Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. matches are among the biggest games in Scottish football. The two Glasgow clubs meet in league matches and sometimes face each other in major cup competitions. These games can affect title races, decide trophies, and create moments that football fans remember for years. The rivalry has lasted for more than a century, so every new match adds another chapter to its long history.
Recent meetings show just how quickly this rivalry can change. Celtic enjoyed several important wins during 2023 and 2024, while Rangers responded with major victories in 2025 and 2026. Cup matches have added even more drama, including finals, extra-time games, and penalty shoot-outs. This guide looks at Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. matches from 2023 through September 2026, including results, key goals, cup meetings, and the main moments from each year.
Why Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Matches Matter
Celtic and Rangers first played each other on May 28, 1888. It was Celtic’s first-ever match, and they won the friendly 5-2. Around 2,000 people watched the game at the first Celtic Park, with Neil McCallum scoring Celtic’s first goal. The two clubs later grew into the biggest rivals in Glasgow and became major forces in Scottish football. Their famous rivalry is widely known as the Old Firm derby.
These matches matter for much more than local pride. Rangers and Celtic have often competed against each other for league titles and domestic cups, so one derby result can have a major effect on a season. Cup games can carry even more pressure because one team may be knocked out. Recent years have included meetings in the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup. The venue also changes the feel of each match. Ibrox gives Rangers home support, Celtic Park gives Celtic the same advantage, while Hampden Park provides a neutral setting for major cup games.
Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Matches 2026
The 2026 calendar year began with an important away victory for Rangers. On January 3, Rangers beat Celtic 3-1 at Celtic Park. Hyunjun Yang gave Celtic the lead, but Rangers produced a strong second-half response. Youssef Chermiti scored twice before Mikey Moore added Rangers’ third goal. The teams met again on March 8 in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. Neither side scored during 120 minutes, so the tie went to penalties. Celtic won the shoot-out 4-2 and moved into the semi-finals.
Celtic responded in the league on May 10 with a 3-1 home victory. Mikey Moore put Rangers ahead, but Yang brought Celtic level before Daizen Maeda scored twice in the second half. The next season brought two more meetings in September. Rangers won 3-0 at Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup on September 13, with Dan Neil scoring twice and Kevin Kelsy adding another goal. Just seven days later, Rangers travelled to Celtic Park and earned a 1-0 league victory. Ryan Naderi scored the only goal during the first half.
Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Matches 2025
Rangers started 2025 with one of their strongest recent Old Firm performances. On January 2, they beat Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox. Ianis Hagi opened the scoring before Robin Pröpper added the second goal. Danilo then completed the victory with Rangers’ third. The clubs met again at Celtic Park on March 16, and Rangers won a dramatic game 3-2. Rangers went two goals ahead before Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate helped Celtic fight back to 2-2. Hamza Igamane then scored the late winning goal for Rangers.
The final league meeting of the 2024/25 season took place at Ibrox on May 4 and ended 1-1. Cyriel Dessers gave Rangers the lead before Adam Idah equalised for Celtic. Their first league derby of the following season was also at Ibrox on August 31, but this time neither team scored in a 0-0 draw. Another important meeting followed at Hampden Park on November 2 in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Celtic won 3-1 after extra time. Johnny Kenny opened the scoring before James Tavernier equalised from the penalty spot. Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand then scored during extra time to send Celtic into the final.
Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Matches 2024
One of the most exciting league meetings of 2024 took place at Ibrox on April 7. Celtic built a two-goal lead through Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley, but Rangers fought their way back into the match. Adam Idah later restored Celtic’s lead, but Rangers were not finished. Rabbi Matondo scored during stoppage time to make it 3-3 and complete a dramatic comeback. The teams met again at Celtic Park on May 11. Celtic won that game 2-1, with Matt O’Riley scoring and John Lundstram putting the ball into his own net. Cyriel Dessers scored Rangers’ goal.
Only two weeks later, Rangers and Celtic met in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park. The match remained close until Adam Idah scored in the 90th minute to give Celtic a 1-0 victory. Their next league meeting came on September 1, when Celtic won 3-0 at home. Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Callum McGregor scored the goals. The year ended with another dramatic cup final on December 15. Celtic and Rangers drew 3-3 after extra time in the League Cup final, which meant penalties were needed. Celtic won the shoot-out 5-4, with Maeda scoring the deciding penalty.
Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. Matches 2023
The first Old Firm match of 2023 took place at Ibrox on January 2 and ended in a 2-2 draw. Rangers recovered from an early Celtic goal and moved 2-1 ahead, but Kyogo Furuhashi scored a late equaliser for Celtic. The clubs then met in the League Cup final at Hampden on February 26. Celtic won 2-1, with Kyogo scoring both of their goals and Alfredo Morelos scoring for Rangers. Another close game followed at Celtic Park on April 8. Celtic won 3-2 after two goals from Kyogo and another from Jota. James Tavernier scored both Rangers goals.
The teams returned to Hampden Park on April 30 for a Scottish Cup semi-final. Celtic won 1-0 after Jota scored the only goal of the match. Rangers responded strongly when the teams met at Ibrox on May 13, winning 3-0 through goals from Todd Cantwell, John Souttar, and Fashion Sakala. The following season started with Celtic winning 1-0 at Ibrox on September 3 after a goal from Kyogo. Celtic also won the final derby of 2023, beating Rangers 2-1 at Celtic Park on December 30. Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo scored for Celtic, while James Tavernier scored for Rangers.
What the Recent Rangers vs Celtic Results Show
The recent results show that playing at home does not guarantee success in this rivalry. Celtic won at Ibrox in September 2023, while Rangers later recorded important victories at Celtic Park in March 2025, January 2026, and September 2026. Results can also change greatly from one meeting to the next. A 0-0 league draw in August 2025 was followed by Celtic’s 3-1 cup victory in November. In 2026, Celtic knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup on penalties, but Rangers later recorded two victories over Celtic within seven days during September.
This makes it difficult to judge the next Old Firm match only by looking at the previous result. Current form, injuries, team selection, tactics, and the competition itself can all affect how a game develops. Cup results also need to be read carefully. A match can finish level after normal time or extra time, but one team can still advance through penalties. This happened in December 2024, when the League Cup final ended 3-3 before Celtic won the shoot-out. It happened again in March 2026, when a 0-0 Scottish Cup tie ended with Celtic winning on penalties.
Understanding Head-to-Head Records and Penalty Shoot-Outs
Head-to-head records can sometimes look different depending on the website or database you use. One reason is the way penalty shoot-outs are recorded. In many football records, the score after extra time remains the official match result. The penalty shoot-out is then listed separately to show which team moved forward or won the trophy. Other websites may simply show the team that won the shoot-out as the winner of the match.
This difference matters when comparing Rangers and Celtic statistics. For example, the December 2024 League Cup final was 3-3 after extra time, but Celtic won 5-4 on penalties. The March 2026 Scottish Cup match also finished 0-0 before Celtic won the shoot-out 4-2. If two websites show slightly different totals for wins and draws, check how they count penalty shoot-outs before assuming one record is wrong.
How to Check the Latest Rangers vs Celtic Match Information
Fixture dates can change during a football season. Television schedules, cup draws, European matches, and other changes to the football calendar can cause a game to move. This is especially important when checking a future Rangers vs Celtic fixture. A date listed several months before the game may later change, along with the kick-off time. Fans planning to watch or attend a match should check the latest details close to the fixture date.
Official information is usually available through Rangers, Celtic, the Scottish Professional Football League, and the Scottish Football Association. These sources are useful for confirmed fixtures, results, competition details, and schedule changes. Football news websites can also provide useful reports and match analysis, but checking the official competition or club information can help when a date or result is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Old Firm derby?
The Old Firm derby is the common name used for football matches between Rangers and Celtic. Both clubs are based in Glasgow and have competed against each other for well over a century. Their meetings include league games as well as major Scottish cup matches.
When did Rangers and Celtic first play each other?
Rangers and Celtic first met on May 28, 1888. The game was Celtic’s first-ever match, and Celtic won the friendly 5-2. Around 2,000 people attended the match at the original Celtic Park.
Where are Rangers vs Celtic matches played?
League matches are normally played at Ibrox Stadium or Celtic Park, depending on which club is at home. Cup finals and many semi-finals take place at Hampden Park. Other cup ties can be played at either club’s home stadium depending on the draw.
Do penalty shoot-outs count as normal match wins?
Many football records keep the result after extra time as the official score and list the penalty shoot-out separately. Some head-to-head websites use a different method and show the team that won the shoot-out as the match winner. This can cause small differences between statistical records.
Why can Rangers vs Celtic fixture dates change?
Fixture dates can move because of television coverage, cup matches, European football, or other changes to the schedule. Fans should therefore check official club or competition information before making plans around a future game.
What was the latest Rangers vs Celtic result by September 2026?
The latest men’s first-team meeting covered in this guide took place on September 20, 2026. Rangers beat Celtic 1-0 at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership. Ryan Naderi scored the only goal of the match during the first half.
Final Thoughts
Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. matches continue to produce many different types of games. Recent years have included close league matches, high-scoring draws, comfortable wins, cup finals, extra-time battles, and penalty shoot-outs. The results from 2023 through September 2026 also show how quickly the balance can change. One club can control a derby and then face a very different challenge in the next meeting.
The easiest way to understand the recent rivalry is to look at each competition and match separately. It also helps to check whether a cup game ended in normal time, extra time, or a penalty shoot-out. This gives a clearer picture than simply looking at the number of wins and losses. Fixtures and results will continue to change, so readers looking for the newest information should check official Rangers, Celtic, SPFL, or Scottish FA updates.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information and was prepared with AI assistance. Football results, fixtures, competition details, and other information can change over time. The article may not cover every situation or match. Check important and current details through official clubs, the SPFL, the Scottish FA, or other trusted sources before relying on them.