Celtic and Rangers will resume rivalries at Hampden on Sunday.
The scene is set at Scotland’s national stadium for Celtic and Rangers to decide the winner of the League Cup final – and the first trophy of the campaign.
The duo have already faced each other this season in September when Brendan Rodgers guided his side to a comfortable 3-0 win in the Premiership over Rangers at Parkhead.
Since then, Celtic have continued to dominate domestically, whilst their rivals have clawed their way to results and this final itself.
From a financial standpoint, those in Scotland don’t have the power of teams in England, Spain or even France, so there is far less limelight, until it comes to Celtic v Rangers.
The footballing world feasts its eyes on this mouthwatering, hate-fueled, cagey and aggressive showdown, wherever and whenever it is played.
But is it the biggest derby in world football? Tony Cascarino, who also played in Marseille v PSG in France, shared his thoughts.
Tony Cascarino compares Celtic-Rangers rivalry to PSG and Marseille
Cascarino spent a brief period of time at Celtic and he also spent several years at Marseille, so he understands what it’s like to play in both derby matches.
The former striker described the Celtic and Rangers games as ‘crazy’, not just the 90 minutes itself, but the build-up and the aftermath, as he told talkSPORT (15/12/24 at 8:55 am).
However, he expressed how there was a ‘more toxic’ feeling when playing for Marseille against their biggest rivals, PSG.
“Well, if you ask either Celtic or Rangers fans, absolutely,” responded Cascarino of if Celtic-Rangers is the biggest rivalry. “It didn’t disappoint (when I played in it), put it that way.
“I was involved in a couple. Scored in one. It’s crazy. Even the build-up is crazy. The aftermath after the game. It’s definitely one of the biggest ones I have had.
“When I played, I couldn’t believe how more toxic the PSG v Marseille was when I was there and are separated by 500 to 600 kilometres, but that was unbelievably toxic, that derby as well. They don’t even have travelling fans at their games now between Marseille and PSG (Just like Celtic and Rangers).”
‘Big advantage’ for Celtic ahead of League Cup final against Rangers
Celtic and Rangers were in European action this week, the Bhoys drew away at Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night, whilst a familiar face returned to town on Thursday evening.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham drew 1-1 with Rangers in the Europa League and Cascarino feels that will play a part in Sunday’s showpiece event.
“It’s a big advantage Celtic, because Spurs played Rangers in midweek in a pretty draining game,” added Cascarino ahead of the League Cup final.
“I think Celtic, for me, they are quite clearly the better team. In better form.”
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