Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. stats are more than just numbers—they represent a deep-rooted rivalry that has shaped Scottish football for over a century. This fierce competition between Glasgow’s two most successful clubs has captured the hearts of millions, both in Scotland and across the world. From the highs of historic matches to the lows of intense controversies, these two teams have always been inextricably linked in the fabric of Scottish sport.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most significant stats between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., including their all-time head-to-head record, key players, memorable moments, and the latest trends surrounding this legendary clash. Whether you’re a passionate fan or a curious observer, this article will break down all the essential numbers and insights you need to understand the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record: Celtic vs Rangers
The head-to-head record between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most discussed topics among football fans, and for good reason. Over the years, the two teams have met countless times in various competitions, creating a history filled with drama and intensity.
As of the latest data, Rangers have won slightly more games overall in their competitive matches, but Celtic have caught up in recent years. This ongoing back-and-forth battle has kept fans on edge, with every new encounter adding another layer to this historic rivalry.
In their 300+ encounters, the tally stands as follows:
Total Matches Played: 429
Rangers Wins: 169
Celtic Wins: 160
Draws: 100
This evenly matched record showcases just how closely contested this rivalry has been through the years. However, recent times have seen Celtic gaining a slight edge, particularly under their most recent managers.
Key Players: Who’s Dominated the Rivalry?
The Celtic vs Rangers rivalry has seen many legendary players grace the pitch, each contributing to the intensity and drama that fans have come to expect from these encounters. Let’s take a look at some of the most influential figures in this head-to-head history.
Celtic’s Heroes
Henrik Larsson: The Swedish forward is perhaps the most iconic player in Celtic’s history, and his performances against Rangers are etched in the memories of fans. Larsson scored numerous goals in Old Firm derbies and played a major role in Celtic’s successes during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Scott Brown: A true leader in the middle of the park, Brown has captained Celtic through many of their successful campaigns. His leadership and aggression in Old Firm matches have earned him a place as one of the club’s greats.
Rangers’ Icons
Ally McCoist: As both a player and a manager, McCoist has been central to Rangers’ successes in the rivalry. His goal-scoring exploits against Celtic earned him legendary status at Ibrox.
Steven Gerrard: The former Liverpool captain took the helm at Rangers in 2018 and rejuvenated the team, delivering a Scottish Premiership title in the 2020-2021 season. His approach to the Old Firm rivalry has brought a modern twist to the age-old battle.
Memorable Old Firm Moments
No rivalry is complete without unforgettable moments that become part of football lore. Celtic and Rangers have delivered their fair share of them.
The 2011 Scottish Cup Final: Rangers defeated Celtic 2-1, a result that sent Ibrox into raptures. The match was filled with drama, including a red card for Celtic’s Scott Brown.
The 2003 Scottish League Cup Final: Celtic triumphed 2-0, with goals from Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. This victory was particularly significant as it gave Celtic the upper hand in the first Old Firm clash of the new millennium.
The 1999 Scottish Cup Final: Rangers won 1-0 thanks to a solitary goal by Rod Wallace. This match remains significant as it was one of the many high-stakes encounters between the two teams that often determined who would win the domestic trophies.
Recent Trends: Celtic’s Dominance Under Ange Postecoglou
In recent years, Celtic has emerged as the dominant force in the Scottish Premiership, particularly under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou. The Australian manager took over the reins in 2021, bringing a fresh and attacking style of play that helped the club regain their title as Scottish champions.
Postecoglou’s Celtic has found success in the Old Firm fixtures by implementing a high-pressing, possession-based style. Celtic has seen more success in the Old Firm derbies, even after Rangers’ dominant title-winning season in 2021. This trend continues to make the Old Firm more unpredictable and exciting for fans, as Celtic’s tactical prowess continues to challenge Rangers’ defensive solidity.
Rangers’ Resurgence Under Giovanni van Bronckhorst
After Steven Gerrard’s departure for Aston Villa in 2021, Rangers turned to Giovanni van Bronckhorst to help them maintain their dominance. The Dutchman brought a more structured and defensively solid style of football, focusing on tactical discipline.
While Rangers were unable to reclaim the league title in the 2021-2022 season, their progress in European competitions—particularly reaching the 2022 UEFA Europa League final—has been a bright spot. Fans are hopeful that this resurgence will soon translate into more positive results in their battles with Celtic, making the Old Firm more exciting than ever.
Stats from the Latest Encounters
The most recent Old Firm encounters have provided plenty of statistical data worth analyzing. Here are some key numbers from the past few seasons of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry:
Celtic vs Rangers (October 2023): Celtic won 2-1 at Parkhead. Goals from Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi secured the three points for the Hoops.
Rangers vs Celtic (March 2023): Rangers won 3-2 at Ibrox. Despite Celtic’s early dominance, Rangers mounted a comeback to secure a thrilling victory.
Celtic vs Rangers (January 2023): This game ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams showcasing their attacking strengths and solid defenses. A goal from Celtic’s Jota was canceled out by Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos.
Looking at these recent encounters, it’s clear that Celtic and Rangers continue to be neck-and-neck, and their matches remain unpredictable. Fans can expect drama, emotions, and incredible football, making each new clash more anticipated than the last.
Statistical Insights: Goals, Clean Sheets, and More
When analyzing the stats in greater depth, several key metrics stand out in the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry:
Total Goals Scored: In Old Firm matches, the average number of goals scored is often around 3-4 per game, showcasing the attacking nature of both teams.
Clean Sheets: Rangers have had slightly more success in keeping clean sheets in the Old Firm derby, thanks to their strong defensive record. However, Celtic’s attacking prowess often leads to high-scoring matches.
Disciplinary Records: The Old Firm derbies are notorious for being fiery encounters, and this is reflected in the disciplinary records. Red cards and yellow cards are common, adding to the intensity of the matches.
Possession and Pass Accuracy: Celtic typically enjoys more possession and a higher pass accuracy compared to Rangers, reflecting their more possession-based style of play.
FAQs
How Many Times Have Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. Played Against Each Other?
As of the latest records, Celtic and Rangers have faced off over 430 times since their first meeting in 1888. This makes their rivalry one of the most frequent and historic in football.
Who Has Won More Matches in the Old Firm Derby?
Rangers currently hold the slight edge in terms of overall wins. As of now, Rangers have won approximately 170 matches, while Celtic have around 160 wins. The remaining matches have ended in draws.
What Is the Largest Victory in the Old Firm Derby?
Rangers’ largest margin of victory was 7-1 in the 1957 Scottish League Cup final. Celtic’s biggest win was 7-1 in 1894, a league match that showcased their dominance at the time.
How Many Goals Have Been Scored in Total?
The Old Firm rivalry has seen more than 1,200 goals across all competitions. Both teams are known for their aggressive, attacking styles, making these encounters high-scoring affairs.
Who Has the Better Home Record?
Celtic traditionally holds a strong record at Celtic Park, while Rangers dominate at Ibrox Stadium. However, both teams have won crucial away games, intensifying the rivalry further.
Who Has More Scottish League Titles: Celtic or Rangers?
Rangers lead with 55 Scottish Premiership titles, the most in Scotland’s history. Celtic follows closely with 53 titles, including their historic nine consecutive titles from 2011 to 2020.
What Is the Most Recent Old Firm Match Result?
The latest clash saw Celtic win 3-2 in a Scottish Premiership fixture. However, results can vary, so fans should check official club websites or sports news for updates.
How Do Celtic and Rangers Compare in European Competitions?
Rangers reached the UEFA Cup final in 2008 and the Europa League final in 2022. Celtic won the 1967 European Cup, becoming the first British club to do so. Both clubs remain highly competitive in European football.
How Can I Watch Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Matches?
Old Firm matches are usually broadcast on major sports networks like Sky Sports and BT Sport, with live streams often available online.
Final Thoughts
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. stats not only highlight the competitiveness of the rivalry but also the evolving dynamics between the two clubs. While Rangers historically had the upper hand in terms of total wins, Celtic has dominated recent seasons, thanks in part to their tactical evolution under Ange Postecoglou. As both teams continue to fight for supremacy, the Old Firm derby remains one of the most thrilling rivalries in world football. With new managers, players, and trends shaping the landscape, fans can look forward to even more dramatic encounters in the years to come.
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