Rangers Claimed An Emotional 3-2 Victory Over Celtic At Celtic Park, Their First Success There Since 2019, Thanks To Hamza Igamane's Stunning Last-Minute Goal. This Match Marked A Historic Moment For Rangers, Especially Under The Leadership Of Interim Manager Barry Ferguson, Who Has Quickly Energized The Squad.
The Old Firm clash on March 16, 2025, captured the essence of Scottish football at its most thrilling. Rangers opened the match with Nico Raskin scoring just four minutes after the whistle, nodding home from a corner, delivering the perfect start their fans hoped for. Mohamed Diomande doubled Rangers' lead shortly before the halftime break, flicking on James Tavernier's cross, effectively commanding the first half.
Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, entered the second half with renewed vigor, quickly responding to Rangers' strong first show. Daizen Maeda narrowed the deficit just minutes after the restart by heading home a well-placed cross from Jota. The tension continued to build as Reo Hatate then leveled the score for Celtic with only 15 minutes left on the clock, creating what seemed like the stage for another of Celtic's famous comebacks.
But the day belonged to Rangers. Hamza Igamane, who became the hero of the match, received the ball from goalkeeper Jack Butland's long goal-kick. Keeping his composure, Igamane rifled the ball past Kasper Schmeichel, delivering the decisive blow right before the final whistle blew. This kick not only secured three points but also re-energized those associated with the Rangers club, ending their five-year winless streak on this notorious ground.
The match didn't conclude without its share of drama off the pitch. Following Igamane's late winner, chaos erupted as Rangers players, particularly Vaclav Cerny, briefly celebrated by squirting water at Celtic fans, prompting Celtic to raise concerns with authorities about the post-match celebrations. Cerny is now facing scrutiny from the Scottish Football Association due to the incident, which has been jokingly labeled 'Watergate' related to the match.
Meanwhile, there are waves of speculation surrounding player transfers following the match. Sevilla is reportedly willing to offer £8.4 million for Igamane after his remarkable showing. On the other hand, Celtic’s interest has been piqued by Nantes' Herba Guirassy, who is also valued at £8.4 million. Notably, as both teams prepare for their respective futures, the hunt for talented players continues, along with the shifting dynamics between management and staff.
Barry Ferguson’s interim management has now thrust him deep within the spotlight, and pundits suggest he is now the front-runner for the permanent position. Craig Moore, former Rangers defender and current pundit, believes Ferguson is the right choice over other prominent names such as Steven Gerrard or Rafael Benitez. “He’s the frontrunner now,” Moore stated on GO Radio, citing Ferguson's ability to navigate significant challenges, including victories against established competition.
After matching José Mourinho's Fenerbahce and now overpowering Celtic, Ferguson's credibility within the boardroom is likely to increase. Steven Thompson, another former teammate, echoed these thoughts, stating, “Taking Rangers to the quarter-finals of the Europa League and winning at Celtic Park strengthens Ferguson’s position.”
While Celtic is coming to terms with the defeat, Neil Lennon mentioned concerns about players like Nicolas Kuhn, who, according to him, are suffering from 'a lack of belief.' The champion team, typically dominant, looked nothing of the sort during key stages of the game. Their disjointed first half raised eyebrows, which will likely lead to deep reflection from the managerial team.
The atmosphere inside Celtic Park was electric, with home fans visibly unsettled as Rangers celebrated their decisive win. There were reports of music playing from the away dressing room, and Peter Grant, recalling his playing days, remarked, "We would have responded to post-match antics with a sledgehammer. That celebration shouldn't have happened at your place.”
Internal dynamics at Rangers appear to be shifting remarkably under Ferguson’s leadership. On social media, Dujon Sterling heralded the change Ferguson has inspired by rousing his players to ‘play for each other’ - a mindset he noted has been well received, as the team pushed through fatigue from their recent tight schedule.
The feverish ambiance following the match left both teams and their supporters buzzing with excitement and commentary. Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC 606, pointed out the overzealous celebrations from Rangers, expressing he “wouldn't have milked it like they did,” referencing how the same supporters who recently booed Rangers were now celebrating wildly.
Among other reactions, Athletic Bilbao's boss Ernesto Valverde took aim at the hectic match scheduling between La Liga and European matches, disgruntled about the strain it places on teams as they prepare for fixtures against Rangers. He said, “This scheduling hurts us,” expressing concerns about adequate rest leading up to important championship matches.
Thousands of fans left Celtic Park with varied emotions. Joey Barton, having his share of ups and downs at Ibrox, celebrated via social media, posting “Up the Teddy Bears,” which resonates with the spirit circulating through Rangers supporters. Dujon Sterling's insight about the Rangers' fighting spirit presents them as resilient, largely dispelling earlier doubts surrounding their ability to deliver under pressure.
Despite the loss, Celtic has not lost sight of ambitions, aiming to strengthen their team with athletic talents such as Lennon Miller from Motherwell. Paul Lambert, the legend, has offered insights on the potential transition for Miller, indicating the benefits of being part of the historically significant club. The drama woven throughout the match and its aftermath forecasts not only immediate triumphs but also the longer-term strategies both clubs may adopt as they head toward the final stretch of the season.
The Old Firm clash is now another chapter written, the rivalry renewed. Fans, analysts, and players are already gearing up for what lies next, and the anticipation buzzes for future encounters.
