Rangers vs Celtic: Which is the best football team in Scotland?

Rangers vs Celtic: Which is the best football team in Scotland?

Helix Odhiambo
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:58 PM

Rangers vs Celtic is one of the most exciting rivalries in football history. It is commonly referred to as the Old Firm derby. Join us as we delve into the history of the two clubs, their head-to-head record, and much more.

Celtic vs Rangers midfielders
Players clash during the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park on 31 March 2019. It is one of the most competitive fixtures in football. Photo: Craig Foy
Source: Getty Images

The Old Firm derby began back in 1888 when Celtic beat Rangers 5-2 in a friendly match at the old Celtic Park. So, how have the Rangers vs Celtic results been since then?

Rangers vs Celtic history

The Rangers Football Club was founded in 1872 by a small group of football enthusiasts in Glasgow Green. The club was initially named Glasgow Argyle before it was renamed Rangers. It is famously known as the Teddy Bears, with a market value of $145.7 million.

Celtic was founded in 1887 at a meeting in St. Mary's Church Hall in the Calton district of Glasgow. Its first match was the Old Firm derby in 1888. The Celts have a market value of $85.4 million.

Why is there a rivalry between Celtic and Rangers?

The animosity between the two clubs is rooted in their religious, political, and cultural differences. It is widely believed that the Teddy Bears are more pro-British, and protestants. However, the Celts are inclined towards Ireland and the Catholic Church.

Therefore, the Old Firm derby is not only about football but also about maintaining reputation and pride. Consequently, it has become an intense encounter since the late 19th century.

Rangers vs Celtic all-time record

Let us look at Rangers vs Celtic head-to-head stats and achievements. Who has the better record in all competitions?

The clubs have met 427 times in major competitions as of March 2022. The Teddy Bears boast 167 victories, while the Celts have won 160 times. 100 games have ended in a draw.

Who won the last Old Firm derby?

Celtic vs Rangers last match
Celtic thrashed the Teddy Bears 3-0 when the two last met in a Scottish Premiership match on 2 February 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. Photo: Mark Runnacles
Source: Getty Images

The Celts cruised to a comfortable 3-0 home victory when the two clubs last met on 2 February 2022. A brace from Reo Hatate and one from Liel Abada gave the hosts a crucial win in the Scottish Premiership.

What is the highest-scoring game between Rangers vs Celtic?

The most humiliating winning margin in the Old Firm derby was a 7-1 victory for the Celts, in the 1957 Scottish League Cup final.

Rangers vs Celtic trophies

Rangers vs Celtic trophies
The two clubs have won the most trophies in Scotland's history. Photo: Craig Williamson, Andrew Milligan
Source: Getty Images

Celtic and Rangers have won a record number of titles in Scotland. From the Scottish League championship to the Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup. Here is a comparison of titles won by the two clubs.

  • Scottish League championship: Rangers (55), Celtic (51)
  • Scottish Cup: Celtic (40), Rangers (33)
  • Scottish League Cup: Rangers (27), Celtic (19)

Is Rangers the best team in Scotland?

No club in Scotland has won more league championships and league cups than the Teddy Bears. They have 115 trophies, five more than their arch-rivals.

The Teddy Bears claimed their 55th league title in the 2020/21 season, ending the Celt's nine-year dominance. However, Rangers remains the only Scottish team to win the league 10 times consecutively, between 1988 and 1997. It is, therefore, reasonable to say that the Teddy Bears are the best team in Scotland.

Old Firm's top scorers

Rangers vs Celtic strikers
The Celts' forward Jimmy McGrory (left) and Ally McCoist of the Teddy Bears lead the Old Firm derby's scoring chart. Photo: @Highland_paddy, @74frankfurt
Source: Twitter

The derby has featured many prominent and talented footballers who have become legends of the fixture. So here are the top 3 Rangers vs Celtic strikers with the most goals in the derby.

Ally McCoist (Rangers) - 27 goals

The legendary Scottish striker played 55 games in the Old Firm derby, scoring 27 times more than any other player. He is also among the highest goal scorers in the Scottish League Championship, having netted 260 times for the Teddy Bears and Kilmarnock.

Robert Hamilton (Rangers) - 24 goals

Robert Hamilton was a prominent footballer during his time at the Ibrox Stadium. He is the second-highest scorer in the Old Firm derby with 24 goals in 46 matches.

Jimmy McGrory (Celtic) - 22 goals

Nicknamed the 'Mermaid' for his excellent heading skills, Jimmy McGrory was a prolific figure for the Celts. He grabbed 22 goals in 35 games for the club.

When is the next Old Firm derby?

The two teams will meet in the Scottish Premiership on 3 April 2022 at Rangers FC stadium, the Ibrox Stadium. All eyes will be on the Celtic vs Rangers midfielders, who will play a crucial role in dictating the match's tempo.

The Celts lead the table with 76 points from 31 games. The Teddy Bears closely follow with 73 points from 31 matches. Football fanatics anticipate a tough battle in the derby, with only two games left to determine the 2021/22 championship winner.

Rangers FC squad

Rangers FC stadium
The Teddy Bears players pose for a team photo before their Scottish Championship match. Photo: @RangersFC
Source: Twitter

Let us take a look at the team's current players.

  • Goalkeeper: Allan McGregor, Andy Firth, Robby McCrorie, Jon McLaughlin
  • Defenders: James Tavernier, Calvin Bassey, Filip Helander, Connor Goldson, Jack Simpson, Mateusz Zukowski, Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Leon King
  • Midfielders: John Lundstram, Ianis Hagi, Ryan Jack, Steven Davis, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, James Sands, Scott Wright, Nnamdi Ofoborh, Scott Arfield
  • Forwards: Amad Diallo, Cedric Itten, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Fashion Sakala
  • Rangers FC manager: Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Celtic FC roster

Celtic FC roster
Celtic players line up before kick-off at Celtic Park. Photo: Craig Williamson
Source: Instagram

Here is a 31-man list of the Celts.

  • Goalkeepers: Vasilis Barkas, Joe Hart, Scott Bain
  • Defenders: Christoper Jullien, Greg Taylor, Carl Starfelt, Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Dane Murray, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Josip Juranovic
  • Midfielders: Nir Bitton, Ismaila Soro, David Turnbull, James McCarthy, Joao Pedro, Tom Rogic, Mikey Johnston, Yosuke Ideguchi, Matt O'riley, Reo Hatate, James Forrest, Karamoko Dembele
  • Forwards: Giorgos Giakoumakis, Kyogo Furuhashi, Albian Ajeti, Liel Abada, Johnny Kenny, Daizen Maeda
  • Celtic FC manager: Ange Postecoglou

The Rangers vs Celtic fixture remains one of the most anticipated duels every year. Many fans usually travel long distances to witness the teams play each other. So, who will walk away with the title this season?

READ ALSO: The top 10 Football clubs with the most trophies in 2022

Sportsbrief.com also featured the top 10 football clubs with the most trophies in 2022, featuring the best teams globally. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester United are among the clubs that come to mind.

Most of these successful teams on earth also boast of the best squads and experienced managerial teams. Find out more details about teams with the most trophies here!

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.