The Rangers vs. Celtic rivalry, famously known as the Old Firm derby, stands as one of the most intense and historic football showdowns in the world. On March 16, 2025, these two Glasgow giants faced off once again at Celtic Park, delivering a match packed with drama, goals, and nail-biting moments. Fans across Scotland and beyond tuned in to witness this latest chapter, which ended with Rangers clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory. This article dives deep into the match, the history, the stakes, and what it all means moving forward, offering you the freshest details as of March 17, 2025.
The Match That Had Everyone Talking
The clash on March 16, 2025, showcased everything fans love—and sometimes dread—about the Old Firm. Celtic hosted Rangers in front of a roaring crowd at Celtic Park, hoping to extend their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. The game kicked off with high energy, and it didn’t take long for the scoreboard to light up. Rangers struck first, catching Celtic off guard with a clinical finish that set the tone early.
By the 37th minute, Mohammed Diomande doubled Rangers’ lead, slotting the ball past Celtic’s defense with precision. Celtic fans groaned, sensing trouble, but their team fought back. Just before halftime, Daizen Maeda rose above two Rangers defenders to head in a brilliant cross from Jota, pulling one back and reigniting hope. The second half turned into a rollercoaster, with Reo Hatate leveling the score at 2-2 in the 74th minute with a stunning strike that sent the home crowd wild.
However, Rangers refused to back down. In the 88th minute, Hamza Igamane delivered the decisive blow, scoring a late winner that silenced Celtic Park and handed Rangers a 3-2 triumph. The result marked a rare victory for Rangers in recent Old Firm encounters, sparking celebrations among their supporters and debates across Glasgow.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The Old Firm rivalry dates back to 1888, when Celtic and Rangers first locked horns. Over 130 years later, the passion remains as fierce as ever. These two clubs don’t just compete for points—they battle for pride, identity, and bragging rights in a city split down the middle. Celtic, with their green and white hoops, carry a strong Irish Catholic heritage, while Rangers, draped in blue, align with Protestant roots. This cultural divide fuels the fire, making every match a spectacle beyond football.
Together, they’ve dominated Scottish football, winning a combined 108 league titles as of 2025. Celtic currently edge out Rangers with 55 titles to Rangers’ 53, a stat that adds extra spice to every meeting. The March 16 clash wasn’t just about three points—it was another chance to shift the balance in this epic tug-of-war.
Breaking Down the March 16 Showdown
First Half Fireworks
Rangers came out swinging, capitalizing on Celtic’s slow start. Their early goal came from a swift counterattack, exposing gaps in Celtic’s backline. Diomande’s strike in the 37th minute showcased Rangers’ growing confidence under interim manager Barry Ferguson, who took charge after Philippe Clement’s departure earlier in 2025. Celtic, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm, with their usually sharp attack misfiring.
Maeda’s header just before the break changed the mood. Jota’s pinpoint cross found the Japanese forward, who outmuscled his markers to give Celtic a lifeline. The home fans erupted, sensing a comeback, and the teams headed to the locker rooms with everything still to play for.
Second Half Drama
The second half turned into a battle of wills. Celtic ramped up the pressure, controlling possession and probing Rangers’ defense. Hatate’s equalizer in the 74th minute looked like the turning point—a rocket of a shot that left Rangers’ goalkeeper helpless. For a moment, it seemed Celtic might snatch the win, as they’ve done so often in recent years.
But Rangers had other plans. Igamane’s late goal, a cool finish after a quick break, stunned Celtic and their supporters. The final whistle confirmed Rangers’ 3-2 victory, a result that snapped Celtic’s unbeaten league run and handed Rangers a psychological boost in the title race.
Key Players Who Shined
Rangers’ Standouts
Hamza Igamane emerged as the hero, scoring the winner and proving his worth after a strong showing earlier in the season. Mohammed Diomande also impressed, combining midfield grit with a goal that showcased his attacking flair. Under Ferguson’s guidance, Rangers displayed a tenacity that had been missing in prior Old Firm losses.
Celtic’s Fighters
Daizen Maeda kept Celtic in the fight with his aerial prowess, while Reo Hatate’s long-range stunner highlighted his growing importance to the squad. Jota’s assist underlined his creativity, though Celtic’s defense faltered at crucial moments, letting Rangers capitalize.
Tactical Takeaways
Rangers leaned on a low-block strategy, soaking up pressure and hitting Celtic on the break. Ferguson’s influence showed in their disciplined shape and willingness to scrap for every ball. Critics on X noted Rangers’ time-wasting tactics, but the approach paid off, with only 28% possession yet a higher goal count.
Celtic, meanwhile, dominated the ball but struggled to break down Rangers’ stubborn defense. Their high pressing and fluid passing created chances, but lapses in concentration—like Alistair Johnston’s slip—proved costly. Manager Brendan Rodgers will likely rue those missed opportunities as Celtic’s lead at the top narrows.
Where This Leaves the Premiership Race
As of March 17, 2025, Celtic still lead the Scottish Premiership, but Rangers’ win cuts the gap significantly. Before the match, Celtic boasted an 11-point advantage after a 3-0 thrashing of Rangers on January 2. Now, with this loss, the race tightens, and Rangers smell blood. Celtic remain favorites, unbeaten in the league until this defeat, but Rangers’ resurgence under Ferguson adds intrigue.
The season still has plenty of twists ahead. Celtic’s next fixtures include tough away trips, while Rangers face their own challenges. If Rangers maintain this form, they could push Celtic all the way, potentially ending their rival’s quest for a fourth straight title.
FAQs: Your Old Firm Questions Answered
Why do they call it the Old Firm?
The term “Old Firm” traces back to the early 1900s, when newspapers described the Celtic-Rangers rivalry as a profitable partnership for Scottish football. Both clubs drew massive crowds and boosted the game’s popularity, cementing their status as the “old firm” of the sport. Today, it symbolizes their enduring dominance and the fierce competition that defines their encounters.
How many times have Rangers and Celtic played each other?
As of March 17, 2025, Rangers and Celtic have faced off over 430 times across all competitions since their first meeting in 1888. Rangers vs. Celtic hold a slight edge with around 170 wins to Rangers’ 165, with the rest ending in draws. The exact tally shifts with each clash, but the balance remains tight, fueling the rivalry’s intensity.
What’s at stake in the 2025 season for both teams?
Kaitlin The 2025 Scottish Premiership title tops the list, with Celtic chasing a fourth straight crown and Rangers aiming to reclaim glory. A Rangers vs. Celtic win would tie them with Rangers’ record of 55 titles, while a Rangers triumph would narrow the gap and boost their resurgence. Beyond the league, bragging rights and fan pride hang in the balance with every Old Firm match.
Who are the key players to watch in future Old Firm games?
Andrew For Celtic, Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal-scoring instincts and Reo Hatate’s midfield magic stand out, while Jota’s flair adds Rangers vs. Celtic unpredictability. Rangers rely on Hamza Igamane’s emerging talent, Mohammed Diomande’s versatility, and James Tavernier’s leadership. These stars often decide tight contests, so keep an eye on them when May rolls around.
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