Spartak Moscow vs Dynamo Moscow: 6 of the Greatest Oldest Russian Derby Contests of All Time

The feud between Spartak Moscow and Dynamo Moscow has its roots in Soviet Russia, where both clubs suffered collateral damage from the vengeful politics that characterised the Stalinist era.

Despite the highly politicised nature of the rivalry, it would mean little if this was not coupled by some exciting contests on the pitch.

Luckily, the Oldest Russian Derby has witnessed plenty of these. Here are six of the most memorable encounters between the two sides.

1949 - Dynamo 5-4 Spartak

With the 1949 Soviet Top League season drawing to a close, two title chasers met at the Dynamo Stadium and played out an enthralling encounter in front of 60,000 people.

The hosts would eventually emerged victorious in the highest scoring derby of all time.

The result gave them momentum for the final few games of the season, with Dynamo clinching the title several weeks later.

1985 - Spartak 5-1 Dynamo

This meeting starkly exposed the gulf in class between the two sides during the 1985 campaign.

After breezing to victory against their bitter rivals just before the halfway point of the season, Spartak would go on to finish in second place - just two points behind title winners Dynamo Kyiv - and qualify for the UEFA Cup.

In stark contrast, their Moscow counterparts only narrowly avoided the humiliation of having to compete in a relegation playoff on goal difference.

1992 - Spartak 4-3 Dynamo

The first derby in the newly formed Russian Top League in 1992 was a cracker with Spartak edging out Dynamo in a seven goal thriller.

The result was one of many triumphs on their way to a 13th league title, which they secured with an eight point advantage over their rivals.

2005 - Spartak 5-1 Dynamo

A Dynamo team featuring Portuguese playmaker Danny - you know, the guy who was really good on FIFA 12 - were soundly defeated by their rivals in 2005.

Braces from Argentine striker Fernando Cavenaghi and Denis Boyarintsev helped cancel out Jorge Ribeiro's opener for the visitors.

Emanuel Pogatetz of modest Premier League fame was playing centre-back for Spartak while the People's Team also boasted a young Roman Pavlyuchenko on the bench.

2008 - Dynamo 4-3 Spartak

A Spartak side managed by Michael Laudrup were soundly defeated by Dynamo during the 2008 season.

Dynamo were 2-1 up and also boasted a one man advantage going into half time after Pavlyuchenko was dismissed for a second bookable offence just before the break.

The hosts used their advantage to full effect and eventually ran out 4-3 winners - though a late goal from Welliton made for a nervy final 10 minutes.

2015/2016 - Dynamo 2-3 Spartak

Quincy Promes inspired Spartak to a famous away victory a few years ago. The Dutchman netted a brace, including a last minute winner to sink Dynamo.

The hosts would end up getting relegated at the end of the season in what was one of the tightest battles for survival in Russian footballing history.

Spartak on the other hand would sneak into the Europa League spots on the final day of the season. A dramatic campaign all round then...