Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. stats – the Old Firm rivalry has long captured the attention of football fans, not just in Scotland, but across the globe. The historic battle between these two giants of Scottish football is one of the fiercest and most storied in the sport. For decades, both clubs have competed not just for domestic titles but also for the bragging rights that come with being the biggest and best in Scottish football. In this article, we will break down the most important stats, figures, and milestones from Celtic vs Rangers games, as well as the current state of the rivalry.
The History of the Old Firm Rivalry
The Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers dates back over a century, and its roots are deeply embedded in Scotland’s political and religious landscape. Celtic F.C., founded in 1887, has historically been associated with the Irish Catholic community, while Rangers, established in 1872, has strong ties to the Protestant Unionist community. These cultural divisions have contributed to the intensity of their matchups on the pitch. However, the rivalry is also driven by both clubs’ dominance in Scottish football, with each team striving for supremacy.
The competition between Celtic and Rangers extends beyond just domestic league fixtures; it’s a battle for Scottish pride and supremacy. The teams have met in various competitions over the years, including league games, Scottish Cup finals, and even European competitions, making their encounters all the more thrilling.
Head-to-Head: Celtic vs Rangers
When examining the head-to-head record of Celtic vs Rangers, it is clear that the two clubs have been in a constant tug-of-war for supremacy over the years. As of the latest statistics, Celtic leads the head-to-head battle with more league titles, Scottish Cup wins, and Scottish League Cup victories. However, Rangers have enjoyed success in certain periods, particularly when Celtic experienced a dip in form, such as during the 2010s.
League Meetings
Over the years, Celtic and Rangers have played each other a total of 420 times in the league. Celtic has won 168 of those encounters, while Rangers has won 167, showing how closely matched the two teams have been over the decades. The remaining games have been drawn.
In recent seasons, Celtic has had the upper hand, largely due to their consistent success in the Scottish Premiership, with a series of dominant performances under managers like Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon. Rangers, however, has had a resurgence under Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and this competition continues to go down to the wire in the league each season.
Scottish Cup and League Cup
The Scottish Cup has been another battleground for Celtic and Rangers, with both clubs regularly competing for this prestigious domestic trophy. Celtic has the edge in overall Scottish Cup victories, but Rangers has had its fair share of triumphs, particularly in the late 20th century. In League Cup encounters, Rangers also holds a slight advantage.
Key Stats from Recent Encounters
The statistics from recent Celtic vs Rangers matches provide a glimpse into the evolution of the rivalry. The most recent encounters have been filled with drama, intense tackles, and moments of brilliance.
Celtic’s Recent Dominance
In the last few seasons, Celtic has enjoyed a dominant spell in the Scottish Premiership, including an unbeaten 2016-17 league season under Brendan Rodgers. The stats from recent Old Firm games reflect Celtic’s superiority during this period. For example, during the 2019-2020 season, Celtic won both league encounters against Rangers, with the first fixture ending 2-0 and the second a 1-0 victory.
Rangers’ Resurgence
Rangers, however, have made a significant comeback under manager Steven Gerrard and continued their strong form under Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The 2020-2021 season saw Rangers break Celtic’s nine-year dominance of the Scottish Premiership, winning the league title under Gerrard. The 2021-2022 season also saw Rangers performing well, and although Celtic reclaimed the league title, Rangers remained competitive, especially in their matches against Celtic. The team’s ability to bring in fresh talent and build a strong squad has ensured that the rivalry remains fierce.
Goals, Assists, and Star Performers
The individual performances of players have also played a significant role in defining the Celtic vs Rangers matches. For example, in recent seasons, players like Odsonne Édouard for Celtic and Alfredo Morelos for Rangers have been pivotal in their team’s attacking play. Edouard’s goalscoring ability has been crucial in Celtic’s victories, while Morelos has been Rangers’ talisman, consistently scoring in high-stakes matches.
Statistically, both clubs have relied heavily on their top goal-scorers and playmakers. Morelos, for instance, has scored multiple goals in Old Firm derbies, contributing significantly to Rangers’ competitive edge. Similarly, Celtic’s attacking players, including Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, have been integral to their success.
The Impact of Managers on Celtic vs Rangers Rivalry
The managerial battle between Celtic and Rangers has also been an interesting subplot in the Old Firm rivalry. Both clubs have had high-profile managers who have left their mark on the rivalry.
Celtic Managers
Celtic’s managerial history has been filled with success, with figures like Jock Stein, Martin O’Neill, and Brendan Rodgers becoming legends in the club’s history. More recently, Neil Lennon and Ange Postecoglou have continued to shape the club’s fortunes. Under Postecoglou, Celtic has played an attacking style of football that has seen them regain the Scottish Premiership title after a period of Rangers’ dominance.
Rangers Managers
Rangers, too, have had their share of iconic managers. Walter Smith, in particular, is a legend at the club, and his leadership during multiple title-winning campaigns helped shape Rangers’ history. The arrival of Steven Gerrard in 2018 marked a significant moment in Rangers’ recent history, as he led them back to the top of Scottish football. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s stewardship continues this momentum, showing the importance of managerial leadership in shaping the outcome of these crucial games.
Celtic vs Rangers in European Competitions
The Old Firm rivalry has not just been confined to domestic competitions. Both Celtic and Rangers have made a significant impact in European tournaments, with the clubs often meeting their rivals in key matchups. While Celtic’s historic 1967 European Cup win is one of the club’s crowning achievements, Rangers has also enjoyed success in Europe, notably with their 2008 UEFA Cup run.
In European encounters, both clubs have had mixed results against elite European opposition, but their games against each other remain the highlight of the Scottish football calendar. The matchups continue to be intense, not only in Scotland but also when they represent their country in Europe.
Final Thoughts
The Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. rivalry is a testament to the passion, history, and intensity of Scottish football. The statistics, including league titles, cup wins, goals scored, and individual player achievements, reflect just how high the stakes are when these two teams meet on the pitch. While Celtic has had a more dominant spell in recent years, Rangers’ resurgence has ensured that the rivalry remains as competitive as ever. The rivalry is much more than just football – it’s a cultural, social, and political event that continues to capture the hearts of football fans across Scotland and beyond.
FAQs
When was the first Celtic vs Rangers match played?
The first Celtic vs Rangers match was played on May 28, 1888, in the Scottish Cup. Since then, the rivalry has grown into one of the fiercest in world football.
How many times have Celtic won the Scottish Premiership?
As of the latest stats, Celtic has won the Scottish Premiership 51 times, with their most recent title being in the 2022-2023 season.
Who is the all-time top scorer in the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry?
The all-time top scorer in the Old Firm derby is Celtic’s Jimmy McGrory, who scored 40 goals in matches against Rangers.
What is the largest margin of victory in an Old Firm derby?
The largest margin of victory in an Old Firm derby occurred in 1957, when Celtic defeated Rangers 7-1 in the Scottish League.
How many European trophies have Celtic and Rangers won combined?
Both clubs have won European trophies, with Celtic’s most famous achievement being their 1967 European Cup win and Rangers’ 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup and their 2008 UEFA Cup run. The two clubs have a combined total of 6 European trophies.
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