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Rangers put in an incredible performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in the last game 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 team took the lead in the seventh minute after capitalizing on a Celtic defensive error.
Liam Scales’ errant pass was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who expertly parried his keeper before slotting in for Hagi.
The Romanian striker struck low from the edge of the penalty area, beating Kasper Schmeichel for 1-0.
Rangers dominated much of the first half and Jan Cerny came close to doubling the lead.
The winger’s deflected shot hit the crossbar, leaving Celtic struggling to stay in the game.
End: Rangers 3-0 Celtic
💙 Victory of 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 effort of note in the half, which was well saved by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.
Tensions flared as the half-time whistle blew, with Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic’s Callum McGregor booked after heated exchanges.
Celtic briefly thought they had found a way back early in the second half when Kyogo Furuhashi hit the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out by the backline.
And in the 66th minute, Propper doubled the home team’s lead.
A corner from the right was met by Raskin’s header, which was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel. However, the deflected ball fell to Propper on the far post, and the Dutch defender knocked it into the net for 2:0.
Rangers continued to press, with Cerny and substitute Danilo threatening to increase the lead.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
The result was unquestionable in the 81st minute when Danilo, who came on just a minute earlier, hit the net.
Jefte’s initial cross was blocked, but the ball bounced to Danilo, who calmly slotted it past Schmeichel to seal three points for Rangers.
Celtic, unbeaten in the league until this meeting, looked a shadow of their usual self.
Sloppy in possession and second best in all departments, they were no match for Rangers’ intensity. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with his side’s lackluster performance as the gap at the top closes to 11 points.
It was also a statement of intent for Rangers as they look to get back into the title race.
