You can feel it in the air long before you get anywhere near Parkhead or Ibrox. It’s a literal hum. A vibration in the Glasgow pavement that tells you everything you need to know about the gravity of the situation. People call it the Old Firm, others prefer the Glasgow Derby, but names don't really matter when the whistle blows. What matters is that for 90 minutes, the rest of the world basically stops existing for anyone with even a drop of green or blue in their veins.
Honestly, if you think Celtic FC vs Rangers is just about 22 guys chasing a ball, you’ve missed the point entirely. This isn't just a football match. It’s a massive, tangled web of history, identity, and raw emotion that’s been simmering since 1888.
The January Shift: How the Power Dynamic Flipped
We just witnessed something pretty wild on January 3, 2026. If you weren't watching, Rangers didn't just win at Celtic Park; they essentially kicked the door down. A 3-1 victory for the visitors in that kind of atmosphere? That’s rare. Usually, the home crowd at Celtic Park acts like a 12th man that suffocates the opposition. Not this time.
Yang Hyun-jun gave the Hoops an early lead, and for a second, it looked like business as usual. But the game took a massive U-turn. A brace from Youssef Chermiti and a late strike from Mikey Moore didn't just give Rangers three points; it leveled the playing field at the top of the table.
Right now, as we sit in mid-January, the Scottish Premiership is a mess—in the best way possible. Hearts are actually leading the pack with 50 points, but Celtic and Rangers are breathing down their necks, both tied on 44 points. This 3-1 result for Rangers has completely reset the narrative for the second half of the season.
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It’s also done something to the history books. With that win, Rangers have moved to 172 all-time victories in major competitions, while Celtic sits at 171. Think about that for a second. Over 450 meetings and there is only one game separating them. It’s arguably the most balanced high-stakes rivalry in the history of the sport.
Why the Tactics are Changing Under Røhl and O'Neill
The "blood and thunder" days aren't gone, but there’s a lot more chess being played now. Danny Røhl has brought this vertical, high-transition style to Rangers that seems to catch Celtic’s backline out of position. On the other side, Celtic—under the shadow of legends and the tactical shifts of their own management—are trying to maintain that high-possession, suffocating style.
But it’s hitting some snags. Luke McCowan recently pointed out a tactical "problem" that Rangers exploited in the latest derby. Basically, Celtic were pushing so high that they left the back door wide open for Mikey Moore and Chermiti to exploit.
Transfer Window Madness
The January window is currently wide open, and both clubs are acting like they’re in an arms race.
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- Rangers are currently leading the chase for Danish U21 star Silas Andersen. Landing him from BK Häcken would be a huge "statement" signing for Røhl.
- Celtic aren't sitting still. They’ve been linked with David Datro Fofana and even veteran striker Callum Wilson.
- The Reo Hatate Situation: There’s a lot of chatter about Hatate potentially moving on this month, which would leave a massive hole in the Celtic midfield.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rivalry
A lot of outsiders think this is only about religion. They see "Protestant vs. Catholic" and think they understand it. That’s a lazy way to look at it. While those roots are real—Celtic was founded by Brother Walfrid to help poor Irish immigrants, and Rangers became a symbol of the establishment—modern Glasgow is more complex.
It’s about where you grew up. It’s about who your dad supported. It's about national identity. Some fans see it through the lens of British Unionism versus Irish Republicanism, sure. But for a huge chunk of the younger generation, it’s simply about being "the best in the city."
There was a time when the rivalry was paused. When Rangers had their financial collapse in 2012 and had to start from the bottom, some people claimed the Old Firm was dead. They were wrong. If anything, the absence made the return even more explosive. You can't kill something that is part of a city's DNA.
The Hardware: Counting the Silverware
You want to see how close it really is? Look at the trophy cabinets.
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| Trophy | Celtic | Rangers |
|---|---|---|
| League Titles | 55 | 55 |
| Scottish Cups | 42 | 34 |
| League Cups | 22 | 28 |
| Major European Trophies | 1 (1967) | 1 (1972) |
They are dead even on league titles. 55 each. That is absolutely insane. Celtic usually dominates the Scottish Cup, while Rangers have a historically better grip on the League Cup. But that parity in league titles is why every single match between them feels like a cup final.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you’re following the title race or looking to catch the next match, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the March 1st Clash: This is the next scheduled meeting at Ibrox. Given they are tied on points right now, this could be the game that effectively decides where the trophy goes.
- Monitor the Andersen Deal: If Rangers secure Silas Andersen, their midfield becomes significantly more athletic. That might be the edge they need to overtake Hearts and stay ahead of Celtic.
- The "Hearts" Factor: Don't ignore the fact that Heart of Midlothian is currently 6 points clear. For the first time in years, the Glasgow giants are chasing someone else. This might force both teams to be more aggressive in the derby to ensure they don't drop points to each other while Hearts keep winning.
- Injury Reports: Keep an eye on Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers. If Celtic’s "spine" stays healthy, they are almost impossible to beat at home. If they don't, we might see a repeat of the 3-1 collapse.
The beautiful thing about Celtic FC vs Rangers is that it never stays the same, yet it never changes. The players rotate, the managers get fired, and the stadiums get renovated. But the feeling? That knot in your stomach at 11:30 AM on a Sunday morning before kick-off? That is exactly the same as it was in 1888. It's not just football; it’s Glasgow.