In a stunning Old Firm derby at Ibrox, Ranger’s dramatically reduced Celtic’s Scottish Premiership lead to 11 points, with a 3-0 victory that marked Philippe Clement’s first win in the iconic fixture after six attempts. Ianis Hagi opened the scoring early in the match, followed by Robin Propper and Danilo after the break, sealing a comprehensive win for Rangers in front of a jubilant home crowd. This victory ended a lengthy winless streak for Rangers against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, who had previously only been defeated once in their last 20 derby encounters.
Pressure had been mounting on the Ranger’s squad following a disappointing festive period that saw them drop points against St Mirren and Motherwell. With key players such as captain James Tavernier and centre-back John Souttar sidelined, as well as goalkeeper Jack Butland joining the injury list, many feared the worst when Celtic started brightly. However, Rangers quickly disproved those doubts, taking control of the match and delivering a performance full of intensity and determination that overwhelmed Celtic.
Ranger’s Tactical Masterclass Disrupts Celtic’s Rhythm
Ranger’s approach to the game was nothing short of exceptional, as they dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match. After Hagi’s opening strike from 25 yards found the bottom corner, the Ibrox crowd erupted, providing their team with the momentum they needed to push forward. The hosts’ relentless pressing game disrupted Celtic’s usual rhythm, forcing them into mistakes and preventing them from finding their flow. Despite a few close calls from Celtic, including a deflected shot from Vaclav Cerny that struck the crossbar, Rangers remained firmly in control.
Celtic, who have been so dominant in recent derby matches, failed to respond in the second half, and Rangers continued to capitalize on their momentum. Propper’s clinical strike from a set-piece doubled Rangers’ advantage, and Danilo sealed the victory with a composed finish after a blocked shot from Jefte. Despite several missed opportunities, including a shot that hit the inside of the post and a save by Kasper Schmeichel, Rangers were never in danger of losing the match and fully deserved their 3-0 win.
A Vital Win for Ranger’s Title Hopes and Clement’s Future
This victory was a crucial moment in Ranger’s season, and one that had significant implications for their title hopes. With a 14-point gap to Celtic before the match, it was essential that Rangers delivered a strong performance to avoid further disappointment. The win not only cut that gap to 11 points but also gave the team a much-needed boost in confidence. Rangers showed that, despite their injury woes, they could still produce a performance capable of overcoming their fiercest rivals.
For Philippe Clement, this victory is monumental in his tenure at Ranger’s. The pressure on the manager had been building, with fans demanding a response after a series of underwhelming performances. This Old Firm win will go a long way in restoring faith in Clement’s methods, though there is still a long road ahead. Rangers must continue to build on this performance and demonstrate that they can maintain the high levels of intensity and threat that they displayed against Celtic. For now, however, the win will provide much-needed optimism for the Rangers faithful. .
Celtic’s Uncharacteristic Display in Derbi Defeat
Celtic entered their highly anticipated match against Rangers with confidence, as their form had been impressive in recent weeks, with the pressure squarely on their opponents. The early minutes gave Celtic fans hope, as they appeared to seize the initiative, but it quickly became clear that this would not be their day. Rangers took control of the game and capitalized on an early goal, putting Celtic on the back foot for the majority of the match.
Celtic struggled with precision, particularly in their passing, which was disrupted by the relentless pressure from Rangers. Time and time again, they squandered possession, unable to break through the high pressing game deployed by their rivals. This uncharacteristic display from Brendan Rodgers’ side left fans bewildered, as they had seen Celtic dominate in similar encounters earlier in the season. With no response forthcoming, Rangers capitalized on Celtic’s lack of cohesion, leaving the visitors with little hope of mounting a comeback. Despite this setback, Celtic remains in a strong position in the league, with a significant points lead, but this loss and its manner will surely sting for some time.
Celtic and Ranger’s Managers Reflect on the Derby Clash
Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement was elated with his side’s performance, emphasizing the importance of their hard work and determination in securing the victory. “The boys get the reward they deserved, what they did not get in the last few weeks,” he remarked, acknowledging that his squad’s effort had paid off despite recent struggles. Clement also highlighted the resilience of the team, noting that injuries and frequent changes in the lineup had not deterred their progress. He stressed the significance of the win, stating it would boost morale and belief among both the team and the supporters, signaling a growing potential within the squad.
On the other hand, Celtic’s manager Brendan Rodgers offered a frank assessment of his team’s poor performance. “Rangers were the better team. We were not aggressive enough without the ball,” Rodgers admitted, pointing out that Celtic’s lack of intensity and slow build-up play were major factors in the defeat. He speculated that the comfortable gap at the top of the table might have subconsciously affected his players’ mindset, though he quickly clarified that it shouldn’t have been an excuse. Acknowledging Rangers’ desire to prove a point, Rodgers expressed disappointment but also remained optimistic about Celtic’s title chances, emphasizing that this was merely a setback in an otherwise strong season.
