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Rangers Break Celtic’s Unbeaten Streak
In a stunning display of football, Rangers delivered Celtic their first defeat of the season with a resounding 3-0 victory at Ibrox. This win marked a significant moment for Rangers manager Philippe Clement, who finally broke his Old Firm hoodoo, easing some of the pressure that had been mounting on him after earlier disappointing results against St Mirren and Motherwell.
Hagi’s Early Strike Sets the Tone
From the outset, Rangers showcased their intent to reclaim dominance in the Scottish Premiership. The atmosphere in Ibrox electrified just seven minutes into the match when Ianis Hagi found the back of the net with a brilliant strike, sending the home fans into a frenzy. This early goal proved to be a catalyst for Rangers, who continued to dictate the pace of the game.
Close Calls for Celtic
Despite their best efforts, Celtic struggled to find their rhythm. Vaclav Cerny came close to doubling Rangers’ lead, hitting the woodwork not once, but twice, while Kyogo’s attempt was ruled offside by VAR, leaving the visitors frustrated. Rangers maintained their pressure, with Robin Propper eventually adding a second goal, capitalising on a rebound after a blocked header.
Rangers’ Dominance Continues
Celtic’s woes compounded as Rangers continued to threaten. Danilo, who came off the bench, made an immediate impact by scoring with his very first touch, sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side. The jubilant Rangers fans celebrated their team’s performance, while Celtic trudged off the pitch, visibly shaken by their lacklustre display.
Clement’s Tactical Masterclass
Despite missing key players such as goalkeeper Jack Butland and captain James Tavernier, Clement’s side executed a tactical masterclass. The team showcased a strong defensive performance while effectively transitioning to attack. With Nedim Bajrami leading the charge, Rangers created multiple chances, leaving Celtic’s defence scrambling.
Celtic’s Struggles Highlighted
Celtic, on the other hand, appeared disjointed throughout the match. Their attempts to string passes together fell flat, with Daizen Maeda’s wayward shots being the highlight of their first-half efforts. The team struggled to recover from Hagi’s early goal, and as the match progressed, they seemed to lose confidence, allowing Rangers to take full control.
Fans React to the Thrilling Encounter
While the match ended on a high note for Rangers, it wasn’t without its controversies. Objects were thrown from the stands as tensions flared, prompting police intervention. Nevertheless, Clement led his players in a celebration with the fans, a moment of solidarity that had been sorely needed after a string of poor performances.
Looking Ahead: The Title Race Intensifies
Despite the defeat, Celtic remains 11 points ahead in the Scottish Premiership title race, but this loss could serve as a wake-up call. The pressure is now on Brendan Rodgers to address the issues highlighted in this match. For Rangers, this victory could be the turning point they desperately needed as they look to build momentum in the league.
A New Chapter in the Old Firm Rivalry
This match has certainly reignited the fierce rivalry between Rangers and Celtic. With Clement’s tactical prowess on full display and Hagi’s standout performance, Rangers have sent a clear message: they are back in the hunt. As the season progresses, fans will be eager to see how both teams respond to this electrifying encounter.
