Well, that didn’t go to plan in Europe, did it? Both Celtic and Rangers are nursing fresh wounds after their continental campaigns ended prematurely. Now, all eyes turn to Sunday’s Old Firm showdown. With pride, momentum, and bragging rights on the line, which Glasgow giant will rise from the ashes?

The hallowed turf of Ibrox is set to ignite this Sunday as the iconic `Old Firm` derby takes centre stage, now carrying an unprecedented weight following the recent, disappointing exits of both `Celtic` and `Rangers` from European competition. What was already a monumental fixture on the `Scottish Premiership` calendar has been transformed into an absolutely critical showdown, a battle for pride, momentum, and immediate redemption after collective `European football` heartbreak.

For `Celtic`, the journey into the continent concluded in a manner few anticipated, succumbing to an unexpected defeat against Kazakh opponents Kairat Almaty. Despite being widely favoured, the Glasgow side delivered two uncharacteristically lacklustre performances, culminating in the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The failure to convert three of their five spot-kicks left players and supporters alike reeling from the unexpected elimination.

Similarly, across the city, `Rangers` faced their own European woes, exiting their competition after a gruelling contest in Belgium. The Ibrox faithful had harboured significant hopes for a deeper run, only to witness their team struggle to assert dominance and ultimately fall short. This dual failure marks a rare and particularly painful chapter in the recent history of both clubs’ continental ambitions.

The twin European disasters have amplified the stakes of the upcoming `Old Firm` clash to an almost unbearable degree. Both sets of supporters, known for their fervent passion, now find themselves navigating a sea of frustration and anger. The midweek failures have created an intense craving for a pick-me-up, a performance that can erase the sting of recent memory and provide a much-needed morale boost.

Entering Sunday’s first Old Firm encounter of the season, the psychological pressure on players and coaching staff will be immense. The narrative has shifted from merely seeking Scottish Premiership points to a profound need for vindication. This match is no longer just about three points; it’s about reasserting dominance, silencing critics, and demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity for both Celtic and Rangers.

The `football` world will be watching closely as these two titans of `Scottish football` collide. The outcome will undoubtedly set the tone for the domestic season, influencing confidence levels and dictating fan sentiment for weeks to come. A victory could provide the springboard needed to overcome the `European football` hangover, while a defeat could deepen the collective gloom.

Ultimately, this `Glasgow Derby` transcends the usual rivalry; it is a crucible of emotion and expectation. With both `Celtic` and `Rangers` nursing fresh wounds from their continental campaigns, the intensity promises to be electrifying. Sunday’s result will be more than just a scoreline; it will be a defining moment for the early season, dictating the narrative for two clubs desperate to reclaim their winning ways in the `Scottish Premiership`.