Rangers delivered a thunderous statement at Celtic Park on January 3, 2026, overturning a halftime deficit to stun their Old Firm rivals 3-1 and pile immense pressure on embattled Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy. In a match that encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of Scottish football’s fiercest rivalry, the Ibrox side weathered a first-half Celtic storm before roaring back with three unanswered goals in the second period. The result not only leveled the points tally between Glasgow’s giants but also injected fresh energy into the title race, with Hearts now just three points clear at the Premiership summit.
For much of the opening 45 minutes, it looked as though Celtic would finally steady their turbulent campaign. Yang Hyun-jun, lively and incisive throughout, broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a searing strike past Jack Butland, sending the Parkhead crowd into raptures. The hosts continued to press, dominating possession and carving out a series of promising chances. Auston Trusty’s header narrowly missed the target, and Johnny Kenny forced a strong save from Butland after a well-worked move down the left. Butland, Rangers’ ever-reliable No.1, was called into action time and again, notably saving from Kenny and pushing a Yang header over the bar, as Celtic threatened to extend their advantage.
Yet, as has been the story of Celtic’s season, profligacy in front of goal and defensive frailties would prove their undoing. Djeidi Gassama had a golden opportunity to equalize for Rangers on the break, only for Kasper Schmeichel to intervene with a smart stop. Mikey Moore thought he’d drawn the visitors level on the stroke of halftime, but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside. As the teams trudged off, Celtic’s 1-0 lead felt precarious rather than commanding—a sentiment that would soon be vindicated.
Whatever Rangers head coach Danny Rohl said at the interval, it worked wonders. The Light Blues emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and intensity, quickly seizing control of the contest. Just six minutes after the restart, substitute Mohamed Diomande threaded a clever pass to Nico Raskin, who muscled his way to the byline and cut the ball back for Youssef Chermiti. The big-money summer signing made no mistake, prodding home from close range to haul Rangers level and silence the home support.
"Chermiti had a hard shift in the first half out there and struggled for service, but he got his rewards when the game opened up in the second half," one report noted, highlighting the striker’s perseverance. His first goal was a classic poacher’s finish, but it was his second that truly swung the momentum. On the hour mark, a mix-up between Tony Ralston and Callum McGregor gifted Chermiti possession. The striker raced through on goal and, with composure belying his years, curled a shot beyond Schmeichel, sending the traveling Rangers fans into delirium. "Chermiti might just be about to kick on and justify his hefty fee," pundits mused, as the forward celebrated his brace.
Celtic, shell-shocked and increasingly ragged, struggled to mount a response. While Maeda went close with a left-footed drive that whistled past the post, the hosts’ attacking verve had all but evaporated. Their defensive organization, too, was in tatters. On 71 minutes, the impressive Gassama found Moore, who skipped into the box and fired a low shot under Schmeichel to make it 3-1. The heavens opened above Parkhead as Rangers celebrated a third goal—one that put the result beyond doubt and sent a significant portion of the home crowd streaming for the exits.
By full-time, the mood in the stadium had soured dramatically. Celtic fans directed their fury not just at Nancy, but at the club’s board, with chants echoing around the directors’ box. The demand for change was palpable. "Fans were aiming their anger to the board and chants went around the ground, with a chunk of punters not even hanging around for the final whistle," reported one observer. The defeat marked Nancy’s sixth in eight games—a record that leaves his future hanging by a thread. "It’s been a nightmare start for Nancy – and the calls for his dismissal will be deafening now," another outlet declared. The Frenchman, who had pleaded for patience on the eve of the clash, now faces serious questions about his tenure, with many supporters and pundits alike doubting he will survive the week.
For Rangers, the night marked a significant milestone in Danny Rohl’s short reign. Appointed in October following Russell Martin’s departure, Rohl has quietly stabilized a squad that appeared to be drifting. This was his first true "statement" win—one achieved through tactical adaptability and sheer determination. "Rohl has got Rangers over-performing and he’s also got the club back into the title race, slashing a nine point gap on Celts and now hunting Hearts," analysts observed. The German coach’s halftime adjustments, particularly the introduction of Diomande and a more aggressive pressing approach, paid immediate dividends. Rohl also became just the fourth Rangers manager to win on his first visit to Celtic Park—a feat that will not be forgotten by the blue half of Glasgow any time soon.
Individually, Rangers’ key performers stood out. Butland was lauded for his string of first-half saves, earning an 8/10 in post-match ratings. Chermiti, the match-winner, received a 9/10 for his clinical finishing and relentless work rate. Moore, whose goal capped the comeback, was praised for his energy and composure in the final third. On the other side, Celtic’s lack of a reliable striker and persistent defensive lapses were exposed yet again. "They are utterly hopeless in front of goal. Yet again, they should have been out of sight by the break," lamented a frustrated supporter.
As the dust settles on another chaotic Old Firm derby, the implications for both clubs are clear. Rangers, now level with Celtic on 38 points, have reignited their title ambitions and sent a warning shot to league leaders Hearts. Celtic, meanwhile, must confront a crisis of confidence, cohesion, and leadership—both on the pitch and in the boardroom. With the January transfer window open and the Premiership race heating up, the next few weeks promise to be decisive for the fate of both Glasgow giants.
For now, Rangers will savor a memorable night at Parkhead, while Celtic are left to pick up the pieces and ponder their next move in a season that’s rapidly unraveling.
