Celtic hosted Rangers at Parkhead on March 16, 2025, for one of the fiercest rivalries in football, the Old Firm derby. Despite already securing the Scottish Premiership title earlier this season, Celtic aimed to assert their dominance after suffering a disheartening defeat to Rangers back in January. With the reigning champions sitting comfortably atop the table, their 16-point lead over the rivals adds provocations for Rangers, who were eager for redemption following their triumph over Celtic during their last encounter.
This match also marked the debut of Barry Ferguson as the interim manager for Rangers, bringing heightened emotional stakes as this historic event unfolded. Ferguson's position derives deep significance owing to his affiliation with the club, alongside the added pressure of obtaining victory over their city foes. When asked about the preparations leading to the match, Ferguson emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “This was a prime example [of character]. They’ve been brilliant to work with over the last few weeks.”
The atmosphere at Parkhead was electric as fans returned to the stands, filling the ground with energy after their absence from previous encounters. The permission granted for away fans was expected to energize the competition, resulting once more in increased tension and excitement among players and supporters alike.
Both teams had been performing with occasional ups and downs leading to this derby. Celtic had recently advanced to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after dispatching Hibernian, demonstrating their continued prowess. Meanwhile, Rangers had also been riding high after their midweek win against Fenerbahce, sending shockwaves through Europe with their progression to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Celtic approached the match with both anticipation and trepidation over injuries affecting their squad, particularly their captain Callum McGregor. McGregor helmed Celtic's midfield well but had missed recent training due to injury. Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed cautious optimism about McGregor's fitness, stating, “We’ll make decision on him tomorrow.” Sadly, it was later confirmed he would not feature. Other injuries saw Paulo Bernardo sidelined along with Liam Scales, whose cheekbone issue remained unresolved.
For Rangers, the absence of winger Oscar Cortes lingered due to his health issues, leaving Ferguson to strategize creatively using the available pool of talent. He expressed confidence on how the team had bonded under intense conditions leading up to the derby.
When the whistle blew at kickoff, the energy rapidly shifted to tangible action on the field as Rangers capitalized on opportunities, racing to take the lead. With the scoreboard favoring them 2-0 at halftime, it looked hopeful for Ferguson & Co. James Tavernier lauded his side’s execution during the initial half, remarking, “I’m delighted to get the three points. It’s been a good week for the club.”
Despite the seemingly commanding lead, the narrative twisted quickly as Celtic responded valiantly, fighting back to level the game at 2-2. Spirit visibly surged within the home side, juxtaposed with the tense reactions from the stands. “Celtic weren’t functioning as well as they could have done,” noted former manager Neil Lennon. “You can’t give a two-goal lead to any team, particularly your biggest rivals.”
With barely minutes left on the clock, just when Celtic seemed set to flip the game on its head, the match took one final turn. Hamza Igamane, showcasing remarkable skill and composure, sailed the ball past the Celtic keeper, sealing the victory for Rangers with his stunning late winner. The final score concluded at 3-2, igniting jubilation among the Rangers supporters and deep emotional turmoil for Celtic fans.
Post-match, Ferguson expressed utter elation over the first game result induction, stating, “We deserved it. I said to them, go and prove how much desire you have got.” He underscored his intention to push Rangers back to their historical heights with cascading talent at his disposal.
The defeat catalyzes questions heading through the final part of the season for Celtic, who remain clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, yet having fallen short again against their greatest threat. The pride held tightly within Glasgow proves fierce—a city perpetually split by football allegiances amplified through exhilarating rivalries.
Through the backdrop of this storied encounter, the resilience showcased by both clubs promises to shape not just the remainder of this season but the future trajectories of both Celtic and Rangers. Fans now look forward to the next chapter, perhaps replete with different results and shifting dynamics under the weight of experience and lessons learned through the battlefield of football.
Rangers reclaim the bragging rights, revitalized by the win—one highlighted not just by the scoreline, but by the renewed belief instilled within Ferguson’s side as they look forward with determination to the remainder of the season.