Rangers confirmed their dominance in the Scottish League Cup with a resounding 3-0 triumph over bitter rivals Celtic, securing a place in the competition's semi-finals. The victory marked manager Derek McInnes's first success in an Old Firm encounter, and it came at a packed Ibrox Stadium that, due to restrictions, was devoid of travelling supporters.
The match opened with Rangers imposing an aggressive, man‑for‑man press that left Celtic floundering and unable to generate any clear-cut chances. Early on, both Kevin Kelsy, the £9.2 million deadline‑day acquisition, and his fellow newcomer Minsu Kim squandered promising opportunities, but the pressure soon paid dividends.
In the 23rd minute, captain Dan Neil, playing as a stand‑in skipper, collected a well‑timed pass from the forward duo of Ryan Naderi and Kelsy, and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. That strike gave McInnes's side a deserved lead and set the tone for the rest of the game.
The Venezuelan international Kelsy, who was making his Old Firm debut, added his name to the scoresheet in the second half. After a flick‑on from Naderi found him at the far post, Kelsy volleyed the ball home, marking his first goal for Rangers and confirming the impact of the club's recent investment. With the score now 2‑0, Rangers continued to dominate possession and territory, forcing Celtic into a defensive shell.
Neil completed the rout fifteen minutes from time, striking again from the edge of the box. His second goal, a curling effort that found the top corner, left the Celtic goalkeeper with no chance and sealed a comprehensive victory for the visitors.
In addition to the three goals, the match featured a series of notable moments that underscored Rangers' tactical discipline. At the four‑minute mark, Johnstone attempted a clearance only to send the ball straight to Kelsy, who, with the goalkeeper off his line, unleashed a shot that narrowly missed the far post.
Sixteen minutes in, Johnstone again mis‑controlled a ball, allowing Minsu Kim to unleash a powerful strike that was cleared off the line by Celtic defender Scales. The pattern of defensive lapses continued, with Carter‑Vickers failing to clear a dangerous cross, enabling Kelsy to feed Neil for the opening goal.
The second half saw Celtic's goalkeeper Johnstone produce a vital save from a close‑range header by Naderi, followed by another stop from a low effort by Minsu Kim. Nevertheless, Rangers' relentless pressure resulted in Kelsy converting a Penrice cross, his first goal for the club, and Neil's second strike in the 76th minute confirmed the final scoreline. Tactically, McInnes deployed left‑back James Penrice as an auxiliary midfielder, effectively flooding the centre of the pitch and allowing his team to press Celtic aggressively.
Wing‑backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim provided width and energy, while a compact trio of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya protected the back three against Celtic's attacking trio. This bold setup forced Celtic's midfield maestro Callum McGregor into isolation, stripping him of his usual support and contributing to the visitors' collapse. Post‑match, McInnes praised his side's execution, noting that the performance set a benchmark for future fixtures.
He highlighted the collective effort, the tactical clarity, and the morale boost that would carry the team into the upcoming semi‑final against Aberdeen, scheduled for the weekend of October 31/November 1. He also reminded fans of the importance of maintaining focus ahead of the next league encounter, emphasizing that the club's strength lies both on and off the pitch. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, while acknowledging the defeat, admitted that his side were the “second best” on the day and pointed to missed chances in the first half as a key factor.
He stressed the significance of the Old Firm fixture for supporters and the broader football community, and vowed that his team would learn from the setback as they prepare for a mid‑week clash and the next league game. Looking forward, Rangers now turn their attention to a daunting trip to Aberdeen, a match that will be played without the usual travelling support due to stadium restrictions. A victory there would not only propel them into the League Cup final but also narrow the gap in the Scottish Premiership to just two points, keeping the title race alive. Overall, the 3‑0 win encapsulated a perfect blend of strategic planning, individual brilliance, and collective resolve, cementing Rangers' status as serious contenders for both domestic cup glory and league success this season.