Rangers put in a commanding performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in the latest installment of the Old Firm derby.
Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo sealed the win, 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 hosts took the lead in the seventh minute after capitalizing on a defensive error by Celtic.
A misplaced pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who expertly held his marker before setting up Hagi.
The Romanian forward curled a low shot from the edge of the box, beating Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0.
Rangers dominated much of the first half, with Jan Czerny coming close to doubling the lead.
The winger’s strike hit the crossbar, leaving Celtic scrambling to stay in the game.
Final: 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 the only notable effort of the half coming from Reo Haate’s late volley which was well saved by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.
Tensions flared at the half-time whistle, with Rangers captain Ruskin and Celtic’s Callum McGregor both booked after a heated exchange.
Celtic briefly thought they had found a way back early in the second half when Kyogo Furuhashi found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
And in the 66th minute, Proper doubled the home team’s advantage.
A corner from the right was met by Ruskin’s header, which was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel. However, the rebound fell to Proper at the far post and the Dutch defender smashed it into the net to make it 2-0.
Rangers continued to press, with Cerny and substitute Danilo threatening to extend the lead.
👊 pic.twitter.com/O7l4rY5nLA
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
They put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Danilo, who had come on just a minute earlier, found the net.
Jefte’s initial cross was cleared but the ball deflected to Danilo who calmly slotted past Schmeichel to seal the three points for Rangers.
Celtic, unbeaten in the league until this game, looked like a shadow of their usual selves.
Sloppy in possession and second best in every department, they were unable to match Rangers’ intensity. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed with his side’s miserable performance as the gap at the top narrows to 11 points.
For Rangers, it was also a statement of intent as they aim to get back into the title race.
