Rangers delivered a massive statement with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Celtic at Parkhead, sealed by a stunning late winner from Hamza Igamane.
Barry Ferguson’s side stormed into a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, but Celtic clawed their way back into the contest after the break. Just when it seemed like the Hoops might snatch something, substitute Igamane stepped up in the 87th minute to hammer home a spectacular strike and send the travelling Rangers support into raptures.
Ferguson’s Tactical Consistency Pays Off
Coming off a gruelling European clash with Fenerbahce, Ferguson made just one enforced change, with Ridvan replacing Jefte at left-back. Jefte was out of the squad all together for personal reasons, and we hope all is well with the young defender.
That meant the Gers lined up with Butland in goal, a backline of Sterling, Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, and Ridvan, a midfield trio of Raskin, Barron, and Diomande, while Cerny provided support to Cyriel Dessers up top. Though for large parts of this game Rangers pressed aggressively, with Tavernier and Ridvan pushing up to swarm the midfield.
Rangers set the tone early, pressing aggressively and capitalising on a defensive lapse to win an early corner. From the resulting set-piece, Tavernier’s delivery was met by Raskin at the near post, the Belgian midfielder guiding a header past Schmeichel to give Rangers a dream start.
Celtic responded with efforts from Maeda and Hatate, but Butland and a well-drilled Rangers defence stood firm. The Light Blues doubled their lead in the 37th minute with another well-worked move. Tavernier’s delivery into the box found Raskin, who smartly flicked on the ball into Diomande’s path. The Ivorian midfielder, showing great composure, rifled a low finish into the bottom corner, putting Rangers firmly in control.
Sterling had to be at his best just before the break, making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Maeda, while Butland pulled off another big save to keep Nawrocki at bay.
Celtic’s Fightback and Rangers’ Grit
Celtic came out for the second half with urgency, and within five minutes, Maeda pulled one back with a well-placed header from Jota’s cross. The hosts grew in confidence, forcing Rangers into a defensive reshuffle as Balogun went off with what looked like cramp, with Robin Propper coming on.
The Hoops continued to press, and with 74 minutes played, they drew level through Hatate, who latched onto McGowan’s through ball and finished clinically past Butland. At this point, the home side looked like they might turn the tide completely, but Rangers showed resilience.
Barron came close to restoring the lead with a powerful drive that flashed just wide, though he should have done better, before Ferguson freshened things up with a triple substitution, introducing Nsiala, Lawrence, and Igamane for the final push.
Igamane’s Moment of Brilliance
Just minutes after coming on, Hamza Igamane became the hero. The ball broke to the Moroccan forward just outside the box, and with ice-cool composure, he took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. The away end erupted as Rangers secured a famous Old Firm win in dramatic style.
A Memorable Victory for the Fans
While the result may not shift the title race, this win will be savoured by Rangers supporters, proving that Ferguson’s side can go toe-to-toe with their biggest rivals. The performance showed grit, determination, and quality—everything the fans demand in an Old Firm clash.
PRESS CONFERENCE | Mohamed Diomande | Celtic 2-3 Rangers
PRESS CONFERENCE | John Souttar | Celtic 2-3 Rangers
REACTION | Dujon Sterling | 16 Mar 2025