Rangers delivered a resounding performance against their long-time rivals Celtic, securing a 3-0 victory at Ibrox Stadium on January 2, 2025. This match, part of the 21st round of the Scottish Premiership, marked the first loss of the season for Celtic, who previously held the top spot with 50 points.
The historic Old Firm derby showcased the intensity of Scottish football, with both teams vying for bragging rights. The Rangers opened the scoring early, with Yanis Hagi finding the net just seven minutes in. Hagi's goal came after some incisive play, demonstrating the team's attacking intent from the outset. The young Romanian, son of legendary midfielder Gheorghe Hagi, managed to capitalize on defensive lapses from Celtic, setting the tone for the match.
Following Hagi's opener, the match continued to see Rangers assert their dominance. The home team controlled possession and created multiple chances. Notably, Robin Propper extended the lead to 2-0 with 24 minutes left to play, showcasing his finishing abilities after receiving a well-weighted pass from his teammate. Propper’s goal added to the pressure on Celtic and extinguished any hope of recovery for the visitors.
Not long after, Danilo sealed the deal with another strike for Rangers just nine minutes later, bringing the final score to 3-0. This performance demonstrated Rangers' capability to perform under pressure, especially on home soil where they have been formidable this season. Celebrities such as golfer Paul Lawrie were spotted at Ibrox, enjoying the spectacle of one of football's fiercest rivalries.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reflected on the defeat, stating, "This defeat doesn't change our position at the top; we will bounce back stronger." Despite suffering their first loss, Celtic remains comfortably atop the Premiership table with 50 points, 11 points clear of the second-placed Rangers, now with 39 points.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement emphasized the importance of this victory, expressing pride in his team's performance: "We played our game and took our chances. It was important to show our strength at home today." Clement’s praise highlighted the tactical execution and resilience of his squad throughout the match.
The game also represented Celtic's first loss since March, snapping their impressive unbeaten streak. They had previously been regarded as overwhelming favorites for the title this season due to their remarkable form. Before the loss to Rangers, Celtic had only dropped four goals all season, largely thanks to their solid defense and potent attack, with remarkable statistics showcasing they scored nearly three goals per game on average.
Looking forward, both teams will focus on their next fixtures as the season progresses. Rangers will look to build on this success to narrow the gap at the top, whereas Celtic must regroup to maintain their lead. The rivalry, notorious for its passion and intensity, promises much excitement as the season continues.
Fans of both clubs will undoubtedly be eager to see how each team responds after this pivotal match. With plenty of football still to be played, the narrative of the 2024-2025 season remains compelling.