Match Report: Rangers Smash Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic in Old Firm Derby | OneFootball

Rangers Reign Supreme in Old Firm Derby

In a match that will be remembered as a defining moment in the Scottish Premiership season, Rangers notched a decisive 3-0 victory over their arch-rivals Celtic at Ibrox Stadium. The win, which cuts Celtic’s lead to 11 points, could well be the turning point in what has been a one-sided title race so far.

Early Dominance Sets Tone

Ianis Hagi ignited the crowd with a sublime goal just 7 minutes into the game, sending a precision strike from 25 yards into the bottom corner. This set the tone for a match where Rangers displayed superior intensity and tactical nous. With Philippe Clement’s tactical approach, the team overwhelmed Celtic, a side that had previously dominated the derby under Brendan Rodgers.

Photo: IMAGO

The significance of the early goal cannot be understated. It brought the Ibrox crowd to life, providing the team with the momentum needed to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and assert their authority on the game.

Mid-Game Mastery

The game further tilted in Rangers’ favour in the second half, where their continued pressure yielded more fruit. Robin Propper doubled the advantage with a powerful finish from a set piece at the 66th minute mark, effectively ending any hopes of a Celtic comeback. The third goal, a neat finish by Danilo after a blocked shot, put a gloss on what was a comprehensive performance.

Implications for the Title Race

This victory is more than just three points for Rangers. It represents a shift in the psychological dynamics of the Scottish Premiership. Despite still trailing Celtic by a considerable margin, the manner of this victory could instigate a remarkable comeback in the title race.

It was crucial for Rangers to deliver in front of their home fans, especially considering the injury woes and recent underwhelming results. The team not only met expectations but exceeded them, showcasing a resilience and quality that had been questioned in recent times.

Celtic’s Conundrum

For Celtic, this match exposed some glaring issues. Despite entering the game in a seemingly unassailable position at the top of the league, their performance was lacklustre. They struggled to deal with Rangers’ intensity and made uncharacteristic errors.

Rodgers will need to reassess his strategies as his team appeared complacent and were second best in almost every department. This defeat, while not disastrous in terms of the league standings, is a wake-up call that the title race is far from over.

In conclusion, Rangers’ emphatic win breathes new life into the Scottish Premiership title race and sends a stark reminder that they are still very much in contention. The challenge now is to maintain this level of performance consistently, something the Rangers faithful will be desperate to see.

Final Thoughts

This match was a statement from Rangers, not just about their intent to keep fighting for the title, but also about their ability to rise to the occasion against the most formidable opposition. The win provides a blueprint for the remainder of their season, where every match will count, and every point will be crucial in their quest to overcome Celtic’s lead.