Hagi’s 25-yard goal gives the hosts 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 yards as Rangers took the lead against Celtic in the seventh minute during a dominant start for the hosts in the Old Firm’s first game of the calendar year.

With his father – former Ballon d’Or candidate Gheorghe – watching on at Ibrox, Romania international Hagi collected Nic Raskin’s pass and beat Kasper Schmeichel to give Philippe Clement’s side a sublime start to the most prominent game in 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 (on it) but there was a lot of precision, right into the bottom corner,” Dodds told Sportsound. “What a start from Rangers – rocked this place.”

Celtic started the day 14 points ahead of second-placed Rangers but almost conceded a second 10 minutes later when Vaclav Cerny’s shot was deflected off the crossbar.

Despite holding less than 39% of possession during the opening 23 minutes, the underdogs scored six of the eight attempts at goal between the sides and both attempts on goal.

More to come