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Rangers vs. Celtic: Reliving the Top 10 Old Firm Football Epics

The Old Firm Derby, where Celtic faces Rangers, is not your typical football rivalry. It's nothing short of a grand spectacle filled with unforgettable moments that fans all over the world love and cherish. Picture derby encounters filled with historical events that stay etched in the hearts of people around the globe! From thrilling close matches to amazing goals, the Old Firm Derby is a mix of skill, passion, and good sportsmanship. It's not just about the game as the Derby is known to bring fans together, creating a sense of togetherness. The Old Firm Derby represents the true beauty of football. Each time the Celtics and the Rangers play, it's a celebration that adds more stories to the already rich history of this respected competition.

For fans looking to enhance their Old Firm Derby experience, exploring the best platforms for SPL betting can add an extra layer of excitement. Whether it's predicting the outcome of the match, the goal scorers, or even the number of yellow cards, these platforms provide thrilling Celtic vs Rangers betting options to engage with the game.

Top 10 Old Firm Derby Moments

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Celtic 5-2 Rangers - 1888

The inaugural Celtic vs Rangers derby in 1888 ended in a 5-2 victory for Celtic over Rangers. Initially termed a "friendly match," the intensity of the rivalry emerged, marking its significance.

Rangers 2-2 Celtic - 1987

Dubbed the "Old Firm shame game," referee Jim Duncan dismissed three players as Celtic and Rangers clashed at Ibrox. Frank McAvennie and Chris Woods were sent off, leading to legal proceedings for breach of peace.

Rangers 2-2 Celtic - 1909

Dubbed "The League Cup no-one won," after the Hampden Riot, the SFA withheld the trophy. Suspicion of fixed cup ties escalated as Rangers and Celtic drew twice, resulting in Hampden's destruction.

Celtic 4-2 Rangers - 1979

On a crucial night, "10 men won the league" as Celtic faced adversity in their last game. Falling behind and reduced to 10 men, goals from Aitken and McCluskey secured the championship.

Rangers 0-0 Celtic - 1931

In a heartbreaking league match, Celtic's iconic goalkeeper John Thomson lost his life following a collision with Rangers' Sam English, resulting in a fractured skull and ruptured artery. The 1931 match is etched in the memory of every true fan of the Old Firm Derby.

Celtic 0-1 Rangers - 1997

During the 1996/97 season, Rangers clinched a pivotal one-goal victory, with Brian Laudrup as the hero, defeating Celtic and securing their ninth consecutive title in a hard-fought match at Parkhead.

Celtic 1-0 Rangers - 2004

Celtic had already secured the league title with a substantial 17-point lead. Despite the impending goalless draw, Chris Sutton's stunning chip sealed a "green and white wash" in 2004.

Celtic 5-1 Rangers - 2016

Celtic Park witnessed a memorable match as Frenchman Moussa Dembele's hat-trick powered a dominant victory over Rangers. Scott Brown and his teammates received well-deserved praise for their outstanding performance.

Celtic 6-2 Rangers - 2000

Henrik Larsson's iconic chipped goal stands out, remembered almost two decades later. Chris Sutton, on his Old Firm debut, scored twice, contributing to a game filled with controversy, including Barry Ferguson's red card and contentious penalty decisions.

Celtic 2-1 Rangers - 2008

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's winner turned the tide. Nakamura and Novo scored stunning goals, and despite missed penalties and a narrow lead for Rangers, Vennegoor of Hesselink's header secured Celtic's comeback and, eventually, the league title by three points.

Unforgettable Moments

The most memorable Old Firm Derby Moments are -

The Iconic Players

Chris Sutton

Referred to as 'The Evil Genius' by Celtic fans, this striker earned a reputation for outclassing Rangers defenders, playing a key role in Celtic's six consecutive derby victories. His noteworthy performance included a decisive 92nd-minute goal and controversial remarks preceding a 2015 Scottish League Cup Old Firm clash.

Artur Boruc

Known as 'The Holy Goalie,' Artur Boruc embraced the love from Celtic fans and the disdain from Rangers supporters. Whether making gestures or wearing a shirt with the Pope's image, Boruc revelled in the polarised reactions.

Scott Brown

Celtic fans perform 'Do the Broony' in homage to Scott Brown's gloating celebration during El Hadji Diouf's Rangers debut. The fiery captain's absence weakens Celtic, making him a nightmare for Rangers, who secretly envy having him on their side.

Alfie Conn

Alfie Conn, the inaugural post-World War 2 player to play for both Old Firm teams, flourished at Rangers starting in 1968, achieving victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1972. Upon joining Celtic, he clinched another Scottish Cup in 1978, triumphing over Rangers in the final. During his two seasons at Celtic, Conn made 32 appearances.

Mo Johnston

In 1984, Scottish striker Mo Johnston joined Celtic, netting 52 goals in 99 appearances and securing a Scottish Premiership. Following a period with Nantes, he returned to Scotland, choosing Rangers over Celtic in 1989 under manager Graeme Souness. Johnston subsequently moved to Everton in 1991.

Kenny Miller

Kenny Miller's career spanned Celtic, Wolves, and multiple spells at Rangers. After 164 appearances at Wolves, he joined Rangers in 2000, had a Celtic stint, and returned to Rangers in 2008, 2014, and stayed until 2018, scoring 35 goals in 114 games.

Finishing Touch

Coming to the Rangers f.c. vs Celtic f.c. stats, the Old Firm Derby, valued at £120 million to Scotland's economy, stands as one of football's most fervent rivalries. Celtic and Rangers, crossing paths at least four times annually, have a storied history of memorable clashes. Beyond typical stakes, these encounters carry economic significance, distinguishing them from other global rivalries. While lacking the star power of El Clasico or the vibrancy of El Superclasico,, the Old Firm's passion remains unparalleled.

Published by Patrick Jane
31.01.2024