With Celtic and Rangers — known collectively as the “Old Firm” in Glasgow, Scotland — set to renew hostilities for only the second time in the past four seasons, in the Scottish Cup semi-final on April 17, it seems like a good time to reacquaint soccer fans with this epic rivalry and some of the notable moments in its 128-year history.
Here are the 10 best goals in Old Firm matches
10. Neil McCallum, Celtic, May 28, 1888
You always remember your first. McCallum, who started at outside right for the Hoops--before they wore the Hoops (their shirts were white with a green collar at the time)--scored the first goal in Old Firm history, before a crowd of 2,000 spectators at the original Celtic Park.
The Bhoys would go on to win the match — which was billed as a “friendly” (my, how things have changed)--by a score of 5-2.
9. Barry Ferguson, Rangers, May 4, 2002
There’s nothing like scoring a big goal in a Cup final, and former Rangers captain Ferguson scored a big one to level this Scottish Cup final at 2-2. Gers would go on to win on a late goal (see below).
8. Henrik Larsson, Celtic, August 27, 2000
The King of Goals for Celtic nutmegged a Rangers defender and chipped the keeper to create what some consider the best goal in Old Firm history. Celtic would go on to win the so-called “Demolition Derby” match 6-2.
7. Peter Lovenkrands, Rangers, May 4, 2002
Selecting two goals from the same game may seem a bit lazy but, again, this was a Cup final. Lovenkrands, the Danish striker, gave Gers the win in this dramatic affair at Hampden Park with a spectacular strike in the 90th minute to cap off an amazing comeback.
6. Paul McStay, March 20, 1988
Celebrating its centenary year, Celtic was spurred on by a late-season 2-1 win at Ibrox to take the league title. Known as the “Maestro,” McStay scored the opener in the match, on a 25-yard wonder strike.
5. Jorg Albertz, January 1, 1997
Many believe this 3-1 win propelled Rangers to their ninth league title in a row. Albertz converted an amazing 25-yard free kick to open the scoring for the Blues.
4. Paul Lambert, Celtic, January 1, 1998
Heading into this festive period showdown, Rangers had a four-point lead at the top of the table, and was seemingly on the way to winning their tenth title in a row. But a blistering strike from the edge of the box by the Celtic midfielder propelled the Hoops to a 2-0 win and set off a wild celebration in Glasgow’s East End.
3. Tore Andre Flo, Rangers, November 26, 2000
It would be unfair to mention Celtic’s “Demolition Derby” without acknowledging that Rangers exacted its revenge in the return fixture three months later. Flo, who has one of the best names in Old Firm history, scored the eventual winner off a nifty back-heel.
2. Daniel Cousin, Rangers, August 31, 2008
It’s hard to win the league in August, but Gers gave themselves a big leg up on the 2008-09 title race with a 4-2 victory at Celtic Park. Cousin scored the opener, and though Celtic would later equalize, the floodgates had been opened. Rangers would go on to win the league.
1. Jimmy Johnstone, Celtic, May 6, 1967
Everyone remembers the “Lisbon Lions” for winning the European Cup in 1967, but they also won the league in memorable fashion that season, clinching the title with a 2-2 draw at Ibrox. Johnstone scored both goals on the day, but his second--a 30-yard wonder strike — gave the Hoops a 2-1 lead, rendering Rangers’ late equalizer meaningless.