Rangers celebrated a commanding 3-0 triumph over their city rivals Celtic, a result that not only marked Derek McInnes' first victory in an Old Firm encounter as the club's manager but also guaranteed the Gers a place in the Scottish League Cup semi‑finals. The win was sealed at Ibrox, where a vibrant home crowd witnessed a showcase of aggressive pressing, swift attacking movement and clinical finishing. From the outset, the Rangers side imposed a high‑intensity, man‑for‑man press that left Celtic struggling to find rhythm.
The Glasgow side were unable to generate clear-cut chances, repeatedly forced into defensive positions, and ultimately fell victim to a first cup defeat in seven meetings against their local adversaries. The pressure paid off early, as captain Dan Neil opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.
After a series of well‑timed runs and incisive link‑up play involving the newly‑signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy and fellow attacker Ryan Naderi, the ball was threaded to Neil on the edge of the penalty area. With composure and precision, Neil slipped the ball into the bottom corner, giving McInnes' men a deserved lead. The early goal set the tone for the rest of the match. While Celtic attempted to regroup, Rangers continued to dominate possession and create opportunities.
In the second half, Kelsy, who had arrived at the club on the summer's £9.2 million deadline day, made his Old Firm debut and quickly repaid the investment. After a flick‑on from Naderi that found him at the far post, the Venezuelan international struck a powerful volley that nestled into the net, marking his first goal for Rangers and extending the lead to 2‑0. The goal highlighted Kelsy's ability to time his runs and finish with both feet, reinforcing his reputation as a promising addition to the squad. The final blow came with fifteen minutes remaining.
Neil, already on the scoresheet, demonstrated why he is the team's captain by delivering a curling strike from the edge of the box that flew into the top corner, leaving the Celtic goalkeeper with no chance. His second goal of the afternoon cemented the 3‑0 scoreline and effectively sealed Rangers' passage to the semi‑final stage. Throughout the match, Celtic's goalkeeper Johnstone was tested repeatedly.
Early on, a mis‑clearance by Johnstone allowed Kelsy a chance that narrowly missed the post. Later, a desperate effort from Celtic defender Minsu Kim was cleared off the line by Rangers' defender Scales, underscoring the relentless pressure exerted by the home side.
In the second half, Johnstone produced a series of crucial saves, including a fingertip stop from a close‑range header by Naderi and a reflex save from a powerful shot by Kim, but these interventions were insufficient to alter the outcome. The match also featured a number of notable moments that illustrated the intensity of the rivalry.
At the 49th minute, Johnstone made a vital intervention to deny a potential equaliser, while at the 59th minute Kelsy redeemed his earlier miss by smashing in a cross from Penrice, further demoralising the Celtic defence. A brief controversy arose when a Celtic goal appeared to be ruled out for off‑side, with Raskin credited for the final touch before Fernandez attempted a header from a Penrice delivery. The decision left Celtic frustrated and highlighted Rangers' defensive organization. Beyond the on‑field action, the atmosphere at Ibrox was electric despite the absence of travelling supporters, a result of restrictions that kept the away fans out of the stadium.
The home crowd's chants and applause amplified every Rangers attack, creating a fortress‑like environment that undoubtedly contributed to the team's dominant display. Looking ahead, Rangers now turn their focus to the semi‑final draw, where they will aim to maintain their momentum and continue their pursuit of silverware.
The victory not only adds a trophy to the club's cabinet but also provides a morale boost for McInnes, who can now claim a successful start to his tenure with a win over their most bitter rivals. The performance of key players such as Dan Neil, Kevin Kelsy and Ryan Naderi suggests a promising season ahead, with the squad showing depth, versatility and a hunger for titles.
In summary, the 3‑0 win over Celtic was a statement of intent from Rangers. It combined tactical discipline, effective pressing, and clinical finishing, while also showcasing the impact of new signings and the leadership of the captain. The result propels the team into the next round of the Scottish League Cup, where they will look to build on this performance and aim for further success in the competition.
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