Old Firm Derby Stats: Celtic vs Rangers All-Time Analyzed

By Tactiq AI · 2026-06-30 · 10 min read · AI & Football

The Old Firm derby, Celtic vs Rangers, is arguably world football's most intense rivalry outside El Clásico. Spanning 130+ years of competitive matches in Glasgow. This article provides the comprehensive statistical breakdown.

The history

First competitive meeting: 1890. Total competitive matches: ~450+ (varies by source). Matches per year: Typically 4+ (league + cup competitions).

All-time head-to-head

Approximately:

  • Rangers wins: ~170
  • Celtic wins: ~160
  • Draws: ~120

Win balance: Slight Rangers edge historically, though periods of Celtic dominance (recent era) have tightened it.

Era-by-era breakdown

1890-1950 (Early era)

Rangers dominant in many periods. Scottish football's traditional Big Two established firmly.

1950-1980

Competitive era. Both clubs split titles with Aberdeen occasionally breaking through.

1980-2000

Rangers' 9-in-a-row (1989-1997). Celtic's response under Martin O'Neill later.

2000-2020

Celtic's dominance era, won 10-in-a-row (2012-2021). Rangers had administration issues (2012) requiring rebuild.

2020-2026

Rangers' 2020-21 title (first in 10 years). Celtic's response. Back-and-forth competitive era.

Title count

All-time Scottish league titles:

  • Rangers: 55+
  • Celtic: 54+
  • Aberdeen: 4
  • Hearts: 4
  • Hibernian: 4
  • Dumbarton: 2

Celtic+Rangers combined: 109+ of ~130 total Scottish titles. Total domination.

Top Old Firm scorers

All-time Old Firm goals:

  1. Ally McCoist (Rangers), 27 goals
  2. Jimmy McGrory (Celtic), 30+
  3. Bob McPhail (Rangers), 19
  4. Alfredo Duarte (Rangers recent era), 15+
  5. Henrik Larsson (Celtic 1990s-2000s), 21
  6. Ikechi Anya (Rangers 2010s), 8
  7. Paul Gascoigne (Rangers 1990s), 8

Iconic Old Firm moments

  • Celtic 7-1 Rangers (1957 Scottish League Cup Final), scored at halftime
  • Rangers 5-1 Celtic (1963), one of largest Rangers wins
  • 1990s classics (various)
  • 2000s Gascoigne era (Rangers multiple wins)
  • Henrik Larsson era (multiple Celtic wins)
  • Rangers administration 2012-2016 (stopped Old Firm in SPL during years of Rangers in lower leagues)

Modern era characteristics

2020-2026 Old Firms:

  • Average ~4 per season
  • Highly competitive
  • Celtic overall title edge recent
  • Rangers wins dependent on signing quality

UEFA significance

Both clubs' European history:

  • Celtic: 1 UCL (1967)
  • Rangers: 1 UEFA Cup (1970-71), European Cup Winners' Cup

Recent European runs:

  • Rangers: UEL Finalists 2021-22
  • Celtic: Regular European group stage

Transfer market impact

Old Firm attracts top-tier Scottish-profile players:

  • Celtic: Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi (departed Celtic for European moves)
  • Rangers: Todd Cantwell, Cyriel Dessers

Transfer values reflect Scottish football salary cap.

Tactiq analysis

Every Old Firm match: probability triples, confidence indicator, expected goals, tactical analysis. Rich head-to-head history produces tighter confidence bands than typical matches.

The takeaway

Old Firm derby is world football's most intense domestic rivalry. 450+ matches, approximately even head-to-head, combined 109+ Scottish titles. Religious-historical-cultural stakes extend far beyond football. Modern era competitive balance continues evolving.

Companion reads: Scottish Premiership, Messi vs Ronaldo, El Clásico.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times have Celtic and Rangers played?
450+ competitive matches since 1890. Roughly every year has 4+ Old Firm matches. Historical total includes Scottish Premier League (and predecessors), Scottish Cup, League Cup, Glasgow Cup, and other competitions.
Who has more titles between Celtic and Rangers?
Rangers with 55+ Scottish titles slightly edges Celtic with 54+. Both clubs totally dominate Scottish football history.
What's the all-time head-to-head?
Approximately even over 450+ matches. Slight Rangers edge historically (by ~10-15 matches) but Celtic has been dominant in 2000-2020 era.
Does Tactiq cover every Old Firm match?
Yes. Every Old Firm match receives priority analysis in 32 languages.
Why is the Old Firm so intense?
Religious-ethnic divisions (historically Catholic-Protestant, Irish-Scottish), political associations, cultural differences. Beyond football, the rivalry represents broader Glasgow societal history.
What was the biggest Old Firm result?
Celtic 7-1 Rangers at Hampden Park (1957 Scottish League Cup Final), famously scored at halftime. Rangers 5-1 Celtic (1963).

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