Ianis Hagi scored his first Scottish Premiership goal of the season from 25 yards as Rangers took a seventh-minute lead against Celtic during a dominant start for the home side in the first Old Firm game of the calendar year.
With his father – former Ballon d’Or candidate George – watching on at Ibrox, Romania international Hagi collected Nico Raskin’s pass and beat Kasper Schmeichel to give Philippe Clement’s side a superb start to the most popular game in Scotland 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 strike came “out of nowhere”. “There wasn’t a lot of pace (in it) but it had enough accuracy, right in the bottom corner,” Dodds told Sportsound. “What a start from Rangers – got this place rocking.”
Rangers v Celtic
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 having significantly less possession for most of the first half, the underdogs had 12 of the 15 attempts at goal between the two sides at half-time and two of the three at home.
❌ Vaclav Cerny’s shot is deflected off the post as Rangers push for a second against Celtic! Watch the match live on Sky Sports now! 📺 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 an excellent, crucial tackle from Cameron Carter-Vickers later prevented Mohamed Diomande from making a direct run at goal.
With no away fans on the pitch, Celtic fans had to wait until the close of half-time for their players to test Rangers goalkeeper Liam Kelly, who called a fine save to stop Reo Haate’s volley.
Kelly was replacing Jack Butland after the former England international was taken to hospital with a leg injury on Tuesday and there was a flashpoint involving several of his team-mates and their counterparts after the half-time whistle.
“So much for the season of goodwill! It’s Old Firm time again!”
Watch Rangers v 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 top two meet in the Premiership
Visiting manager Brendan Rodgers had not suffered defeat against Scottish opposition since a shock 2-0 defeat at Hearts in March 2024.
The Champions League rivals took 10 points from their four meetings with Rangers last season and won the game in the Scottish Cup final in May.
They also earned a 3-0 victory in the first Old Firm game of this season at Celtic Park in September and won the Scottish League Cup final between the teams on penalties on 15 December.
While Celtic have won 20 and drawn two of their 22 home matches in 2024/25, a derby win would be the undoubted highlight of Rangers’ campaign so far.
The 55-time champions have dropped points in six of their opening 18 league games, also losing to Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and St Mirren.
