Old Firm Derby Head-to-Head | Celtic vs Rangers history and stats

Introduction to derby

The Old Firm Derby between Celtic i rangers is one of football’s most enduring and emotionally charged rivalries, rooted in Glasgow’s sporting, cultural and historical landscape. From the first
assembled in 1888, the game has spanned league championships, domestic cups and neutral fixtures at Hampden Park, producing periods of dominance for each club and long periods of near-perfect balance. The intensity of the atmosphere, the tactical advantage and the weight of history mean that form often comes at a lower price than nerve, leadership and game-day management. through
For generations, the derby has been shaped by iconic players, contrasting styles and fringes that continue to define Scottish football.

All-time head-to-head record

In all major competitive competitions, Celtic and rangers
they have met hundreds of times, and the overall record remains extraordinary
well into the modern era. Cumulative totals underline as
even the rivalry has been, despite the clear changes of control during
particular decades. ((ca.wikipedia.org)(

The totals suggest a rivalry defined by cycles. rangers
early dominance in league football built their narrow overall lead,
especially before the 1960s, while Celtic increase under numbers like now
Jock Stein and later Martin O’Neill helped close the gap with a brace
league and cup success. In recent decades, frequent draws and shared trophies
the victories have reinforced the sense of parity that keeps the Old Firm in perpetuity
balanced on a knife edge.

Recent head-to-head matches (last 10 meetings)

The most recent Old Firm meetings highlight how momentum can vary
quickly in a single season, often influenced by venue and competition format
and tactical approach. League games at Celtic Park and Ibrox usually are
they differ markedly from cup ties at Hampden, where caution and game management
are often prioritized. ((sportsmole.co.uk)(

These matches point to several patterns: rangers
recently they have been more effective at Ibrox, Celtic have won the cup decider
ties at Hampden, and late goals have become a recurring theme. Discipline i
Set-piece control often changes results, while away wins remain
relatively rare, underscoring the influence of the venue and the crowd
dynamics

Key players and rivalries by era

Classic Era (1950s-1970s)

This era established much of the rivalry’s mythology. Celtic attack
identity under Jock Stein contrasted sharply with rangers
structured and physically imposing approach. Figures like Billy McNeill and
Jimmy Johnstone embodied Celtic’s dominance, while Rangers were confident
leadership and experience from players like John Greig and Willie Johnston.
Notable duels included McNeill vs. Colin Stein in aerial battles, and
Johnstone’s wing play tested the Rangers full-backs relentlessly, often dictating
the rhythm of the derbies.

Modern Era (1990s-2000s)

The Old Firm of this era, professionalized and with a commercial vocation
he brought continental style and tactical variety. Celtic icons Henrik Larsson
and Paul Lambert faced off rangers
leaders like Barry Ferguson and Lorenzo Amoruso. Larsson’s movement
against the aggressive marking of Amoruso he became a defining centre-forward
duel, while Ferguson’s midfield authority often clashed with Lambert’s
positional discipline in the matches that changed the championship.

Contemporary era (2010-2020 decades)

In contemporary times, pressured leadership and structures have done so
defined the rivalry. Celtic captains Scott Brown and Callus
McGregor have set the tone in midfield, often matched by rangers
the talismanic Captain James Tavernier. Wide area battles such as Daizen
Maeda against Tavernier, and organization directed by keepers of
figures such as Allan McGregor, have become the center of the modern Old Firm
narratives

The players listed illustrate how influential the Old Firm is
rarely about isolated moments alone. Leadership, stylistic clashes and
repeated head-to-head battles throughout the seasons shape legacies as much as
goals or trophies.

Detailed H2H analysis

Delving into face-to-face trends, rangers
The historical advantage in league matches reflects long stretches of the home team
consistency, especially at the beginning of the 20th century. Celtic’s ability to
closing the gap has often coincided with visionary and cohesive management
teams capable of maintaining pressure in multiple competitions. draws
peak during periods of transition or title races, where risk management
becomes paramount. The Cup finals, on the other hand, have slightly favored Celtic,
suggests a marginal advantage in one-off, high-stakes encounters.

Key statistics and performance data

The Old Firm’s statistical patterns emphasize the small
advantages can be accumulated in era-defining races.

• The overall win ratio remains close to 38% for each club,
  emphasizing parity.
• Rangers have a narrow lead in the league meetings, driven for the first time
  domain
• Celtic have been more efficient in domestic cup ties and
  ends
• Home advantage significantly reduces the home win
  frequency
• Late goals are more common than the Premier League average
  accessories

Memorable matches and iconic moments

Some Old Firm clashes transcend seasons and statistics,
becoming reference points for generations of followers.

• 19 October 1957: Celtic’s 7-1 win set the record
  margin
• January 2, 2000: Rangers’ emphatic league win during a title run
  increase
• 25 May 2024: Scottish Cup Final settled with a delay
  target
• April 7, 2024: A spectacular 3-3 league draw defined by
  downtime drama.
• 2 November 2025: The League Cup semi-final went into extra time
  time
• January 3, 2026: Rangers away league win signals momentum
  change

Evolution of the rivalry

The Old Firm has evolved from a local Glasgow competition to a
globally recognized derby, shaped by social change, commercial growth and
changing football philosophies. Tactical approaches have become rigid
formations to high-pressure systems, while the players’ profiles have diversified.
However, the basic elements: pressure, symbolism and the fine margins between them
success and failure: remain unchanged. Each era adds new layers to a rivalry
which continuously reinvents itself without losing its history
weight

Frequently asked questions

Who has the overall advantage in the Old Firm
Derby?

rangers
they currently have a very slight lead in total competition
wins

Which competition has the oldest company
meetings?

The Scottish League represents the majority
accessories

They are the usual drawings in the Old
Signature?

Yes, especially during the hotly contested title
racing

Which venue hosts the most Old Firm matches?
parties?

Hampden Park is the traditional neutral venue.

One club has dominated one
was

Both clubs have enjoyed different periods of dominance over
sustained control

Why the Old Firm is considered globally
significant?

Its history, intensity and cultural impact extend far beyond
Scottish football