Walk through Glasgow on a match day and you'll feel it. The air is different. It’s heavy. You see it in the colors people wear—or carefully avoid wearing—in certain neighborhoods. It’s not just about 22 men chasing a ball for 90 minutes. Honestly, it’s about history, identity, and a city that has been split down the middle for over a century.
Celtic vs Glasgow Rangers is a fixture that transcends the Scottish Premiership. It's the Old Firm. And if you think it's just another "local derby," you've clearly never stood in the middle of a packed Celtic Park or Ibrox when the noise starts to rattle your teeth.
What’s Happening Right Now?
We’re currently sitting in January 2026, and the drama hasn't stopped for a single second this season. If you haven't been keeping up, Celtic has been through the ringer lately. They just parted ways with manager Wilfried Nancy after a disastrous 33-day stint. Six losses in eight games? Yeah, that’ll do it.
To steady the ship, they’ve brought back a legend. Martin O’Neill is back in the dugout as of early January, trying to salvage a season that was slipping through their fingers.
On the other side of the city, Rangers are smelling blood. Under Danny Røhl, they’ve turned into a relentless machine. They recently walked into Celtic Park and walked out with a 3-1 win, thanks to a second-half brace from Youssef Chermiti. That result basically blew the title race wide open. Hearts are currently leading the pack, but nobody in Glasgow believes the "Big Two" are out of it yet.
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The Numbers You Actually Care About
People love to argue about who is "bigger." It’s the ultimate pub debate. If we’re looking at the raw data as of early 2026, the gap is almost non-existent.
- Total Major Meetings: 449
- Rangers Wins: 172
- Celtic Wins: 171
- Draws: 106
It’s genuinely wild how close it is. One win for the Hoops in the next derby and we are back to a dead heat. In terms of league titles, they are sitting on 55 each. It’s a literal arms race for the 56th.
The Scoring Kings
When we talk about the history of Celtic vs Glasgow Rangers, certain names are basically etched into the granite of the city. Ally McCoist still holds the crown for the most goals in this fixture with 27. On the green side, Jimmy McGrory hit 22, while Henrik Larsson—the "King of Kings"—bagged 15.
Lately, though, it’s been about the new faces. Yang Hyun-jun has been on fire for Celtic, scoring in the last derby even when the rest of the team looked lost. For Rangers, Mikey Moore is becoming a constant thorn in the side of the Celtic defense.
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Why It’s So Intense
You can’t talk about this rivalry without touching on the "uncomfortable" stuff. It’s built on a foundation of religious and political identity. Celtic was founded in 1887 by Brother Walfrid to feed the poor Irish immigrants in Glasgow’s East End. Because of that, the club became a symbol of Irish Catholic identity.
Rangers, while not starting out with a specific religious agenda, eventually became the bastion of the Protestant, Unionist community. For decades, there was even an unwritten rule at Ibrox about not signing Catholic players—a policy that (thankfully) died out in the late 80s when Graeme Souness signed Mo Johnston.
Today, while the city has modernized and much of the sectarianism has cooled, the cultural divide remains the "undercurrent" of every tackle and every terrace chant. It’s why the atmosphere is so electric. It’s tribal.
The "New Club" Debate
If you want to start a fight in a Glasgow taxi, bring up the year 2012. After Rangers faced liquidation and had to restart in the bottom tier of Scottish football, a massive debate erupted.
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Many Celtic fans refuse to call the fixture the "Old Firm" anymore. They prefer "the Glasgow Derby," arguing that the original Rangers ceased to exist in 2012 and a new entity took its place. Rangers fans, obviously, disagree, pointing to the retention of trophies and the continuity of the club’s identity. It’s a point of contention that won’t be settled in our lifetime.
Common Misconceptions
- "It’s only about religion": It’s not. Many fans today aren't religious at all. It’s about family heritage and where you grew up.
- "Scottish football is a two-horse race": Usually, yes. But with Hearts leading the league in early 2026, the "duopoly" is under more pressure than it has been in years.
- "The games are always violent": The passion is high, but the "shame of Glasgow" days are largely in the past. It’s more about noise and intensity now.
What to Watch For Next
The next clash is set for March 1, 2026, at Ibrox. This is going to be a massive test for Martin O'Neill. Can the old guard stop Danny Røhl's tactical evolution?
If you're planning on watching, keep an eye on the midfield battle. Callum McGregor is still the heartbeat of Celtic, but Rangers’ Nicolas Raskin has been dominating the center of the park lately.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Injury List: In a game this fast, missing a key center-back is a death sentence. Keep an eye on Cameron Carter-Vickers’ fitness; Celtic looks like a different team without him.
- Watch the First 15: Statistically, the team that scores first in the Old Firm wins roughly 75% of the time. The opening minutes are a frantic sprint.
- Appreciate the Tactics: Don't just follow the ball. Watch how Røhl sets up his high press against O'Neill's more traditional, direct style. It’s a fascinating clash of eras.
The rivalry of Celtic vs Glasgow Rangers is a living, breathing thing. It evolves, it hurts, and it thrills. Whether you’re a "Bhoys" or a "Gers" supporter, or just a neutral looking for the most intense spectacle in world football, there is simply nothing else like it. The 56th title is on the line, and neither side is willing to blink first.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the January transfer window exits. Celtic are rumored to be looking at defensive reinforcements from the English Premier League, while Rangers are focusing on keeping their young core together. The moves made this month will likely decide where the trophy lands in May.