Clement’s men win latest chapter in Old Firm derby

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Rangers produced a commanding performance to beat Celtic 3-0 win in the latest instalment of the Old Firm derby.

Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper, and Danilo sealed the victory, cutting 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 side took the lead in the seventh minute after capitalising on a Celtic defensive error.

A misplaced pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who expertly held off his marker before setting up Hagi.

The Romanian forward struck 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 Cerny coming close to doubling the lead.

The winger’s deflected strike struck the crossbar, leaving Celtic scrambling to stay in the game.

Meanwhile, the visitors struggled to find their rhythm, with Reo Hatate’s late volley their only notable effort of the half, which was saved well by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.

Tensions flared as the half-time whistle blew, with Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic’s Callum McGregor both receiving yellow cards following 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, Propper doubled the home side’s advantage.

A corner from the right was met by Raskin’s header, which was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel. However, the rebound fell to Propper 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 both threatening to extend the lead.

They put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Danilo, who had come on just a minute earlier, found the back of the net.

Jefte’s initial cross was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Danilo, who calmly slotted it past Schmeichel to seal the three points for Rangers.

Celtic, unbeaten in the league until this fixture, looked 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 lacklustre performance, as the gap at the top narrows to 11 points.

For Rangers, it was also a statement of intent, as they aim to claw their way back into the title race.




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