Since the HKPL launched in 2014, Kitchee and Eastern have forged the league’s most exciting rivalry. Whether sharing a home ground or battling at the top of the table, the "Battle of the Blues" remains the fixture fans circle on their calendars every season.
The rivalry truly ignited in the 2014/15 season. After losing their first two meetings with Eastern, Kitchee’s turning point came in a legendary clash at Tseung Kwan O. Despite being reduced to ten men early on, Kitchee secured a dominant 4-0 victory. This result proved decisive, allowing them to edge out Eastern by three points to claim the first-ever HKPL trophy and eventually complete a monumental treble.
Both sides enjoyed periods of glory as the rivalry matured. In 2015/16, Eastern took the spotlight by clinching the league title, but Kitchee responded the following year with a clinical 4-1 victory in the final round to bring the trophy home. The “Battle of the Blues” consistently decided where the silverware would go, cementing their status as the two heavyweights of Hong Kong football.
This battle eventually pushed both clubs to new heights on the continental stage. Eastern became the first HKPL side to score and earn points in the ACL, while Kitchee became the first Hong Kong club to win an ACL match in the following season—eventually making history by reaching the knockout stage in 2022.
In 42 meetings since 2014/15, Kitchee holds the upper hand with 22 wins and 11 draws*. While it may not have the global influence of a "Northwest Derby" or "El Clásico," the history and intensity shared between these two clubs make it the most talked-about matchup in Hong Kong. Despite many players crossing the divide to play for both sides, the hunger to win this derby remains as intense as ever.
*Source: Transfermarkt
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs Eastern in the Hong Kong Premier League on March 21, 2026.