What Makes Motherwell vs Celtic Scotland's El Passico?

The Scottish Premiership is set for an exhilarating conclusion as Celtic and Motherwell clash on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, in a match that could see Celtic level on points with league leaders Hearts. This pivotal encounter, dubbed 'El Passico' for its teams' passing prowess, is part of a dramatic finish to the season, highlighting both teams' attacking strengths and vulnerabilities. With Rangers also aiming to keep pace against St Mirren and a key relegation battle between Dundee and Kilmarnock, fans can expect plenty of twists and turns.

Last updated: 30 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Scottish Premiership heads into its final matches of the year, the stakes are high for both title contenders and teams battling relegation. Celtic, currently in second place, will face Motherwell at Fir Park, aiming to seize the opportunity to level up with Hearts, who are not in action this round. Meanwhile, Rangers will attempt to maintain their position within the top three against St Mirren, while a crucial match at the bottom of the table sees Dundee take on Kilmarnock.

Key takeaways

Celtic and Motherwell are both strong in passing metrics, promising an exciting clash.
Rangers need more consistency from winger Djeidi Gassama to keep up with top clubs.
Livingston faces a critical home match against Dundee United to escape relegation worries.

Timeline: how we got here

Several key events have shaped the Scottish Premiership landscape leading up to this decisive round of fixtures:

August 2025: The season kicks off with teams vying for points to establish early momentum.
September 2025: Celtic's initial dominance establishes them as title contenders.
November 2025: Rangers experience a dip in form, raising concerns over their title aspirations.
December 2025: With just days left in the year, Celtic and Motherwell prepare for a crucial encounter.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Celtic's recent form shows a resurgence with a string of wins, while Motherwell has struggled to find the net despite a solid defensive record. The upcoming match will be an important test for both teams, particularly for Motherwell, who are missing key players but have shown flashes of brilliance in earlier fixtures.

What was already established

Throughout the season, Celtic has consistently been a top competitor, and their passing ability has been a key factor in their success. Conversely, Motherwell has demonstrated both resilience and fragility, with a recent unbeaten run disrupted by injuries and departures.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the season draws to a close, fans are eager to attend matches, with ticket sales and local business benefiting from the increased activity. The outcome of these matches can influence not only the teams’ standings but also fan morale and community engagement.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses near the stadiums can expect a boost from increased foot traffic, particularly as fans gather for the festive period. The performance of local teams can also affect merchandise sales and overall economic activity in the area.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) continues to monitor health and safety regulations around match attendance, especially during the winter months. Any changes in restrictions may impact fan attendance and overall matchday experiences.

Numbers that matter

Celtic is currently second in the league, just two points behind Hearts.
Motherwell has scored only seven goals in their last six matches.
Rangers' Djeidi Gassama has only one goal this season, down from seven at this stage last year.
Livingston is four points adrift at the bottom of the table.
Motherwell's last league match saw them concede just once in seven games.

Definitions and jargon buster

El Passico: A term coined for the match between Celtic and Motherwell due to their shared emphasis on passing football.
Wilfried Nancy: The current manager of Motherwell, known for his attacking style of play.
Goal difference: A statistic used to rank teams with the same points, calculated by subtracting goals conceded from goals scored.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, teams will focus on securing points as the new year approaches. Clubs at the bottom of the table must prioritise wins to avoid relegation, while title contenders need to maintain their momentum.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The January transfer window will be critical for clubs looking to strengthen their squads, especially for teams in danger of relegation or those aiming for a title challenge. This period will also see clubs assess their performances heading into the second half of the season.

Signals to watch

Performance of key players such as Djeidi Gassama for Rangers.
Injury updates for Motherwell as they navigate a challenging fixture list.
Results from the upcoming matches, particularly those involving relegation-threatened teams.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on the league standings as they evolve week to week.
Follow local teams’ news for updates on player performance and injuries.
Attend matches where possible to support local football and boost community spirit.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of a single match on the league table.
Dismiss the importance of fan engagement during this crucial time.
Ignore the potential for surprises as the season nears its conclusion.

Checklist

Check match schedules and local fixtures for the remainder of the season.
Monitor player form and fitness levels ahead of key clashes.
Engage with fan communities to stay updated on club news.
Consider attending matches to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
Stay informed about transfer news as the window opens.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the season approaches its final matches, several uncertainties remain. Player injuries and form fluctuations can significantly impact team performance. Additionally, upcoming matches are subject to weather conditions, which may affect attendance and gameplay. The potential for managerial changes at struggling clubs also looms, which could reshape team dynamics as the season progresses.

Bottom line

The Scottish Premiership is poised for an exciting finish as teams vie for crucial points. Celtic’s pursuit of the title, Motherwell’s attempt to solidify their position, and the relegation battle involving Livingston and others will keep fans on the edge of their seats. As clubs prepare for the new year, every match carries significant weight in determining the outcome of the season.

FAQs

What is 'El Passico' in the Scottish Premiership?

'El Passico' refers to the match between Celtic and Motherwell, highlighting both teams' emphasis on passing football and attacking play.

Why is the match between Livingston and Dundee United crucial?

This match is critical for Livingston, who are struggling at the bottom of the table and need a win to close the gap on their relegation rivals.

How does the January transfer window affect the Premiership?

The January transfer window provides teams an opportunity to strengthen their squads, which can significantly impact performance and standings in the second half of the season.