Celtic Fixtures: A Season of High Stakes & Iconic Derbies
Introduction
Celtic F.C., synonymous with Scottish football dominance, navigates each season with a packed fixture list—from Premiership showdowns to European nights. For fans, analysts, and players alike, fixtures define momentum, strategy, and anticipation. In this post, we explore Celtic’s 2024‑25 and upcoming 2025‑26 fixtures, highlighting the key dates, critical matchups, and what they mean for the champions.
Key Fixtures in 2024–25 Season
Celtic’s schedule through late April 2025 was laden with derby drama and title-deciding matches:
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March 1: St Mirren (A) – Premiership March 15: Celtic vs Rangers – Glasgow Derby at home
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March 29: Celtic vs Hearts – home clash
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April 5: St Johnstone (A) – Premiership
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April 12: Celtic vs Kilmarnock – with the possibility to clinch the title early
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April 26: Dundee United (A) – first post-split fixture
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May 4: Rangers (A) – potential title decider at Ibrox
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May 10: Celtic vs Hibernian – high-stakes title aftermath
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May 14: Aberdeen (A) – late season clash
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May 17: Celtic vs St Mirren – season finale and trophy day
On April 26, Celtic sealed the Premiership, securing their fourth consecutive title with a dominant 5‑0 win against Dundee United
Post-Split Drama & Title Decider
Post-split, the schedule intensified. A draw at Dundee United on April 26 would crown Celtic champions. If postponed, they could clinch it at Ibrox against Rangers on May 4
Additional post‑split fixtures included:
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May 10: Hibernian (H)
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May 14: Aberdeen (A)
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May 17: St Mirren (H), likely lifting day
Meanwhile, Celtic contested the Scottish Cup final on May 24, narrowly losing to Aberdeen on penalties
Selected Match Fixtures Overview
| Date | Opposition | Venue | Competition | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 15, 2025 | Rangers | Home | Premiership | Glasgow Derby – show of supremacy |
| Apr 12, 2025 | Kilmarnock | Home | Premiership | Potential title-sealing match |
| Apr 26, 2025 | Dundee Utd | Away | Premiership (post-split) | First post-split – could crown champions |
| May 4, 2025 | Rangers | Away | Premiership | Possible title decider at Ibrox |
| May 17, 2025 | St Mirren | Home | Premiership | Final fixture – trophy ceremony probable |
| May 24, 2025 | Aberdeen | Neutral | Scottish Cup Final | Penalty shootout – Celtic runner-up |
Looking Ahead – 2025–26 Pre‑Season & Fixture Release
The 2025–26 season kicks off with a flurry of pre-season friendlies:
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Queen’s Park and Cork City in early July
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Portugal training camp, followed by Sporting CP
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Newcastle United at home, then a mini-tournament in Italy featuring Ajax
The Premiership schedule begins August 3–4, with Celtic hosting St Mirren on August 3, and the first Old Firm derby at Ibrox on August 31. Other high-profile clashes include:
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August 10: Away to Aberdeen
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August 23: Home to Livingston
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September 13: Home to Hibernian
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October 4: Home to Motherwell
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October 18: Away to Dundee
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Post-split derby dates: Late December, early January, and February 28
Breaking Down the Derby Dates
The 2025–26 Old Firm fixtures:
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August 31 @ Ibrox – season’s first full derby
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December 27 & January 3 – festive double header between rivals
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February 28 – final pre-split derby
These fixtures promise high intensity, historic bragging rights, and key tactical showdowns.
Why Fixtures Matter
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Momentum Management – A string of tough fixtures can build or break form.
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Tactical Planning – Managers rotate lineups around derby dates and cup ties.
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Fan Engagement – Derby days, European nights, and cup finals electrify supporters.
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Commercial Impact – TV rights and ticket sales peak during headline fixtures.
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Championship Strategy – Post-split games often decide titles and European spots.
Wrap-Up & What to Watch
In 2024–25, Celtic dominated—clinching a fourth straight title and reaching the Cup Final. Key fixtures in March and April set the tone, while the potential May 4 derby at Ibrox provided ultimate drama.
Looking ahead to 2025–26, early friendlies and strategic league kick-offs (like the August 31 Old Firm) offer a preview of another intense campaign. As always, derby dates and post-split matchups will be pivotal.
Final Thoughts
Celtic’s fixture calendar is more than just dates—it’s a roadmap of strategy, fan emotion, and legacy. Each season redefines rivalries, tests squad depth, and offers new chapters in Scottish football history.
Whether it’s the roar of a packed Celtic Park, the tension of post-split must-wins, or the pressure of Old Firm battles, fixtures are at the heart of what makes football so compelling.
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