Pre-kickoff, Celtic fans were in full voice, setting the stage for their team to come out of the traps and assert dominance over a Rangers side sitting 16 points adrift in the league. But from the start, it was clear that Rangers had other plans. They pressed Celtic for every ball, and within the first three minutes, they had earned two throw-ins, one free-kick, and two corners. It was the second corner that led to the opener, sending the home support into stunned silence. A well-delivered ball to the near post was headed in by Nicholas Raskin, giving the away side an unexpected but well-deserved early lead.
Celtic tried to rally, with some early energy, forcing a good save from Jack Butland, but Rangers’ pressure and Celtic’s sloppy play gave the visitors the edge once again. As the first half progressed, Rangers grew in strength while Celtic continued to struggle, unable to string simple passes together. They began playing more direct, with long balls aimed at Maeda, but the right-wing play was ineffective. Nicholas Kuhn had a poor showing in the first half.
In the 37th minute, Rangers doubled their lead when Diomande finished off a nice pass from Nicholas Raskin, slotting the ball home easily. Celtic’s struggles continued into the break, with Jota being the only player looking likely to create something, but the team struggled to get him involved.
The second half started brighter for Celtic, with more consistent passing, although it still felt labored. Jota, now on the right, was much livelier, and Celtic’s breakthrough came from his cross, which was neatly turned in by Daizen Maeda.
The goal sparked life into Celtic, and they began controlling possession, looking for the equalizer. In the 74th minute, they got it when a free-kick was awarded for a foul on Maeda. From the restart, Hitate finished calmly to make it 2-2, sending the stadium into hysterics.
But Celtic’s sloppiness crept back in, and a mistake from Alistair Johnston handed the advantage back to Rangers. Hamza Ighamane seized the opportunity, firing into the top corner for the winner. A late chance for Johnston to equalize went over the bar, and Rangers held on for the victory, 3-2.
While the result might not impact the title race in the long run, today’s bragging rights will be sweet for Rangers fans, and a painful one for Celtic supporters.
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