Böyük Oyun

Neftchi Baku

Khazar Lankaran

Locations of the two teams

The clubs have large support bases around Baku, but also have supporters clubs in most towns throughout Azerbaijan. The relationship between the two clubs has always been known for its great animosity, as the classic opposes two geographic regions - with Neftchi and Khazar Lankaran representing the north and south of Azerbaijan, respectively.[3][4][5]

The first game played between the two sides was an Azerbaijan Premier League fixture on Wednesday, 8 December 2004. The game, staged at Lankaran City stadium, finished 1-1 draw.[6] Both clubs compete each other for the title of the most successful football club in the country.

In 2011, the derby reached its ultimate peak as both clubs had to play each other 4 times during 33 days, after Azerbaijan Cup draws and Azerbaijan Premier League format changes.[7][8] Khazar once became triumphant over Neftchi, even though all other remaining games ended in draw.[9]

Khazar Lankaran has the longest unbeaten series in Great Games. Last time Lankaran side lost to Neftchi on 12 April 2009 (2:1). After that date 11 games have been played between both teams in all competitions. In three of last eleven encounters Khazar Lankaran beat their rival and other matches finished with draw.

On 6 November 2011, Neftchi broke Khazar's 938 days of unbeaten run and recorded the biggest win in derby, by beating Khazar 5-0 in Baku.[10]

The rivalry intensified in 2013 due to the final of the Azerbaijan Cup.[11] Several accusations of unsportsmanlike behaviour from both teams and a war of words erupted throughout the fixtures which included post-match fight between fans and players.[12][13]

The rivalry turned bitter after Neftchi won Azerbaijan Premier League title by beating Khazar Lankaran in play off match. Over time, the rivalry became more heated and club fans began attaining collective identities. Neftchi was seen as a capital club, while Khazar was viewed as regional club and supported by the south regions of Azerbaijani society.[14][15]

Crowd attendances for first 21 games, has exceeded 229,000 supporters.[16]

Note: League championship statistics includes play-off match for the 2004–05 title, which Neftchi won 2–1.

Statistics obtained from Apasport[17]

(In bold: Transfer between both clubs)

Transfers between both clubs are rare, only few in last decade.

Player	Khazar Lankaran career			Neftçi career
	Span	League apps	League goals	Span	League apps	League goals
Rashad Abdullayev	2004–2009	116	12	2009–2012	86	16
Ruslan Abışov	2012–2013	17	1	2006–2012 2017–2019	116 39	8 6
Emin Quliyev	2005–2009	70	10	2002 2004–2005	16 33	2 5
Mahmud Qurbanov	2005–2007	49	3	1996–1997 2004–2005	23 36	3 3
Branimir Subašić	2011–2013	43	9	2005–2008	65	31
Julius Wobay	2011	19	5	2012–2015	58	15

• Agaselim Mirjavadov (Neftchi 1987–88; 2004–06, Khazar 2006–10)