The first Old Firm derby showdown of the new season failed to ignite in the Scottish Premiership, despite the stakes already being high at Ibrox. Russell Martin got his first taste of one of world football’s fiercest rivalries and was hoping it wouldn’t prove to be his last with massive scrutiny already building on his position as Rangers boss after a dire start to the campaign that included being humiliated 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge in Champions League qualifying.
His short-lived reign has been a nightmare so far and Martin could ill afford another defeat which would have seen the hosts fall nine points behind their arch-rivals already. Celtic had won all three of their opening league matches without conceding a goal, though also suffered Champions League embarrassment in midweek after losing a penalty shootout following a pair of goalless draws with Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan.
Things haven’t exactly been rosy in their camp of late either, with Brendan Rodgers’ future also subject to plenty of debate amid frustration and fan anger at the board over the club’s transfer business. Sunday’s bore draw - in which John Souttar saw a first-half header from a James Tavernier free-kick correctly ruled out for offside - will have done preciously little to lift the mood in either camp going into the international break.
Rangers vs Celtic highlights
- NO GOAL! Souttar header ruled out for offside
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:57 , George FloodFull-time
One of the poorest Old Firm derbies I can remember draws to a close as boos ring out around Ibrox.
The under-fire Russell Martin might well have taken a point ahead of kick-off, but that’s now just three wins in his first 11 games in charge of Rangers across all competitions and a fourth successive draw to start the new Scottish Premiership season.
A much-needed clean sheet after the midweek Brugge humiliation, but his critics won’t be soothed.
Rangers - now unbeaten in the last four Old Firm derbies - climb a place to sixth but remain six points behind Celtic, whose 100 per cent start is over but they jump back top above Hearts on goal difference despite a very poor display.
Let’s see what both of these clubs can now do in the transfer market before tomorrow night’s summer deadline, with the Nico Raskin and Adam Idah situations to be resolved.
It’s Kilmarnock away next for Celtic after the international break, with Rangers hosting in-form Hearts.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:55 , George Flood92 mins: Celtic are defending balls into their box well in stoppage time.
Stalemate beckons at Ibrox.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:54 , George Flood90 mins: Just the three minutes of added time signalled at the end of what has been a very and unusually underwhelming Old Firm derby clash.
Is there a late twist to come?
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:52 , George Flood89 mins: Risky stuff from Schmeichel there and Rodgers is not happy at all with his goalkeeper.
The home crowd let out a loud collective groan as Bajrami tries to release Curtis, who is rather caught on his heels.
Goal kick for Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:50 , George Flood88 mins: Hatate has been well below his usual form today and now makes way for Luke McCowan.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:49 , George Flood87 mins: Rangers’ penalty appeals are waved away after Maeda tussles with Curtis.
Djiga now booked for a very robust challenge on Shin.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:47 , George Flood85 mins: Saracchi with a very silly barge on Curtis out on the Rangers right sees Tavernier swing in another free-kick that is seen off by Hatate, whose departure is imminent.
McGregor clears another corner.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:46 , George Flood82 mins: Rangers can’t make the most of a late corner before Celtic break and Diomande crucially wins a foot race with Shin.
Butland has hurt himself making a clearance, claiming a foul by Maeda.
Carter-Vickers may also have picked up a knock for Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:43 , George Flood79 mins: No rhythm or momentum in the game at the moment with plenty of stoppages for injuries and substitutions.
Barron receives treatment for Rangers before being replaced by Joe Rothwell.
Teenage midfielder Findlay Curtis also comes on for Gassama.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:40 , George Flood77 mins: Celtic look the more likely to break the deadlock late on at Ibrox, with Old Firm veteran Forrest at the heart of their efforts.
Solid defending from Diomande, however.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:37 , George Flood74 mins: Aasgaard has picked up a knock for Rangers and won’t be able to continue.
Nedim Bajrami takes his place for the final quarter of an hour.
Nygren well off target for Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:36 , George Flood72 mins: Oliver Antman and Cyriel Dessers freshen up the Rangers attack now.
Miovski and Moore off.
New loan signing from Boca Juniors Marcelo Saracchi is on for his Celtic debut.
He replaces Tierney at left-back.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:33 , George Flood71 mins: Celtic are finally picking up the pace at long last, with the substitutes almost combining as Forrest tries to release Shin but Butland is there to avert the danger.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:32 , George Flood69 mins: Celtic have their first corner of the game after almost 70 minutes, but it’s easily cleared.
More changes coming from both sides.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:31 , George Flood67 mins: A panicked mix-up at the back between Butland and Djiga almost leads to trouble for Rangers.
Hatate can’t take advantage, however.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:28 , George Flood66 mins: A second caution for Rangers now as Diomande is booked for an accumulation of fouls.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:27 , George Flood65 mins: James Forrest and Shin Yamada come into the Celtic attack.
Engels and debutant Balikwisha make way.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:26 , George Flood63 mins: We have our first yellow card after 63 minutes.
It’s for Moore after the Tottenham loanee takes down Nygren.
Two Celtic changes are imminent as their best attack leads to an overhead kick from Tierney that is held by Butland.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:25 , George Flood61 mins: Tavernier with another wicked free-kick delivery from the right into the Celtic box, but Tierney is able to head away.
Carter-Vickers makes a clearance of his own but here come Rangers again, Aasgaard lofting the ball nicely for Miovski after a poor Scales header but it’s nicked behind away from Moore.
Schmeichel now confidently claims from the subsequent corner.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:22 , George Flood59 mins: A bit more promise shown by Celtic after good hold-up play from Balikwisha, but Hatate’s cross is well overhit.
The attack is kept alive and Hatate ends up driving a low effort that is easily held by Butland.
Celtic’s first shot on target of this derby - with almost an hour on the clock.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:19 , George Flood57 mins: A sweeping long ball forward for Miovski is headed behind by Scales.
Aasgaard tries to connect with the resulting corner from the right, but Celtic hack clear.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:18 , George Flood55 mins: Another off-the-ball clash between Diomande and Engels leads to a ticking off for both players from referee Don Robertson.
As well as no goals, there more surprisingly haven’t been any yellow cards in this Old Firm derby so far.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:16 , George Flood54 mins: Ironic cheers from the home fans greet a woeful effort from Nygren that sails into the stands.
So poor again from Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:15 , George Flood52 mins: Tavernier makes a good headed clearance at one end before Rangers counter-attack brilliantly.
Gassama beats Tierney all ends up and his low cross flies up off Scales before being plucked out of the air gratefully by Schmeichel.
Scales has made a number of important interventions for Celtic so far this afternoon.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:13 , George Flood51 mins: Celtic win a free-kick in a useful position out left but take it quickly and Hatate’s rushed delivery is straight into the hands of Butland.
A waste.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:12 , George Flood49 mins: Rangers can’t quite find that final pass in attack, but they look far more threatening than Celtic still.
The champions remain completely blunt in attack.
Rodgers surely has to send for the likes of Forrest and Yang soon to liven things up.
You rarely see them this aimless in a domestic game.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:09 , George Flood47 mins: Rangers are on the front foot straightaway in this second half with the crowd behind them.
Tierney clears the latest danger inside the Celtic box.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:08 , George FloodBack underway at Ibrox.
No changes from either manager just yet.
Let’s hope for a more exciting second half.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:03 , George FloodQuite a stat, this.
Surely Rodgers will look to his bench very soon to try and spark his attack into life.
𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝟎-𝟎 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐓
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) August 31, 2025
The Old Firm rivals have produced just two shots between them, and both of them were Rangers efforts.
The last time Celtic failed to have a single shot in the first half of a Scottish Premiership game was in Nov 2017 (vs Ross County) pic.twitter.com/8UbLQmnZev
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:57 , George FloodHere is that biggest moment of the game so far.
No doubt about the decision.
John Souttar headed the ball in for Rangers... only for it to be ruled out for offside! 🤏❌pic.twitter.com/Y9AimvISTU
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 31, 2025
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:55 , George FloodHalf-time
Goalless at the break in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox after John Souttar's header was correctly ruled out for offside.
All the threat has come from Rangers, mostly from set-pieces.
Celtic have not got going at all yet.
Encouragement for Russell Martin.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:50 , George Flood49 mins: Balikwisha has the ball down the Celtic left and looks to take on Tavernier, but the whistle goes for a free-kick to Rangers after Diomande is fouled on the edge of the box.
That should do it for this first half.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:48 , George Flood46 mins: Maeda is perhaps fortunate to avoid the first booking of this Old Firm derby before another searching Rangers cross into the box, this time from Moore, is gathered by Schmeichel.
Still no attempt of any description in this first half from Celtic.
Butland hasn’t had a thing to do.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:46 , George Flood44 mins: Tavernier is extremely fortunate to earn a pressure-relieving free-kick for Rangers with Balikwisha looking to race in behind.
Four minutes of added time signalled.
Carter-Vickers with an important clearance in the Celtic box.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:44 , George Flood42 mins: Rangers’ set-pieces are by far the most dangerous - and at the moment, only - weapon in this derby as things stand as another ball into the box bounces awkwardly straight off Scales.
All the pressure is coming from the hosts in this first half.
Celtic have offered nothing going forward.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:42 , George Flood39 mins: A break in play now as Maeda receives medical attention after being caught painfully in the face.
Rodgers has a face like thunder down on the touchline at the moment.
He is understandably very frustrated with Celtic’s lacklustre performance so far.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:40 , George Flood36 mins: Tavernier’s latest free-kick into the box is easily cleared.
New signing Balikwisha with a rare chance to get going for Celtic, but the ball is cleared away from Nygren.
The champions have been notably off the pace so far here.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:35 , George Flood33 mins: NO GOAL!
Offside given. Souttar’s shoulder was clearly ahead.
Scales is now down and receiving treatment for Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:33 , George Flood31 mins: Celtic are conceding too many free-kicks at the moment - the latest by Ralston.
Tavernier flights in a superb delivery that is headed in brilliantly by Souttar with Schmeichel in no man’s land.
Ibrox erupts, but was Souttar offside there as he just leaned ahead of Scales?
VAR are looking and the lines are being drawn...
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:31 , George Flood30 mins: Half an hour in and neither side has had a shot yet.
Good run from Gassama but the ball ends up deflected into Schmeichel’s path.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:30 , George Flood29 mins: Engels is angry after being penalised for an aerial challenge on Aasgaard.
He gets a ticking off from referee Don Robertson.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:29 , George Flood28 mins: Another Rangers free-kick into the box is initially cleared by Carter-Vickers before Scales turns a dangerous low Tavernier cross behind at the front post with Miovski lurking.
Rangers maintain a bout of pressure but now Engels can relieve it.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:27 , George Flood25 mins: Both defences are firmly on top at Ibrox at the moment, with the crucial midfield battle raging on.
More ingenuity needed in attacking areas from both sides.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:24 , George Flood22 mins: Better intent from Celtic as they come forward down the right flank, but Ralston’s cross deflects off Brentford loanee Meghoma and into the grateful arms of Butland.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:22 , George Flood20 mins: A promising run from Moore and Rangers eventually end up with a free-kick.
Souttar heads back Tavernier’s delivery towards the back post, with Scales intervening once more.
The offside flag is up anyway.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:19 , George Flood17 mins: Celtic are seeing a lot of the ball at the moment - 77 per cent in the last few minutes - but doing preciously little with it as things stand.
Engels tries to curl a pass for Maeda but it’s overhit and sails behind for a goal kick.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:17 , George Flood15 mins: Some committed defending from Rangers in the far corner and the game is starting to settle down a bit after a frantic start.
No chances to speak of yet, but it’s deliciously watchable Old Firm fare as usual.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:14 , George Flood12 mins: McGregor and Ralston aren’t quite on the same wavelength as a rather sloppy start from Celtic continues.
Rangers looking to utilise young Tottenham loanee Moore, who will be eager to make an impression this afternoon.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:12 , George Flood10 mins: Plenty of early pressure from Rangers as Hatate concedes a cheap corner and Scales has to make a key clearance.
A long throw from the left also causes panic in the Celtic box.
Schmeichel rather dithers and the visitors remain penned in.
Another good intervention from Scales.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:08 , George Flood6 mins: Rangers scream for an early penalty after a fine pass in behind releases Miovski, who goes down under pressure from Scales.
He’s claiming a barge in the back, but he went down far, far too easily there.
Right decision to wave it away.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:07 , George Flood5 mins: Plenty of endeavour, aggression and passion on display so far, but very little quality from either side as yet.
Rangers will be eager to get new signing Miovski firing quickly after his previous exploits in the Scottish Premiership with Aberdeen.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
12:04 , George Flood3 mins: A frenetic pace to the derby early on as you might expect, with no shortage of meaty challenges flying in and aggressive 50-50s.
It’s very physical already.
Rangers vs Celtic
12:02 , George FloodHere we go!
The sun is shining and we’re underway in Glasgow.
Don Robertson is the referee, with Andrew Dallas on VAR duty.
Teams are out
11:58 , George Flood‘Simply the Best’ by Tina Turner blasts out and here come the teams at a bouncing Ibrox.
Nothing quite beats Old Firm derby day!
Some Rangers fans have made their feelings on Russell Martin abundantly clear ahead of kick-off at Ibrox...
Rangers much improved derby record in 2025
11:47 , George FloodDefeat today would see Rangers fall nine points behind Celtic before we’ve even reached September.
But Russell Martin can at least take heart from his side’s much improved recent record against their fiercest rivals.
Rangers were on a torrid run in Old Firm derbies but that has very much changed in 2025 so far, with wins over Celtic in both January and March - including a thumping 3-0 success at Ibrox.
The two sides drew 1-1 in their last meeting in May.
Celtic frustration building
11:36 , George FloodThough much of the focus in the build-up to this game has inevitably been on Rangers and Russell Martin’s early struggles, things are hardly rosy at Celtic at the minute either after their own Champions League embarrassment in the week.
Brendan Rodgers is in the final year of his contract without an extension signed and has repeatedly expressed frustration at the club’s transfer approach this summer.
The fans continue to direct their ire at the board, with this week’s rather farcical situation regarding Adam Idah hardly improving the mood.
Despite all that, Celtic have made an impressive start to their latest title defence, winning all three opening games without conceding a single goal.
Hearts went above them to the summit yesterday after their last-gasp win at Livingston, though a draw would be enough to reverse that today with Celtic boasting a better goal difference.
Rangers sit down in seventh.
Pressure already mounting on Russell Martin
11:29 , George FloodIt has been a dire start to his Rangers tenure for former Swansea and Southampton boss Russell Martin, who was chosen ahead of the likes of Steven Gerrard and Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide to succeed Philippe Clement on a three-year contract in June.
He has won just three of his first 10 games across all competitions, drawing all three in the league and humiliated in Europe.
Many fans are already calling for his sacking, with Martin admitting that he has spoken to chairman Andrew Cavenagh in the wake of the midweek humiliation in Brugge.
"I spoke to Andrew, just honest conversation, it has been from day one, nothing's changed and I didn't get any different feeling from them,” he said on Friday.
"They've been great and really supportive and he'll be at training tomorrow as well, which was planned already.
"So I look forward to seeing him. We've had a lot of conversations here.
"As a group, individually, players, staff, good conversations but now it's just time for action.
"So we can talk as much as we want, train as well as we want, but now we have to make sure we deliver a performance on Sunday.
"I think this game was always going to be important for anyone.
"It's our fourth league game, the manner of defeat (in Belgium) makes everything feel terrible.
"We've qualified for the Europa League and we've got a chance to put things right on Sunday. All focus is on that after Wednesday night. It's about responding properly.
"I think the only way you get fans back on side is by winning football matches, simple as that, and there's no bigger game than this one.
"It's one of the biggest games in the world in terms of the interest and everyone involved, and that's the brilliant thing about football that after the disappointment in midweek you have the opportunity to put things right."
Two Celtic changes with no Adam Idah
11:09 , George FloodBrendan Rodgers makes two changes to the Celtic lineup after another goalless draw with Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Tuesday that ended in a penalty shootout defeat to also end their Champions League qualification hopes.
New signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha starts in attack and fellow Belgian Arne Engels also comes in.
James Forrest and Yang Hyun-Jun both drop to the bench, where they are joined by another new arrival in Marcelo Saracchi.
No Adam Idah in the squad at all. Anthony Ralston fit to start.
Five Rangers changes from Club Brugge humiliation
10:58 , George FloodRussell Martin makes five changes to the Rangers team embarrassed by Club Brugge in midweek.
Captain James Tavernier comes in for Max Aarons at right-back, with Connor Barron and Mohamed Diomande replacing Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron in midfield.
New signing Bojan Miovski is straight in from the off and leads the attack in place of Danilo, while Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore gets the nod over Oliver Antman.
No Nico Raskin at all, as expected. Cameron isn’t on the bench either, surprisingly.
Celtic lineup
10:50 , George FloodCeltic XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Nygren, Maeda, Balikwisha
Subs: Sinisalo, Yang, McCowan, Shin, Bernardo, Saracchi, Murray, Forrest, Donovan
Rangers lineup
10:49 , George FloodRangers XI: Butland, Tavernier, Djiga, Souttar, Meghoma, Barron, Diomande, Aasgaard, Moore, Gassama, Miovski
Subs: Kelly, Aarons, Rothwell, Dessers, Bajrami, Antman, Fernandez, Curtis, Danilo
Russell Martin addresses Nico Raskin saga
10:36 , George FloodHere is what Russell Martin had to say when quizzed on the rumours over Nico Raskin in Friday’s pre-match press conference...
"Everyone's here and available and the squad and the team will be picked on what we believe is the best way to win the game,” he said.
"Nico was in training today. I just said to you, the whole squad is here.
"Things can change. The transfer window is open, so I can't tell you anyone's going to definitely be in the squad or not.
"I don't know the squad. I don't know how people train and they feel, so wait and see.
“I don't think I've ever named a squad this early before, two days before a big game."
Asked about his relationship with Raskin, Martin added: "I describe my relationship with all the players, all the staff, as honest, open.
"I don't think you could have anything else apart from that.
"There's not a breakdown in any relationships here. If it's honest and open, there can't be a breakdown in any relationships."
Atmosphere building
10:26 , George FloodThe atmosphere is already building outside Ibrox, with the fan lockout that saw away supporters not attend this derby at either ground for two years having thankfully finally ended earlier this year.
Rangers vs Celtic prediction
10:07 , George FloodThe form book tends to go out the window when it comes to the Old Firm derby and there’s every expectation that will be the case for this showdown too.
It’s safe to say the pressure is very much on Russell Martin as losing his first derby in the same week as Rangers failing to make the Champions League proper would surely see some supporters calling for his head - even at this early stage.
That said, a lack of experience in this fixture could count against Martin as Celtic make it four wins from four at the start of the season.
Celtic to win, 2-0.
Celtic team news
10:02 , George FloodLeft-back Marcelo Saracchi and forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha could both be handed their Celtic debuts at Ibrox this afternoon after signing from Boca Juniors and Royal Antwerp respectively this week.
Anthony Ralston is expected to be fit, but Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty and Jota are all out injured.
It remains to be seen if Adam Idah will be involved after his proposed £7m move to Swansea was blocked after a medical, with Brendan Rodgers refusing to let him go until a replacement is found amid talks with Anderlecht over Kasper Dolberg.
Birmingham apparently want South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun, who also won’t be allowed to exit until he’s replaced - likely by Sebastian Tounekti of Swedish side Hammarby.
Elsewhere, the returning Kieran Tierney is set for his first Old Firm derby in some six years.
New signing Miovski pushing for quick Rangers debut
09:52 , George FloodAway from Nico Raskin, Russell Martin faces a key call at right-back today with captain James Tavernier pushing to replace Bournemouth loanee Max Aarons, who was sent off early against Club Brugge in midweek.
New signing Bojan Miovski is in contention to feature quickly after the former Aberdeen striker signed from Spanish side Girona yesterday.
He will compete with Danilo and Cyriel Dessers for a starting berth up front, with Hamza Igamane having joined Lille earlier this week and scored twice on his debut in a 7-1 rout of Lorient in Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore is among the other players pushing to start for Rangers, who are without Dujon Sterling due to injury.
Rangers team news
09:44 , George FloodAmid the myriad of dramas surrounding Rangers at the moment is one involving Nico Raskin, the fan-favourite midfielder who looks to have fallen out with Russell Martin and is not expected to be involved today.
Martin said on Friday that Raskin had trained with his team-mates as normal after being dropped to the bench in his native Belgium for Wednesday night’s humiliating 6-0 defeat by Club Brugge in the Champions League qualification play-offs that sealed a 9-1 loss on aggregate.
Raskin’s dad Thierry was said to be critical of Martin on social media after that match and his son’s Ibrox future looks very uncertain indeed ahead of Monday night’s looming transfer deadline, with reported interest from the likes of Crystal Palace and Wolves in the Premier League.
How to watch Rangers vs Celtic
09:37 , George FloodTV channel: In the UK, today’s Old Firm derby will be televised live on Sky Sports.
Coverage starts at 11am BST on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Rangers vs Celtic live
09:34 , George FloodGood morning and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of Rangers vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
The 2025/26 season remains in its infancy but the campaign’s first Old Firm derby showdown still feels like it already has sky-high stakes - especially for under-fire Rangers boss Russell Martin.
Kick-off at Ibrox is at 12pm BST, so stay tuned for match build-up, breaking team news and live updates as one of world football’s fiercest club rivalries takes centre stage once again in Glasgow.
