grudge match

noun

: a contest or fight between players, teams, etc., who dislike each other

The race had turned into a grudge match between the two teams.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal completed a six-game grudge match between the two programs this season that featured three overtimes and two ties. —Mark Stewart, Journal Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2023

She was locked in for Wednesday’s grudge match, finishing with 25 points. —Ethan Fuller, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Mar. 2023