The first Old Firm derby of 2025 took place on January 2 at Ibrox Stadium, where Rangers hosted Celtic, who held an imposing 14-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic's dominance this season was evident, having previously beaten Rangers to win the League Cup final just weeks earlier. Managers Philippe Clement of Rangers and Brendan Rodgers of Celtic were both aware of the match's historical significance, with the stakes exceptionally high for the home side. Rangers were desperate for points, as another defeat could leave them flailing even earlier in the title race.
The match kicked off amid palpable tension, with both teams fielding different lineups. Rangers made six changes to their squad, most notable being the absence of talismanic goalkeeper Jack Butland, who was recovering from serious internal bleeding. They opted for Liam Kelly, whose return marked only his second start for the club since rejoining. Clement emphasized the need for his players to fight for every game and every result, stating, "We are going to fight for every game and every result." Meanwhile, Celtic fielded Daizen Maeda, fresh off impressive performances, highlighting their attack's potential.
Just after kick-off, the energetic atmosphere at Ibrox amplified as Rangers' Ianis Hagi stunned the away supporters with a stunning low strike from 20 yards. The goal, scored just nine minutes in, brought the hosts 1-0 up and created wild celebrations among the home crowd.
Rodgers' Celtic attempted to regroup following the early setback but struggled for significant responses. Despite dominating possession at times, the team failed to convert their chances effectively. Celtic captain Callum McGregor was cautioned early on, and his frustration was evident as he yelled at his teammates after several missed opportunities.
Rangers capitalized on their lead by maintaining pressure and showing remarkable composure. "This could be Philippe Clement's last dance as Rangers manager today if they lose," noted pundit Chris Sutton, emphasizing the potential ripple effects of the match on Clement's job security.
With the first half winding down, Celtic gradually found their rhythm but continued to falter against Rangers' resolute defense, forcing them to resort to long-range shots from struggling midfielders and wingers.
At halftime, Rangers led 1-0, and the second half was poised for even more fireworks. The crowd buzzed with excitement as the historical rivalry unfolded, with tensions spilling over at moments. The prospect of Celtic losing their grip on control loomed large.
After the break, Celtic resumed with heightened urgency, determined to equalize. Several near misses, including attempts from Maeda and Kyogo, tested Rangers' resolve. Yet, the Rangers' defense, emboldened by the early goal, held fast. Clement's players seemed increasingly unified, fighting hard to preserve their advantage against their bitter rivals.
Celtic's frustration began to boil over, with missed chances and poor execution epitomizing their struggles—all the more troubling as it marked another derby against the much weaker Rangers side. "Everyone needs to relish this one and every Old Firm game is special," remarked Clement, capturing the match's atmosphere and significance.
Just when it seemed Celtic might break through, Rangers struck again, sending their loyal supporters' hopes soaring. The tension escalated as Celtic poured forward, but they were caught cold on the counterattack. Rangers rallied, displaying the grit and passion expected of them in such conditions.
Full-time arrived with the scoreline intact, 1-0 to Rangers, handing them not just three points but also deepened Celtic's sense of insecurity. This match served as much more than just another chapter to the riveting Old Firm saga—it was about pride and proving resilience amid adversity. "This could be a very good moment to get a big win," said Vaclav Cerny post-match, underscoring the overall atmosphere of the contest.
Looking at the aftermath, the result could be pivotal for both teams. For Celtic, it was about maintaining dominance and continuing to build on their already formidable lead, but for Clement, the pressure now mounts to salvage the season and prove his place among Rangers' storied history.
This Old Firm match, rife with high stakes and historical significance, will undoubtedly leave lasting impressions on both sets of fans, again demonstrating the fervor and passion generated by one of football's fiercest rivalries. The battle lines may be drawn, but as always, this rivalry remains central to Scottish football.