Clement’s men win the final chapter of the Old Firm derby
Rangers put in a confident performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in the final part 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 bad pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who skillfully fended off his opponent before feeding to Hagi.
The Romanian striker hit a low shot from the edge of the penalty area and beat Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0.
The Rangers dominated much of the first half, with Jan Cerny almost doubling the lead.
The winger’s deflected strike hit the crossbar and Celtic struggled 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 their only notable shot of the half, well parried by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.
Tensions rose as the half-time whistle blew as Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic player Callum McGregor each received yellow cards after a heated exchange.
When Kyogo Furuhashi hit the goal in the second half, Celtic briefly thought they had found a way back, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
And in the 66th minute, Propper doubled the home team’s lead.
A corner from the right was mitigated by Raskin’s header, which Schmeichel parried brilliantly. However, the rebound landed at the far post to Propper, who shot the Dutch defender into the net to make it 2-0.
Rangers continued to press, with Cerny and substitute Danilo threatening to extend the lead.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
They put the outcome beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Danilo, who had come on as a substitute just a minute earlier, scored.
Jefte’s first cross was blocked but the ball bounced back to Danilo, who calmly fired it past Schmeichel and secured the three points for Rangers.
Celtic, unbeaten in the league until this game, appeared to be a shadow of its former self.
Because they were sloppy in possession and were the second best players in all areas, they couldn’t keep up with the Rangers’ intensity. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with his side’s poor performance as the gap at the top narrows to 11 points.
It was also a declaration of intent for the Rangers as they want to fight their way back into the title race.
