The Ultimate Old Firm Head-to-Head Record: Who Has Won More?
The Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers is arguably the most intense and historic football rivalry in the world. Since Celtic’s founding in 1888, the two Glasgow giants have locked horns in 445 competitive matches across league and cup competitions. These encounters have shaped the landscape of Scottish football for well over a century, producing countless memorable moments, fierce battles, and unforgettable victories.
With a rivalry that transcends football, the Old Firm Derby is deeply embedded in Scottish culture, carrying religious, social, and political undertones. For many, this fixture defines a season, and every victory is celebrated as a triumph, while every defeat lingers long in the memory.
As of March 2025, Rangers hold a narrow lead over Celtic in the all-time head-to-head record—but only by one win. This means that the next few meetings between the two sides could be historic, as Celtic have the chance to level or even overtake their rivals in the all-time standings.
All-Time Old Firm Record (March 2025)
Total Matches Played: 445
Rangers Wins: 171
Celtic Wins: 170
Draws: (Exact number not specified)
The battle for supremacy in Glasgow has never been tighter. With just one win separating the two clubs, every upcoming Old Firm clash carries even more significance, potentially altering the balance of history.
Breakdown of Old Firm Wins by Competition
While Rangers edge it in terms of overall victories, Celtic have performed better in domestic cup competitions over the years. Let’s break it down further.
Scottish League Wins (Top Division Matches Only):
Rangers: 129
Celtic: 118
Rangers have won more league encounters than Celtic, which reflects their dominance in the early years of Scottish football and their success under Walter Smith and Steven Gerrard in more recent decades.
However, Celtic have narrowed this gap significantly over the past two decades, particularly during their nine-in-a-row era (2012–2020). With Brendan Rodgers back in charge of Celtic, the Hoops could soon close the gap further.
Scottish Cup Wins (Old Firm Clashes Only):
Rangers: 18
Celtic: 27
Celtic have a clear edge when it comes to Scottish Cup matches against Rangers, often triumphing in key fixtures at Hampden Park. These victories have helped them to become Scotland’s most successful club in the competition’s history.
Scottish League Cup Wins (Old Firm Clashes Only):
Rangers: 24
Celtic: 25
The League Cup head-to-head is even closer, with Celtic just one win ahead of Rangers. This competition has produced some thrilling Old Firm finals, including the 2019 final, where Celtic won 1-0 despite Rangers dominating the game.
Memorable Old Firm Victories
The Old Firm Derby has seen its fair share of dominant victories and humiliating defeats. Here are some of the most notable scorelines in the fixture’s long history.
Rangers’ Biggest Wins Over Celtic
Rangers have recorded several emphatic victories over their rivals, including:
September 2, 1893 – Rangers 5-0 Celtic (Ibrox, League)
January 1, 1894 – Rangers 5-0 Celtic (Ibrox, League)
These two victories in the same season remain Rangers’ biggest-ever wins over Celtic.
More recently, Rangers produced dominant performances such as:
March 26, 2000 – Rangers 4-0 Celtic (Ibrox, League)
Goals: Jörg Albertz (2), Andrei Kanchelskis, Giovanni van Bronckhorst
This win all but secured the league title for Rangers.
November 26, 2000 – Rangers 5-1 Celtic (Ibrox, League)
Goals: Barry Ferguson, Tore Andre Flo, Michael Mols, Ronald de Boer, Lorenzo Amoruso
Celtic’s Biggest Wins Over Rangers
Celtic, however, hold the record for the largest-ever Old Firm victory:
October 19, 1957 – Celtic 7-1 Rangers (Scottish League Cup Final, Hampden Park)
Known as the “Hampden in the Sun” final, this remains the biggest margin of victory in Old Firm history.
Other famous Celtic wins include:
April 29, 2018 – Celtic 5-0 Rangers (Celtic Park, League)
This win clinched the Scottish Premiership title in Brendan Rodgers’ second season.
August 31, 2019 – Rangers 0-2 Celtic (Ibrox, League)
A dominant display saw Odsonne Edouard and Jonny Hayes score in a crucial away victory.
How the Rivalry Has Shifted Over Time
Over the past 20 years, the balance of power has shifted between the two clubs.
Celtic’s Dominance (2012–2020)
From 2012 to 2020, Celtic enjoyed a period of unmatched success following Rangers’ financial collapse and relegation to the lower leagues. During this time, Celtic:
Won nine consecutive league titles
Completed an invincible treble (2016–17) under Brendan Rodgers
Secured a historic quadruple treble (2017–2020)
During this era, Celtic dominated the Old Firm fixture, often winning by comfortable margins.
Rangers’ Resurgence (2021–Present)
Rangers, however, fought back under Steven Gerrard, winning the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership title unbeaten, preventing Celtic from achieving a record-breaking ten-in-a-row. Since then, the competition has been much closer, with both clubs trading league titles and cup triumphs.
Current Battle for Supremacy (2023–2025)
With Brendan Rodgers returning to Celtic and Philippe Clement managing Rangers, the fight for dominance has never been more intense. Both teams have been competing fiercely in the league and cup competitions, making each Old Firm match a must-watch event.
The Next Chapter: What’s at Stake?
With the all-time head-to-head record so close, every future Old Firm Derby will be pivotal in shaping history.
Can Celtic Overtake Rangers?
If Celtic win the next Old Firm match, they will level the all-time record at 171-171. A second consecutive win would see Celtic overtake Rangers for the first time in history.
Can Rangers Extend Their Lead?
On the other hand, if Rangers win the next Old Firm clash, they will maintain their historical advantage and increase the gap to two games.
Final Thoughts: The Greatest Rivalry in Football
The Old Firm Derby remains the most passionate and intense fixture in world football. With over 445 meetings, Rangers and Celtic have defined Scottish football history, trading titles, cups, and unforgettable victories.
As of March 2025, Rangers hold a slim lead, but with Celtic chasing them down, this could be the year that history is rewritten.
Will Celtic equal or surpass Rangers soon? Or will Rangers extend their dominance?
One thing is certain—the next Old Firm match will be unmissable.