Liverpool winning 5-1 on aggregate. The 2016 League Cup final saw Manchester City win on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The rivalry continues to define modern English football through consistent excellence and mutual competition.
8. AC Milan
AC Milan shares one of European football’s greatest rivalries with Liverpool, built on memorable UEFA Champions League finals. The rivalry began on May 25, 2005, during the Champions League Final in Istanbul, where AC Milan led 3-0 at halftime. Liverpool responded with three goals in six minutes to level the match 3-3 before winning in a penalty shootout. The game became known as the “Miracle of Istanbul” because of the astonishing comeback. The game established the foundation of the Liverpool vs. AC Milan rivalry, later intensified by their 2007 Champions League Final rematch. AC Milan claimed a 2-1 victory that night with goals from Filippo Inzaghi, securing redemption in Athens. The rivalry grew through additional Champions League meetings that carried high stakes and produced intense tactical battles.
Liverpool vs. AC Milan remains an iconic fixture in European football despite fewer meetings in recent seasons. AC Milan has shown signs of resurgence, while Liverpool has maintained stronger performances in continental competitions. AC Milan vs. Liverpool has occurred in six UEFA matches, with Liverpool winning four and AC Milan winning two, as of May 2025. Draws have never happened between the two teams. Liverpool won 2005 and 2021 group stage encounters, while AC Milan’s biggest win came in the 2007 final. Three iconic matches define the rivalry clearly. The 2005 final saw Liverpool’s legendary comeback. The 2007 final highlighted AC Milan’s control and revenge. Their 2021 group-stage clash at Anfield featured fast-paced football where Liverpool overturned a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2.
9. Newcastle United
Newcastle United shares a competitive and historic rivalry with Liverpool that intensified in the Premier League era starting in the early 1990s. Newcastle’s promotion in the 1993 to 1994 season set the stage for high-stakes battles between two of England’s leading football clubs. The rivalry gained national attention with the unforgettable Liverpool vs. Newcastle United match on April 3, 1996. Liverpool won 4-3 with a last-minute goal by Stan Collymore in a game full of dramatic lead changes. The Premier League later named it the “Match of the Decade” in 2003. Another classic came on March 11, 1997, when Liverpool led 3-0 at halftime before Newcastle fought back to secure a 3-3 draw at Anfield. Matches helped define the rivalry with thrilling performances and emotional stakes.
Liverpool has dominated the Newcastle United vs. Liverpool fixture in recent decades with consistent wins and stronger league finishes. Liverpool has won 31 out of 57 matches since 1995, while Newcastle has only 9 wins and the rest ended in draws, as of May 2025. The gap in victories highlights Liverpool’s superior form over the years. Newcastle remains a challenging opponent capable of high-level play. The 3-3 draw at St James’ Park on December 4, 2024, proved it with a fast-paced and balanced contest that stood out as one of the season’s outstanding games. The rivalry continues to produce memorable moments and passionate football, despite Liverpool’s dominance.
10. Leeds United
Leeds United shares a long-standing and fierce rivalry with Liverpool that began in 1924, when the two clubs first faced off at Anfield, with Liverpool winning 1–0. The rivalry escalated during the 1960s and 1970s as the two teams rose to prominence under legendary managers Don Revie and Bill Shankly. Matches between them were known for intense physical battles after Leeds United clinched the 1969 First Division title at Anfield in a pivotal draw. The rivalry lacks a specific nickname like the “Roses rivalry” with Manchester United, but the hostility and competitive spirit during the era made the Liverpool vs. Leeds United clashes among the heated in English football. Famous chants like “We all hate Leeds and Leeds and Leeds” during their 1973 meeting at Anfield underlined the fan-driven tension. The rivalry wasn’t formally named, but it reflects the intensity of the time when both clubs regularly competed for honors.
The rivalry currently holds less intensity due to Leeds United’s extended absence from the Premier League until their return in 2020. Liverpool and Leeds United fixtures have resumed, but Liverpool dominates in modern times. Liverpool holds a significant lead in head-to-head league victories, as of May 2025. The Leeds United vs. Liverpool record shows Liverpool as the superior side historically and currently. Three iconic matches include the 1969 draw at Anfield that secured Leeds’ league title. The 1965 FA Cup Final saw Liverpool win 2–1 in extra time. The 1973 match at Anfield featured a 2–0 Liverpool win amid intense hostility. The matches remain historic symbols of the rivalry’s peak.
How do Rivalries shape Liverpool’s legacy?
Rivalries shape Liverpool’s legacy by consistently raising competitive standards through clashes with elite clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City, driving tactical excellence and peak performance. Rivalries have defined iconic moments such as the 4–1 win at Old Trafford in 2009 and the 2005 Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, embedding unforgettable milestones in the club’s history. Having international rivalries has helped Liverpool build its reputation internationally and improve its commercial appeal. Local rivalries like the Merseyside Derby fuel deep fan passion, reinforcing a strong cultural identity rooted in pride, loyalty, and tradition.
How Competitive are Odds for Matches between Liverpool and their Rivals?
Odds for matches are highly competitive between Liverpool and their rivals due to massive fan interest, close team matchups, and intense bookmaker competition. High-profile fixtures against clubs like Manchester City or Everton attract large betting volumes, forcing sportsbooks to offer tighter margins. The closely contested games lead to unpredictable outcomes, which reduces the odds gaps. The high liquidity in the markets increases efficiency, making it harder to find standout value. Decisions regarding football betting move toward detailed analysis, alternative markets, or strategic bet combinations to balance risk and maximize returns within narrow odds.
How to Track Recent Statistics for Liverpool against their Rivals?
To track recent statistics for Liverpool against their rivals, there are six steps. First, identify recent matches that qualify as rivalry fixtures, including league games and cup ties. Second, use a reliable platform like Ufabet to access real-time stats and updated match data. Third, focus on essential criteria such as match results, goals scored and conceded, possession, shots, passing accuracy, and defensive actions. Fourth, examine home and away performance separately to understand venue impact. Fifth, track trends over recent months or seasons to spot performance shifts. Lastly, use visual tools like heatmaps and passing networks to analyze tactical patterns more effectively.
