The debate over which team is better between Celtic and Rangers is one of the oldest and most passionate rivalries in football history. Celtic fans will insist it’s their team, whilst Rangers will argue their case… and both sides will have some good points to make.
Known as the Old Firm, these two Glasgow-based clubs have dominated Scottish football for over a century. And although both teams boast incredibly impressive histories and devoted fan bases, the question of superiority remains a subject of intense discussion among football enthusiasts.
Celtic
Celtic Football Club, founded in 1887, has a rich legacy – and is famous for its distinctive green and white hoops jersey. The club has enjoyed unparalleled domestic success, winning the SPL over 53 times to date. Additionally, they have lifted the Scottish Cup 41 times and the Scottish League Cup 21 times, making them one of the most successful clubs in Scottish football history.
Celtic’s most prominent and celebrated period came under the legendary management of Jock Stein in the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, they achieved some remarkable feats, including winning the European Cup in 1967… becoming the first British club to do so. The team, known as the “Lisbon Lions,” was admired across the continent for its attacking style of play and memorable win against Inter Milan in Lisbon.
Even in more recent years, Celtic has been a dominant force in the Scottish Premiership, often battling fiercely with Rangers for the title. Even the latest SPL odds have them slightly ahead of their fierce rivals. Their success has been such that they have attracted notable international players such as Henrik Larsson, Kenny Dalglish, and more recently, Scott Brown and Odsonne Edouard.
Rangers
Rangers Football Club is even older than its rivals, established in 1872 – and plays in royal blue jerseys. Similar to Celtic, they also have an illustrious history, boasting 55 Scottish League titles, 34 Scottish Cups, and 27 Scottish League Cups – so it’s pretty neck and neck in terms of overall titles.
The club’s most successful period came during the late 1980s and the 1990s when they were managed by Graeme Souness and Walter Smith. During this time, the team dominated Scottish football – securing several domestic titles and even reaching the pinnacle of European club competitions. In fact, they became the first Scottish club to reach the UEFA Champions League final in 1992-93.
Rangers have also boasted a host of legendary players including Jim Baxter, Ally McCoist, and Brian Laudrup, who have all had a massive impact on the team’s legacy
Head-to-Head Battles
The head-to-head contests between Celtic and Rangers, both in domestic league fixtures and cup competitions, have always been highly charged and fiercely competitive. The atmosphere when these two teams face off is like none other… These Old Firm derbies are intense – filled with passion, drama and plenty of controversy.
The Balance of Power
The balance of power between Celtic and Rangers has shifted over the years, to and fro from one team to the other. While Celtic has dominated the Scottish Premiership in the most recent years, Rangers had a period of financial turmoil in the early 2010s that led to their demotion to the lower divisions. However, they couldn’t be held down for long and they made a seriously impressive comeback taking their rightful place back in the Scottish top flight.
So, essentially, the question of which team is better is very subjective and opinions are simply based on whichever team you prefer. Both clubs have had plenty of moments of glory and setbacks, and they have both had an impact on Scottish football that cannot be denied.
Off the Pitch
But what about off the pitch? Well, beyond football, Celtic and Rangers have other differences and rivalries – with contrasting opinions on cultural, religious, and societal identities in Glasgow and Scotland. This has led to pretty complex social dynamics, which have occasionally been known to spill over into football-related incidents. Whenever they go head to head, it’s always going to be a match to remember – sometimes for good and sometimes for bad – but always memorable.
Ultimately, both Celtic and Rangers hold a significant place in the history of Scottish football, and their fierce rivalry adds excitement and passion to the beautiful game in Scotland. Which team is better? Well, this is a debate likely to continue for many generations to come.