Celtic Strike First in Old Firm Revival
It is the most important match in all of Scottish soccer. The current financial situation at Rangers nor the difference in division could overshadow the importance of this match to both sides.
In the 400th Old Firm match – the first since Rangers was relegated to Scottish League One – Celtic dominated from start to finish, winning in front of their home supporters 2-0. With the win, Celtic now head into the League Cup Final where they will face Dundee United.
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However, that match is currently an afterthought for all the Celtic supporters. Though the match is the 400th between the Glasgow giants, many Celtic supporters took out adds in the national papers, declaring this the first match between the sides.
The claims come following Rangers 2012 bankruptcy and liquidation. Though the club was purchased and retained its past history and achievements, many Celtic fans believe that the Rangers side they defeated are not the same that currently lead the Old Firm rivalry.
History aside, Rangers still struggled mightily against a superior Celtic squad. Rangers failed to muster any scoring chances, failing multiple times from close range free-kicks. As bad as the attack was, the defense was worse.
Simple attacks from Celtic were turned into real chances by The Gers backline. Scoring only two in this match showed Celtic’s real lack of finishing. The scoreline could and should have easily read four or five for The Hoops.
Though rather tame compared to past meetings, there were a few moments of anger and frustration towards each other. Celtic captain Scott Brown’s aggressive tackle on Ian Black late in stoppage time caused tempers to flair.
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This was also mostly reflected by the clubs supporters. Both clubs fans were split and guarded by security in an effort to avoid any extracurricular activities. In fact, the most aggressive the fans ever got was when Celtic supporter’s song “You’re not Rangers anymore” were answered by “Can you hear the Rangers sing?”
The game could also be the last Old Firm match for a couple of years. With Rangers sitting sixteen points adrift of Hearts in the Championship, The Gers will most likely need the Premiership playoff to join Celtic in the top division.
Other than future cup matches, it does not appear that Rangers will be taking on Celtic again anytime soon. Whether that results in the rivalries growth in desire from both sides remains to be seen.
They say you cherish things more once their gone. Today, both clubs and their supporters proved this true. In between jabs at each other, both sides played as if this match was a must win. Even though Rangers came up short, their supporters chanted and sang the more than they have since they were relegated in 2012.
If this is the last Old Firm match for a while, then fine. But today, Celtic and Rangers proved that Scottish soccer is better with the Old Firm than without it.