Old Firm Clash Headlines Scottish Cup Quarter-Final Draw
The Scottish Cup quarter-finals promise high drama after the draw set up a blockbuster Old Firm showdown, with Rangers hosting Celtic, while reigning champions Aberdeen could face a tricky away trip to Dunfermline Athletic—provided they first overcome Motherwell.
The draw was confirmed on Sunday evening following Falkirk’s extra-time victory over Stenhousemuir, completing the line-up for the last eight of Scotland’s oldest domestic cup competition. With historic rivalries, potential upsets, and clubs chasing silverware, the quarter-final stage is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent years.
Old Firm Rivalry Takes Centre Stage
The standout tie sees Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox, reigniting Scottish football’s most famous rivalry with a place in the semi-finals at stake. Meetings between the Glasgow giants rarely disappoint, and with both sides eager to assert dominance, this encounter is expected to draw enormous attention from supporters and neutrals alike.
Celtic come into the tie having been pushed hard in the previous round, requiring extra-time to eventually overcome Dundee. Rangers, by contrast, cruised into the quarter-finals with a dominant 8-0 demolition of Queen’s Park, continuing an impressive domestic run under manager Danny Rohl. That emphatic victory highlighted Rangers’ attacking threat and momentum heading into the business end of the competition.
Aberdeen’s Route Depends on Motherwell Test
Defending champions Aberdeen, who famously defeated Celtic in last season’s final, must first negotiate a midweek fifth-round replay against Motherwell before knowing their quarter-final fate. Should the Pittodrie side prevail, they will travel to East End Park to face Dunfermline Athletic, managed by former Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
Dunfermline earned their place in the quarter-finals by defeating Kelty Hearts, and the prospect of hosting the holders represents a huge occasion for the Championship side. Lennon’s experience and tactical acumen could make Dunfermline dangerous opponents, particularly on home soil, and Aberdeen will be under no illusions about the challenge that may await them.
St Mirren Target Historic Cup Double
Elsewhere in the draw, St Mirren—still riding high after recent cup success—will host Partick Thistle as they aim to keep alive hopes of a memorable cup double. Thistle booked their quarter-final spot with a solid win over Elgin City, while St Mirren continue to impress with their consistency and resilience across domestic competitions.
A home tie offers St Mirren a strong opportunity to progress, but Partick Thistle’s ability to rise to big occasions ensures this match remains finely balanced. Both clubs see the Scottish Cup as a realistic route to silverware, adding further intrigue to the contest.
Falkirk Await Their Opponents
The final quarter-final pairing will see Falkirk host either Dundee United or Spartans, depending on the outcome of their rearranged tie. Dundee United’s original home match against Spartans was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, forcing the fixture to be rescheduled.
That match will now take place on Tuesday 17 February (19:45 GMT), with the winner earning the right to travel to Falkirk the following month. Falkirk themselves reached this stage after a hard-fought extra-time win over Stenhousemuir, showing grit and determination to remain in contention for the trophy.
Key Dates and Scheduling
All quarter-final ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend of Saturday 7 March, ensuring a packed and dramatic weekend of Scottish Cup action. Before then, several key fixtures must be resolved:
- Dundee United vs Spartans – Tuesday 17 February (19:45 GMT)
- Aberdeen vs Motherwell – Wednesday 18 February (19:45 GMT)
These matches will complete the quarter-final line-up and determine which clubs continue their pursuit of Hampden glory.
Rangers’ Ruthless Form Sends Warning
Rangers’ crushing victory over Queen’s Park earlier on Sunday served as a clear warning to their remaining rivals. The eight-goal rout showcased their attacking depth and confidence, attributes that could prove decisive in the latter stages of the competition.
Under Danny Rohl, Rangers have developed a sharp edge in domestic matches, combining high-intensity pressing with clinical finishing. Hosting Celtic in a winner-takes-all quarter-final provides them with a golden opportunity to eliminate their fiercest rivals while making a statement about their own ambitions.
Celtic Face Another Stern Test
For Celtic, the journey to this stage has already been demanding. Their narrow extra-time victory over Dundee exposed some vulnerabilities, and they will need to raise their level significantly to overcome Rangers away from home.
However, Celtic’s pedigree in knockout football is unquestioned, and their experience of high-pressure matches could prove invaluable. The Old Firm tie offers them a chance not only to advance but also to silence critics who have questioned their recent performances.
Cup Magic Still Alive
This year’s Scottish Cup continues to underline why the competition remains so special. From lower-league sides pushing established clubs to extra-time, to historic rivalries resurfacing at crucial moments, the tournament retains its reputation for drama and unpredictability.
For clubs like Dunfermline, Falkirk, and Partick Thistle, the quarter-finals represent a rare chance to challenge Scotland’s elite on a national stage. For Rangers, Celtic, and Aberdeen, the pressure is firmly on to deliver success and justify their status.
What Lies Ahead
With the draw now confirmed, attention turns to preparation, squad fitness, and tactical planning. Every remaining team can realistically dream of lifting the trophy, but the margins for error are razor-thin.
The weekend of 7 March promises packed stadiums, intense atmospheres, and moments that could define seasons. Whether it’s the Old Firm clash, a potential giant-killing, or holders Aberdeen battling to defend their crown, the Scottish Cup quarter-finals are set to deliver unforgettable football.
For full Scottish Cup coverage, fixtures, analysis, and updates, visit:
👉 https://netsports247.com
