On January 2, 2025, Rangers pulled off a stunning 3-0 victory over their fierce rivals Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, adding another thrilling chapter to the storied history of the Old Firm derby. The match showcased both teams at their best but highlighted Rangers’ resurgence under manager Philippe Clement, marking their first major success against Celtic since he took charge 15 months ago.
The win has significant ramifications for the Scottish Premiership standings, where Rangers managed to close the gap behind the leaders. Prior to the match, Celtic had been enjoying a commanding lead, sitting 14 points clear. Following this encounter, they miss the chance to extend their domestic dominance early this year.
This year has already been filled with suspense between the two clubs. Their previous match, which occurred earlier during the Scottish League Cup final, ended dramatically with penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw. That contest exemplified the competitive spirit shared within this historic rivalry, but it was Celtic who ended the day with the trophy, claiming it on penalties.
Manager Clement faced immense pressure coming to this match, having experienced two earlier losses to Celtic since assuming his role, including the loss during the league cup final. This time, he made significant changes to his lineup, bringing forth players who were hungry to prove themselves after the previous heartbreaks.
Rangers started with Liam Kelly as goalkeeper, stepping up to fill the void left by Jack Butland’s hospitalization due to an internal bleed, raising questions about the team's depth amid injury struggles. "We know what this match means for us and for our fans, and we need to show it on the pitch every time we face Celtic," Kelly affirmed post-match.
Clement's lineup included several key players like Ianis Hagi and Nedim Bajrami, who returned with the vigor necessary for such high-stakes encounters. Despite missing club captain James Tavernier, sidelined due to injury, the team’s structure remained strong.
Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, were without long-term absentee Odin Thiago Holm and veteran James Forrest but welcomed back Alistair Johnston and Daizen Maeda, the latter of whom came off the bench during the cup final to secure the winning penalties. "We need to maintain our focus and not allow this loss to derail our season goals," Johnson stated after the match.
The historical rivalry between Rangers and Celtic stretches back well over a century, with their first match dating to 1888. Known as the Old Firm, this derby embodies not just sporting competition but cultural and religious identities, deeply rooted within the communities of Glasgow. Rangers traditionally represent Protestant and Unionist sentiments, whereas Celtic is often celebrated as the club of the Catholic and Irish nationalist community.
Interestingly, the term "Old Firm" has been debated among fans, especially those from Celtic, who argue against its continued relevance since the financial collapse of Rangers in 2012, leading to what they call the club's death and rebirth—a narrative they dismiss with disdain. Some Celtic supporters prefer the term "Glasgow Derby" for these encounters.
"It’s just a different game now post-2012, and we see it as more of a Glasgow derby these days," confirmed Celtic’s fan club spokesperson, emphasizing the divide within the fandom over naming conventions of their rivalry.
Returning to the recent match, the intensity was palpable, and early on, it became clear how pivotal this clash was for both teams and their fan bases. Rangers took the lead with stunning offensive displays, overcoming their previous misfortunes against their traditional foes.
Former player Henrik Larsson, who has previously stated, "There’s nothing quite like the Old Firm. Those games are etched in your memory forever," highlighted the significance of this victory. Fans and pundits alike have praised the atmosphere at Ibrox during such encounters, equaling the legendary rivalries across Europe.
The immediate aftermath of the match left Celtic with questions to answer on how they would approach the remaining season fixtures, especially with their championship lead now jeopardized. Brendan Rodgers acknowledged the loss and its impact, stating, "We need to regroup and focus on the matches to come – we can’t dwell on this defeat. Our objective remains to secure the league title."
On the other side, Rangers celebrated wholeheartedly, embracing the sense of pride from reclaiming some lost ground. With this newfound momentum, they look forward to their upcoming games, knowing their fans are riding high with optimism. Such victories are immediate boosts, but the battlefield for trophies remains arduous, where every point will count leading up to the final matches of the season.
Fans from both sides now brace for the remaining fixtures, eager to see how this latest showdown impacts the race for the title, with memories of January 2 fueling excitement and rivalry as they await the next clash sooner than later.