What a rollercoaster at Celtic Park! The Old Firm derby on January 3, 2026, delivered all the drama fans could hope for, as Rangers stormed back from a halftime deficit to claim a 3-1 victory over Celtic in one of the most significant Scottish Premiership clashes in recent memory. With both teams now level on points and the title race blown wide open, the aftermath may be just as compelling as the action on the pitch.
The build-up to this derby was laced with tension. Rangers, under the guidance of Danny Rohl, had clawed their way back into contention after being eight points adrift of the champions earlier in the season. Celtic, led by Wilfried Nancy, found themselves under mounting pressure after a string of disappointing results. The stakes? Nothing less than a place in the heart of the title fight.
Celtic started the match with real purpose, feeding off the energy of a packed home crowd. The first half belonged almost entirely to the Hoops, and their dominance was rewarded in the 35th minute. Yang Hyun-Jun, who looked inspired from the opening whistle, picked up the ball about 35 yards out. With a dazzling run, he weaved through a parting Rangers defense before smashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. It was a goal worthy of the occasion and, at that moment, seemed to set the stage for a Celtic statement win.
“The only surprise was that they did not extend their lead further before the interval,” noted one match commentator, echoing the sentiment of many in the stands. Celtic’s attacking waves continued, with Auston Trusty missing a free header and Johnny Kenny failing to capitalize on promising chances. Rangers’ keeper, Jack Butland, stood tall, making a series of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest. The halftime whistle blew with Celtic up 1-0, but the sense lingered that their failure to finish could cost them dearly.
And did it ever. The second half was a complete reversal—a classic game of two halves. Rangers emerged from the tunnel with renewed vigor and a clear plan to exploit Celtic’s defensive frailties. Just minutes after the restart, the visitors struck back. Nicolas Raskin, given far too much space, dribbled to the byline and cut the ball back for Youssef Chermiti, who tapped home from close range to level the score. The goal was a gut punch for Celtic and a shot of adrenaline for Rangers.
The turnaround was swift and ruthless. In the 63rd minute, Chermiti found himself in acres of space down the left after Trusty failed to close him down. The Rangers striker surged forward and fired a low shot into the far corner, completing his brace and sending the visiting fans into raptures. “Chermiti keeps going and although Schmeichel gets something on the shot, the angled effort ends up in the back of the net. Two for Chermiti. Two for Rangers. What a turnaround!” read the live commentary. The much-maligned forward had repaid a big chunk of his transfer fee in the space of 15 breathtaking minutes.
Celtic, suddenly rattled, tried to muster a response. They pushed forward, winning a series of corners and forcing Butland into more heroics, including a late save from a Tierney header and a stinging shot from Araujo in stoppage time. But Rangers were not done. In the 76th minute, Gassama slipped a pass through to on-loan Tottenham forward Mikey Moore. Moore drove his shot across Schmeichel and into the far corner, effectively sealing the win and sending the Rangers supporters into delirium. “Oh my word! Rangers have a third and Celtic are falling apart. Rangers are in dreamland,” was how one reporter captured the moment.
As the final whistle sounded, boos rang out around Celtic Park, and the mood turned ugly. Celtic supporters directed their fury at the board, and a number of fans gathered outside to protest. The pressure on Wilfried Nancy, already intense, reached a fever pitch. Six defeats in eight games, including a home loss to their fiercest rivals, left his position hanging by a thread. “Can he survive this latest setback – especially given the opposition involved?” pondered one analyst. For Nancy, who had pleaded for time and understanding in his pre-match press conference, the nature of this defeat offered little hope.
The statistics told their own story. Celtic registered 21 shots to Rangers’ 9 and enjoyed nearly 60% possession. But it was Rangers who showed the clinical edge, converting four shots on target into three goals. Butland’s eight saves were pivotal, while Celtic’s missed opportunities haunted them. Rangers’ resilience and opportunism under Rohl were on full display, as was their ability to exploit Celtic’s mental and defensive fragility in big moments.
The result left both teams on 38 points, with Celtic narrowly ahead in second place on goals scored. Hearts, who now top the table, remain three points clear, but the momentum has swung decisively towards Rangers. “Their manager has prudently worked with this squad and now they are firmly in this title race,” wrote one observer. The Gers’ celebrations at full-time—players bouncing with their pocket of fans, Chermiti doing a jig of joy, and Rohl’s clenched fists—spoke volumes about the belief coursing through the squad.
For Celtic, the questions are piling up. Where do they go from here? The board faces mounting scrutiny, and the manager’s future is uncertain. “This match encapsulated much of their seemingly self-inflicted issues. From a position of strength they have made so many errors,” summarized a post-match analysis. Unless results turn quickly, the crisis may deepen.
Looking ahead, both teams face vital fixtures. Celtic will try to steady the ship at home against Dundee United on January 10, while Rangers have a double-header with Aberdeen, starting at Ibrox on January 6. The title race is alive and kicking, with the Old Firm rivals now locked in a battle that promises more twists and turns.
One thing’s certain: after a pulsating derby at Celtic Park, the Scottish Premiership has rarely felt so unpredictable—or so exciting. The next chapter is just around the corner, and the whole of Scotland will be watching.