Mighty two still battling in Moldova

Soviet times
Back in the days of the Soviet Union, Chisinau – or Kishinev as it was known to Russian speakers – was the undisputed footballing capital of Moldova. Amid myriad name changes, FC Dinamo Kishinev were occasional visitors to the Soviet Supreme League, while FC Tiligul Tiraspol were never to play in the top division, winning promotion in the final season before the collapse of the USSR.

Map altered
The capital club changed its name to Zimbru – meaning European bison – after independence but remained top dogs, winning eight of the first nine titles after leaving the USSR. While Zimbru's games against Tiligul continued to attract plenty of interest, the map was not changed until Sheriff were founded in 1997, quickly becoming the pre-eminent force in Moldova.

All-time record
Sheriff have now won the last eight titles and will overtake Zimbru in the all-time championship-winners table if they take a ninth crown this season. "When we started to play in the top flight, we dreamed about moving Zimbru from top spot," remembered 37-year-old Sheriff captain Vazha Tarkhnishvili. "Now the roles have been reversed, but we have never had a single easy game against Zimbru."

Always special
Zimbru captain Andrei Cojocari agreed with that statement, with the two sides having drawn 1-1 in their most recent meeting last weekend in Tiraspol. "It's like the Clásico in Spain, when FC Barcelona face Real Madrid CF," said the 21-year-old midfielder. "No extra motivation is needed when we come up against our rivals, no matter where we are in the table."

Philosophical debate
In recent years the meeting between the two clubs has become a clash of philosophies too, Sheriff's multinational squad pitched against a Zimbru side dominated by young local players. Oleg Andronic, Igor Andronic and Igor Armas are all still eligible to play for Moldova at Under-21 level, while Zimbru's oldest player, Georgian Mamuka Lomidze, is just 23.

Fighting talk
At the moment, Sheriff top the table, but Zimbru coach Ion Caras – who worked at the club in their 1990s heyday – hopes the gap will close. "We are trying to develop youth players while there are lots of foreigners in Tiraspol, though we both have the same goal which is winning the title," said the 58-year-old. "We trail Sheriff by nine points but will battle until the end."