The rivalry between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., also known as the “Old Firm” derby, is one of the most iconic and passionate rivalries in the world of football. These two Scottish giants, based in Glasgow, have been battling it out on the pitch for over a century, and their encounters are always packed with drama, emotion, and intense competition. In this article, we will delve into the key stats, historical performance, and memorable moments of Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C., exploring everything from head-to-head records to individual player performances and what makes this derby so captivating to fans across the globe.
The Historical Context of the Rivalry
Before diving into the current stats and recent fixtures, it’s essential to understand the historical background of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry. Founded in 1888 and 1872, respectively, both clubs have a rich history filled with domestic and international success. Celtic, traditionally associated with the Catholic community, and Rangers, with its Protestant roots, have long been at the center of religious, cultural, and political tensions in Scotland.
This intense rivalry has transcended football and became a cultural event, deeply rooted in the identity of the fans. Celtic’s dominant years in the 1960s and 1970s, and Rangers’ resurgence in the 1990s and early 2000s, only served to fuel the animosity between the two teams. Their clashes, both in the Scottish Premiership and domestic cups, are a highlight of the Scottish football calendar.
Head-to-Head: Celtic vs Rangers Stats
Over the years, Celtic and Rangers have played hundreds of competitive matches, with each team winning their fair share of victories. Below is a breakdown of the head-to-head statistics between the two clubs, focusing on their encounters in the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup.
Total Matches Played: Celtic and Rangers have faced each other 430 times in official competitions. This includes league matches, Scottish Cup ties, and Scottish League Cup fixtures.
Celtic Wins: Celtic have won 159 times in these encounters, a testament to their dominance in recent years, especially under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
Rangers Wins: Rangers have secured 168 wins, with many of these coming during their dominant years in the late 20th century, particularly under Walter Smith and Ally McCoist.
Draws: There have been 103 draws in the Old Firm clashes, demonstrating the intense competition and the closely matched nature of these encounters.
Goals Scored: Celtic have scored 600 goals in these matches, while Rangers have scored 608, indicating just how closely matched the two teams are when it comes to offensive play.
Biggest Victory: The biggest margin of victory for Celtic came in 2010, when they defeated Rangers 4-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, while Rangers’ biggest victory was a 5-1 thrashing of Celtic in 1999 at Ibrox.
Recent Performance and Key Stats
In recent years, Celtic has been the more dominant force in Scottish football, winning the Scottish Premiership title for several consecutive seasons. However, Rangers have made a strong comeback since their financial troubles in 2012, regaining top-flight status and competing fiercely for titles under the leadership of Steven Gerrard (2018–2021) and Giovanni van Bronckhorst (2021–2022).
Here are some of the key recent statistics and performances in the rivalry:
Scottish Premiership Standings: Celtic and Rangers have consistently been at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. Celtic have finished as champions in recent seasons, with Rangers securing their first league title in 10 years in the 2020-2021 season.
Recent Head-to-Head: In the last five matches between Celtic and Rangers (as of the 2023-2024 season), Rangers have won 2, Celtic have won 2, and 1 match ended in a draw. The rivalry remains tight and unpredictable, with both teams having the ability to secure vital victories.
Goals Scored and Conceded: Celtic have generally been more prolific in front of goal, with star players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Odsonne Edouard. Rangers, however, have relied on the strength of players like Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier.
In recent seasons, the goals tally has been relatively even, with Celtic typically scoring around 60 goals a season in the league and Rangers scoring slightly fewer but having a solid defense.
Key Players: A Look at the Star Performers
No Old Firm clash is complete without the presence of key players who have made a significant impact on the game. Over the years, both Celtic and Rangers have boasted some of the finest footballers in Scottish football history. Let’s take a look at some of the standout performers from both teams:
Celtic:
Kyogo Furuhashi: The Japanese forward has been one of Celtic’s most dangerous players, often finding the back of the net in crucial matches, including Old Firm derbies.
Callum McGregor: The captain of Celtic, McGregor is a crucial player for his leadership, vision, and passing accuracy, often dictating the tempo in midfield.
Jota: The Portuguese winger has proven to be a thorn in Rangers’ side with his pace and flair, creating numerous opportunities and scoring vital goals.
Rangers:
Alfredo Morelos: One of the most notorious strikers in the rivalry, Morelos has a knack for scoring goals in big matches, including several in Old Firm derbies.
James Tavernier: As the captain and a key figure in the Rangers defense, Tavernier’s leadership and his ability to deliver dangerous free kicks and crosses make him a pivotal player.
Ryan Kent: Known for his flair and dribbling, Kent has been a constant threat to Celtic’s defense and has played key roles in some of Rangers’ recent victories over their rivals.
Memorable Old Firm Moments
The Old Firm derby is known for its drama, with many unforgettable moments that have shaped the rivalry. Some of the most memorable encounters between Celtic and Rangers have had lasting impacts on Scottish football history:
Celtic’s 6-2 Victory (2000): In one of the most famous Old Firm matches, Celtic triumphed 6-2 over Rangers at Parkhead, marking a significant turning point in the rivalry and establishing Celtic as the dominant force in Scottish football for the early 2000s.
Rangers’ 5-1 Victory (1999): Rangers delivered a resounding 5-1 victory at Ibrox, a match that will be remembered for the clinical finishing of players like Tore André Flo and the commanding presence of manager Dick Advocaat.
Celtic’s 4-0 Victory (2010): Celtic’s 4-0 win in the League Cup semi-final over Rangers is remembered as one of the most comprehensive victories in the history of the rivalry, with goals from Aiden McGeady, Scott McDonald, and others.
Rangers’ Title Win in 2021: Rangers’ 2020-2021 season was historic, as they won the Premiership title under Steven Gerrard, ending Celtic’s nine-in-a-row streak. Their 2-0 victory over Celtic at Parkhead was a standout moment in their journey to the title.
FAQs
What is the all-time head-to-head record between Celtic FC and Rangers FC?
As of January 2, 2025, Celtic FC and Rangers FC have faced each other 444 times in major competitions, with each team securing 170 victories and 104 matches ending in draws.
How many goals have been scored in matches between Celtic and Rangers?
In their 444 encounters, a total of 1,219 goals have been scored, averaging approximately 2.74 goals per match.
What is the recent form of Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic FC has demonstrated strong performance in the Scottish Premiership, winning 16 out of their last 18 matches and leading the league by 14 points.
How has Rangers FC performed in recent Old Firm derbies?
Rangers FC secured a 3-0 victory over Celtic FC in the most recent Old Firm derby on January 2, 2025, marking a significant win for the team.
What is the significance of the Old Firm rivalry in Scottish football?
The Old Firm rivalry between Celtic FC and Rangers FC is one of the most intense and historic in football, deeply rooted in Scottish culture and history. Matches between these two clubs are highly anticipated and often have significant implications for the Scottish Premiership title race.
In Summary
The Celtic vs Rangers rivalry is more than just a football match; it’s a battle for supremacy in Scottish football, a clash of cultures, and a testament to the enduring passion of the fans. With each passing season, the stakes grow higher, and the matches become more fiercely contested. The stats and moments mentioned in this article offer just a glimpse into the rich history of the rivalry, which continues to captivate fans both in Scotland and across the world.
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