Rangers produced an impressive performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in the latest installment of the Old Firm derby.
Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo sealed the victory, reducing Celtic’s lead at the top of the Premiership to 11 points and handing the visitors their first league defeat of the season.
The home side took the lead in the seventh minute after taking advantage of a Celtic defensive error.
A misplaced pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who skillfully held off his marker before setting up Hagi.
The Romanian striker fired a low shot from the edge of the box, beating Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0.
Rangers dominated much of the first half, with Jan Cerny coming close to doubling the lead.
The winger’s deflected shot hit the crossbar, leaving Celtic scrambling to stay in the game.
Full time: Rangers 3-0 Celtic
💙 Victory for the famous Glasgow Rangers pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Meanwhile, the visitors struggled to find their rhythm, with Reo Hatate’s late volley being their only notable effort of the half, which was well saved by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.
Tensions flared at the half-time whistle, with Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic’s Callum McGregor both receiving yellow cards following a heated exchange.
Celtic briefly thought they had found a way back early in the second half when Kyogo Furuhashi found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
And in the 66th minute, Propper doubled the home side’s advantage.
A corner from the right was met by a header from Raskin, which was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel. However, the rebound fell to Propper at the far post, and the Dutch defender smashed it into the net to make it 2-0.
Rangers continued to press, with Cerny and substitute Danilo both threatening to extend their lead.
– Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
They put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Danilo, who had come on just a minute earlier, found the net.
Jefte’s initial cross was blocked, but the ball bounced to Danilo, who calmly slotted it past Schmeichel to seal all three points for Rangers.
Celtic, undefeated in the league until this match, looked like themselves.
With sloppy possession and second in all departments, they couldn’t match Rangers’ intensity. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with his side’s lackluster performance as the gap at the top shrinks to 11 points.
For Rangers, it was also a statement of intent as they aim to get back into the title race.
