Rangers' Emphatic 3-0 Victory Over Celtic in the Old Firm Derby

The first Old Firm derby of 2025 witnessed Rangers deliver a resounding 3-0 victory over their arch-rivals Celtic at Ibrox Stadium. This emphatic win significantly reduced the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to a mere 11 points, injecting renewed hope into Rangers' slim title aspirations.

Rangers' Dominant Performance

From the outset, Rangers dictated the tempo of the match, showcasing a level of dominance rarely seen in recent Old Firm encounters. Midfielder Ianis Hagi's stunning long-range strike broke the deadlock, sending ripples of excitement through the home crowd at Ibrox. The goal, a powerful drive from outside the box, rocked Brendan Rodgers' Celtic side, leaving them struggling to regain their composure.

Ibrox Atmosphere and Team Spirit

The electrifying atmosphere at Ibrox served as a catalyst, fueling Rangers' determination and propelling them to further success. The intensity and fervent support from the home crowd undoubtedly played a key role in galvanizing the team's performance. The sense of unity and collective effort within the Rangers squad was palpable, translating into a cohesive and highly effective display on the pitch.

The second half saw even more dominance from Rangers. While Kyogo Furuhashi's goal was disallowed for offside, Rangers cemented their victory with goals from defender Robin Propper in the 65th minute and substitute Danilo in the 81st minute. Propper's goal, a composed finish after a corner, further highlighted Rangers' attacking prowess and clinical finishing. Danilo's impressive strike immediately after entering the game solidified their victory and demonstrated the strength of the team's depth. The win was a testament to the team's tactical brilliance, impeccable coordination, and unwavering commitment throughout the match. This victory not only cut the gap at the top of the table but also significantly boosted Rangers' confidence and morale.

Post-Match Reactions: A Tale of Two Managers

The post-match interviews painted a stark contrast between the two managers. Brendan Rodgers, Celtic's manager, described his team's performance as “not a very good performance,” highlighting their mistakes and lack of aggression. He conceded that Rangers were “the better team today,” acknowledging their deserved victory. He pointed to potential subconscious impacts of the large points gap, although he stopped short of directly claiming this was the cause of the disappointing performance, noting, “I’m not sure if the 14-point gap took the edge off, it shouldn’t, but maybe subconsciously it can do.”

In contrast, Rangers manager Philippe Clement expressed immense pride in his team's performance and the victory achieved. He praised his captain, Nico Raskin, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the match. Clement emphasized the importance of the three points but also looked ahead, stating, “We know it is three points but we go again in three days.” This forward-looking perspective shows the manager’s commitment to maintaining the team’s momentum. The team’s overall performance impressed, with Clement emphasizing the consistency exhibited throughout the match, stating, “It was an all-round good game for us. You can start really well and finish bad, but we were consistent.”

Tactical Analysis: Celtic's Struggles and Rangers' Dominance

Celtic's performance was significantly underwhelming. Their total of just four shots on goal, the lowest in a single Scottish Premiership match this season, underscores their struggle to create scoring opportunities. Former Celtic manager, commenting on Sky Sports, described the team as “flat,” criticizing their lack of energy, ground covered, and overall performance. He noted that Celtic conceded 24 shots, the highest they have faced in a league game since 2013-14. This critical assessment from a former manager emphasizes the severity of Celtic's underperformance in the match.

On the other hand, Rangers’ superior tactics and execution were evident throughout the match. Their dominance in possession, coupled with numerous attacking opportunities, led to the impressive goal count. The team’s strategy of quick transitions and precision passing caught Celtic off guard, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. This win underscores Rangers’ tactical evolution and ability to exploit the opposition's weaknesses.

Looking Ahead: Title Race and Future Prospects

Despite the victory, the 11-point gap still represents a significant challenge for Rangers in their pursuit of the Premiership title. However, the team's confidence is boosted and they are expected to push themselves further in the upcoming matches. The Old Firm derby, therefore, delivered not just a victory, but a massive injection of hope and renewed belief in the Rangers' ability to mount a serious challenge for the title. Philippe Clement’s side will undoubtedly approach future matches with newfound optimism and determination, and the team’s display served as a powerful reminder of their capabilities. The result, a triumph for Rangers and a setback for Celtic, will certainly influence the dynamics of the ongoing Scottish Premiership race and future encounters between these two football giants.

A Perfect Outing for Philippe Clement’s Men

The victory serves as a significant turning point for Rangers, effectively revitalizing their title hopes and potentially altering the trajectory of the season. The outcome is more than just a football match result; it's a statement of intent that has profound implications for the rest of the Scottish Premiership season. While the title race remains challenging, this victory undoubtedly elevates Rangers' position and significantly impacts the morale of the team going into the next phase of the season. It marks not only a win, but a resounding declaration of Rangers' ongoing potential and ambition.