Hagi’s goal from 25 meters puts the hosts in the lead in the Old Firm derby – and Cerny hits the crossbar
Ianis Hagi scored his first Scottish Premiership goal of the season from 25 meters as Rangers took a seventh-minute lead against Celtic, as the hosts made a dominant start in the first Old Firm game of the calendar year.
As his father, former Ballon d’Or contender Gheorghe, looked on at Ibrox, Romania international Hagi picked up Nico Raskin’s pass and beat Kasper Schmeichel to give Philippe Clement’s side a great start to the highest-profile game in the world Scottish football.
Ianis Hagi gives Rangers an early lead against Celtic! 🔵⚡️pic.twitter.com/WeqYvMn4JN
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 2, 2025
Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds said the attack came “out of nowhere”. “There wasn’t a lot of pace but it was very precise right down to the bottom corner,” Dodds told Sportsound. “What a start from the Rangers – they have rocked this place.”
Rangers v Celtic
Celtic started the day 14 points clear of second-placed Rangers but almost conceded a second goal 10 minutes later when Vaclav Cerny’s shot deflected onto the crossbar.
Although the underdogs had significantly less possession of the ball for much of the first half, they had 12 of the 15 shots on goal between the teams and two of the three shots on goal by halftime.
❌ Vaclav Cerny’s shot deflects onto the crossbar as Rangers save a second shot against Celtic! Check out the game! 📺 pic.twitter.com/g65hC0eQkX
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 2, 2025
Ridvan Yilmaz sent a shot against the side netting after 30 minutes and only a superb, crucial tackle from Cameron Carter-Vickers later prevented Mohamed Diomande from firing straight at goal.
With no allocation of away fans in the stadium, Celtic fans had to wait until the final action of the half for their players to test Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who made a fine save to deny Reo Hatate’s volley.
Kelly was deputizing for Jack Butland after the former England international was taken to hospital with a leg injury on Tuesday, and after the half-time whistle there was a conflict between several of his teammates and their colleagues.
“So much for the time of goodwill! It’s Old Firm time again!”
Watch Rangers vs Celtic LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football from 2pm 📺pic.twitter.com/zzOAWPsfmz
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 2, 2025
Old Firm: The two best meet in the Premier League
Visiting coach Brendan Rodgers had not suffered defeat against Scottish opponents since a shock 2-0 defeat at Hearts in March 2024.
The Champions League participants took ten points from their four meetings with Rangers last season and won the game in the Scottish Cup final in May.
They also secured a 3-0 win in the first Old Firm game of the season at Celtic Park in September and prevailed on penalties in the Scottish League Cup final between the two teams on 15 December.
While Celtic had won 20 of 22 home games and drawn two in the 2024/25 season, a derby win would undoubtedly be the highlight of Rangers’ season so far.
The 55-time champions dropped points in six of their first 18 league games and also lost to Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and St Mirren.
