Rangers confirmed their dominance in the Scottish League Cup with a convincing 3-0 triumph over arch‑rivals Celtic, securing a place in the competition's semi‑finals. The win marked Derek McInnes's first victory in an Old Firm encounter since taking charge of the Gers, and it was highlighted by a brace from captain Dan Neil and a debut goal from recent £9.2 million signing Kevin Kelsy.
From the opening whistle, Rangers imposed a high‑intensity, man‑to‑man press that left Celtic floundering. The Glasgow side struggled to find any clear-cut chances, their usual rhythm disrupted by the relentless pressure applied by McInnes’s side. The first half saw both Kelsy and new wing‑back Minsu Kim waste early opportunities, but the breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute when Neil, playing as a makeshift striker, calmly slipped the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
The goal was the product of a well‑timed run and a quick one‑two with fellow attackers Ryan Naderi and Kelsy, showcasing the fluidity of Rangers’ front line. The Venezuelan forward, Kevin Kelsy, made his Old Firm debut a memorable one. After missing a chance earlier, he redeemed himself in the second half. A flick‑on from Naderi found Kelsy at the far post, and he volleyed the ball past Celtic’s goalkeeper to give Rangers a two‑goal cushion.
The goal underscored the impact of the summer signing, who has already begun to justify his hefty fee with his physical presence and finishing ability. Neil added a third and final goal with fifteen minutes remaining. Picking up the ball on the edge of the penalty area, he unleashed a precise strike into the top corner, sealing a comprehensive victory for the home side.
The captain’s performance, scoring twice and leading by example, earned him plaudits from both fans and pundits. Rangers will now travel to face Aberdeen in the semi‑finals, scheduled for the weekend of October 31–November 1, while Hearts have been drawn against Hibernian. The win not only propels Rangers deeper into the cup but also sends a strong message to their league rivals, reinforcing McInnes’s tactical blueprint. A detailed timeline of key moments illustrates how the match unfolded: - 4′ : Johnstone attempted a clearance that landed directly to Kelsy, whose shot missed the target as the goalkeeper was out of position.
- 16′ : A second error from Johnstone saw the ball rebound to Minsu, whose effort was cleared off the line by Celtic defender Scales. - 23′ : Rangers opened the scoring when Kelsy’s pass found Neil, who finished confidently from the edge of the box. - 49′ : Johnstone made a crucial save, denying Minsu’s early second‑half chance. - 50′ : A close‑range header from Naderi was also parried by the Celtic keeper.
- 59′ : Kelsy redeemed his first‑half miss, smashing in a Penrice cross for his inaugural goal for Rangers. - 64′ : An off‑side goal was disallowed after Raskin’s touch was deemed illegal, highlighting Celtic’s defensive disarray. - 72′ : Celtic’s Hassan saw his effort sail over the bar. - 76′ : Neil completed his brace with a curling strike into the top corner, effectively sealing the tie.
Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports’ Adam Binnie praised McInnes’s tactical setup. The manager deployed left‑back James Penrice in a hybrid midfield role, creating a numerical advantage in the centre of the park and enabling the team to press aggressively. Wing‑backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim provided width and stamina, while the midfield trio of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya executed disciplined three‑versus‑three defending against Celtic’s attacking unit.
This strategic shift forced Celtic’s playmakers, particularly Callum McGregor, into isolation without a defensive partner, allowing Neil to dominate the midfield battle. McInnes reflected on the performance, stating, “I’m delighted with how the team executed the plan. We didn’t have any major lapses, and that’s what you need to win. The atmosphere and the result give us a great reference point for the upcoming fixtures.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, especially with a challenging away match against their rivals looming.
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitted his side were outclassed, noting, “We were beaten well in the end. In the first half we failed to capitalise on the chances we created after breaking their press. It was a tough lesson, but we’ll learn from it as we prepare for the next game.” He highlighted the significance of the Old Firm fixture for fans and the broader football community, acknowledging the physical and tactical challenge posed by Rangers. The victory also carries league implications.
With Rangers now having the momentum from a cup win, they aim to close the gap on the league leaders, potentially narrowing the difference to just two points if they continue their current form. The result will likely boost confidence ahead of their next Premier League encounter, which will be played without travelling support due to stadium restrictions.
Beyond the immediate aftermath, the match offered a platform for emerging talents. Kevin Kelsy’s goal on debut not only justified his transfer fee but also signalled his readiness to become a regular contributor. Minsu Kim’s energetic wing‑back display added a new dimension to Rangers’ defensive strategy, providing both cover and attacking thrust. Overall, the 3‑0 scoreline encapsulated a night where Rangers executed a clear game plan, displayed clinical finishing, and demonstrated the depth of their squad.
The win sets them up for a promising semi‑final against Aberdeen and adds a valuable trophy piece to their season’s ambitions.