Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. stats represent one of the most iconic rivalries in world football. Known as the “Old Firm,” this fixture in Scottish football brings about intense emotions, with every game closely watched by millions of fans across the globe. These two clubs have clashed in hundreds of memorable encounters, with each match adding to their storied history. In this article, we will break down key statistics, recent trends, head-to-head results, and what makes this rivalry stand out in the world of football.
Head-to-Head: Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Stats
When you compare Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C., it’s impossible to ignore the significance of their head-to-head record. The two clubs have been in competition for more than a century, and their rivalry is unmatched in terms of passion and history. Over the years, both sides have competed fiercely for dominance in the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup.
Celtic currently holds a slight advantage over Rangers in terms of victories in official Old Firm fixtures. However, the gap is close, and the outcome of any given match can often be unpredictable. The record between the two teams has often swung back and forth, making every encounter a highly anticipated event.
All-Time Stats
As of the most recent seasons, Rangers has won more league titles than Celtic, but Celtic has edged them out in the head-to-head matches between the two. Here’s a brief overview of the all-time competitive results in Old Firm encounters:
Total Matches Played: 426
Celtic Wins: 162
Rangers Wins: 168
Draws: 96
These numbers show how competitive the Old Firm rivalry truly is. With just a slight edge, Rangers’ overall record against Celtic is still something to note, though Celtic’s dominance in recent years has added a new layer of excitement to the fixture.
Goals Scored in Old Firm Matches
The Old Firm fixtures are known for their intensity, and the goals reflect this passion. Both teams are not only concerned with the result but also with the pride of scoring against their fierce rival. Over the years, Old Firm matches have seen an impressive number of goals, making these encounters one of the most thrilling spectacles in world football.
Total Goals Scored in Old Firm Matches: 1,118
Goals by Celtic: 535
Goals by Rangers: 583
This statistic reflects the attacking nature of both teams in these encounters. Both Celtic and Rangers have produced memorable goals, with standout performances from legends such as Henrik Larsson (Celtic) and Ally McCoist (Rangers).
Recent Trends in Celtic vs Rangers Matches
Celtic’s Dominance in Recent Years
Celtic has enjoyed a period of dominance in the Old Firm rivalry, particularly in the 2010s and beyond. Under the management of Brendan Rodgers and later Neil Lennon, Celtic has claimed multiple Scottish Premiership titles and secured victories in several crucial Old Firm encounters.
In the 2020-2021 season, Celtic was unable to retain their crown, as Rangers under Steven Gerrard stormed to a commanding league title, remaining unbeaten in the league for the entire season. This was a significant moment in the Old Firm rivalry, as Rangers broke Celtic’s nine-in-a-row league title streak.
Celtic’s stats in recent years include:
Scottish Premiership Titles (last 5 years): 4
Scottish Cup Wins (last 5 years): 2
Old Firm Victories in the 2020s: 2
While Celtic’s dominance may have waned in the last few seasons, their historical achievements in the competition continue to define the rivalry.
Rangers’ Resurgence
Rangers, on the other hand, experienced a major setback when they were relegated to the Third Division after financial turmoil in 2012. However, since their promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, they have steadily rebuilt and have now become serious contenders for the league title. The arrival of Steven Gerrard in 2018 marked a new chapter in the club’s history, and his leadership culminated in the title-winning 2020-2021 season.
Some key recent stats for Rangers include:
Scottish Premiership Titles (last 5 years): 1 (2020-2021 season)
Scottish Cup Wins (last 5 years): 0
Old Firm Victories in the 2020s: 4
With their revival in the domestic league, Rangers’ fans are once again hopeful that their team can consistently challenge Celtic for the top spot in the Premiership. The stakes in their encounters have never been higher.
Goals and Defensive Strengths
Over the past few seasons, Celtic and Rangers have both focused on bolstering their attacking and defensive departments. Celtic’s attack, spearheaded by players like Odsonne Édouard (until his departure in 2021), has consistently been a force to reckon with, while Rangers’ defense, led by Connor Goldson and James Tavernier, became a standout feature during their title-winning season in 2021.
Some notable stats from recent seasons include:
Goals Scored in the 2020-2021 Old Firm Matches:
Celtic: 2 goals
Rangers: 4 goals
Clean Sheets:
Celtic: 1 clean sheet in 5 matches
Rangers: 3 clean sheets in 5 matches
This suggests that while both teams are generally strong offensively, Rangers’ defensive resilience in the 2020-2021 season was a crucial factor in their success.
Key Players in the Celtic vs Rangers Rivalry
Celtic’s Key Players
Kyogo Furuhashi: A dynamic forward who has been an instrumental part of Celtic’s attack. His performances in the 2021-2022 season added energy and creativity to Celtic’s front line.
Jota: A talented winger who brought flair and skill to Celtic’s attack. His contributions in the 2021-2022 season helped Celtic regain their edge.
Joe Hart: The experienced goalkeeper who played a crucial role in Celtic’s defense, offering leadership and consistency in the back.
Rangers’ Key Players
James Tavernier: A leader on and off the field, Tavernier’s ability to contribute both in defense and attack made him one of the standout performers during Rangers’ title-winning season.
Alfredo Morelos: A powerhouse forward, Morelos has been a thorn in Celtic’s side in many of their recent encounters, with his physicality and finishing ability making him a key figure for Rangers.
Connor Goldson: The stalwart defender who has been vital to Rangers’ defensive solidity and has provided leadership at the back.
Celtic vs Rangers in International Competitions
Though the primary focus of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry is on domestic competition, both clubs have also represented Scotland on the European stage. However, neither team has had the same level of success in European competitions as some of the continent’s elite clubs. Celtic’s notable European run came in 2003 when they reached the UEFA Cup final, and Rangers’ most significant achievement came when they won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972.
Both clubs have regularly participated in the UEFA Europa League and have had varying degrees of success, but their domestic rivalry remains their defining feature.
Latest Trends: Celtic vs Rangers Rivalry in 2025
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers continues to evolve, with both teams constantly improving their squads. In 2025, Celtic has been working on rejuvenating its attack, while Rangers have focused on maintaining a strong, disciplined defense. The ongoing battle for the Scottish Premiership is as fierce as ever, with Celtic and Rangers looking to maintain their competitive edge in an increasingly globalized football environment.
The emergence of young talent from both teams is one of the most exciting aspects of the rivalry today. Players like Celtic’s Liel Abada and Rangers’ Ryan Kent represent the next generation of players who will take this legendary rivalry forward for years to come.
FAQs
What is the head-to-head record between Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C.?
The Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. rivalry, known as the Old Firm, is one of the most intense and historic in football. Both teams have played numerous times across various competitions, and Celtic leads the head-to-head record with more wins. The two teams have faced off over 400 times, with Rangers historically having a slight edge in terms of total victories. However, Celtic has had a dominant period in recent years, particularly in league play.
How many times have Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. played each other?
Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. have met over 400 times in official competitions, making it one of the most frequently contested derbies in the world. Their encounters span the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and Scottish League Cup, with each match fueling the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
What is the win-loss record in recent Old Firm matches?
In recent seasons, Celtic has been more successful in the Old Firm derby. For example, during the 2020-2021 season, Celtic had a strong run in head-to-head matchups but Rangers clinched the Premiership title, marking a significant triumph. Their most recent games have seen Rangers win several important fixtures, including the 2020-2021 season league title.
How many goals have Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. scored against each other?
The total number of goals scored in the Old Firm derby exceeds 1,000. Both clubs have contributed to high-scoring games, with iconic players such as Henrik Larsson and Ally McCoist leaving their mark on the history books. The matches are often intense, with both teams bringing their A-game and producing memorable moments.
Who has the most goals in the Old Firm derby?
Rangers’ legendary striker Ally McCoist holds the record for the most goals scored in Old Firm derbies, with over 20 goals. Celtic’s Henrik Larsson follows closely with a significant number of goals, cementing their places in the history of the rivalry. The individual records in these derbies often reflect the fierce competition and the level of talent on display.
What is the overall trophy count for Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C.?
Rangers F.C. holds more league titles in total, but Celtic has been dominant in recent years, especially in the Scottish Premiership. Both clubs have won numerous domestic cups, making them the two most successful teams in Scottish football history. Their rivalry is often defined not just by the number of head-to-head victories but also by the number of trophies they have collected over the years.
How do Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. compare in terms of fan base?
Both clubs have massive, passionate fan bases, with Celtic’s supporters traditionally seen as international and widely dispersed, while Rangers fans are known for their strong local ties within Scotland. The Old Firm derby is not just a local rivalry; it is a global spectacle with fans around the world tuning in to watch.
Final Thoughts
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. stats highlight one of football’s most thrilling and closely followed rivalries. The competition between these two clubs transcends football, with social, cultural, and political undertones that have made this rivalry one of the most intense in the world. As both teams continue to evolve and strengthen their squads, it’s clear that the Old Firm fixtures will remain a central part of Scottish football for years to come.
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