Rangers confirmed their dominance in the Scottish League Cup with a convincing 3-0 win over Celtic, marking manager Derek McInnes's first triumph in an Old Firm encounter. The victory not only propelled the Glasgow side into the semi-finals but also showcased a tactical masterclass that left the visitors scrambling for answers.
From the opening whistle, Rangers imposed an aggressive, man‑for‑man press that stifled Celtic's attempts to build from the back. The pressure was relentless, forcing the Celtic midfield into hurried passes and limiting their creative outlets. It was a strategy deliberately crafted by McInnes, who positioned left‑back James Penrice in a quasi‑midfield role to congest the centre of the park, thereby creating a compact block that made it difficult for Celtic’s forwards to find space.
The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when captain Dan Neil, playing a calm and composed role despite the high‑stakes atmosphere, slipped a well‑timed pass into the box. The ball found the feet of the newly‑signed Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy, who had arrived at Ibrox on deadline day for a reported £9.2 million.
Kelsy, making his Old Firm debut, demonstrated composure beyond his experience, slotting the ball into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area. The goal was a product of fluid movement involving Ryan Naderi and Kelsy, whose interplay highlighted the early signs of a partnership that could prove lethal this season. The second goal arrived shortly after the interval.
After a missed chance by Kelsy in the first half, the Venezuelan international redeemed himself by meeting a flick‑on from Naderi at the far post and volleying it home. The strike underscored his aerial ability and finishing instinct, giving Rangers a two‑goal cushion and further unsettling Celtic’s defense. Neil added a third, his second of the afternoon, with fifteen minutes remaining.
Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, he curled a precise shot into the top corner, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Johnstone with no chance. Neil’s brace capped a performance that saw him out‑muscle his counterpart Callum McGregor, who found himself isolated without a defensive midfield partner to aid in shielding the back line. Beyond the goals, the match featured several noteworthy moments that illustrated the intensity of the contest. Early on, Johnstone’s attempt to clear a cross was misdirected straight to Kelsy, who almost capitalised but sent his shot wide.
Later, a crucial defensive intervention saw Rangers defender Minsu Kim’s effort cleared off the line by Johnstone, preventing a potential equaliser. The game also saw a controversial off‑side decision when Celtic’s Raskin appeared to be involved in a goal that was ruled out, further adding to the frustration of the visitors.
Statistically, Rangers dominated possession in the middle third, thanks in part to the width provided by wing‑backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim. Their forward runs stretched Celtic’s defensive shape, creating space for the central attackers.
In midfield, the trio of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Olwethu Makhanya executed disciplined three‑vs‑three battles against Celtic’s attacking trio, effectively nullifying their influence. The win propels Rangers into a semi‑final clash with Aberdeen, scheduled for the weekend of October 31 and November 1. Meanwhile, Hearts have been drawn against Hibernian, setting up another intriguing fixture in the latter stages of the competition. Post‑match, McInnes praised his side’s execution, stating, "I’m delighted with the performance.
We stuck to the plan, applied the pressure, and the players delivered. This is the benchmark we want to set moving forward." He highlighted the importance of the collective effort and the morale boost the result provides ahead of upcoming league fixtures. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, on the other hand, admitted his team were outplayed. "We were beaten well today.
We failed to capitalise on the chances we had in the first half and the pressure was too much," he said. O’Neill acknowledged the significance of the Old Firm rivalry and promised to use the defeat as a learning experience, emphasizing the need to regroup before the next league match.
The atmosphere at Ibrox was electric despite the absence of traveling supporters, with the home crowd providing a constant roar that seemed to lift the players. The match also featured a series of tactical adjustments, such as McInnes’s decision to use Penrice as an auxiliary midfielder, which paid dividends by disrupting Celtic’s rhythm and allowing Rangers to dominate the midfield battles. Looking ahead, Rangers must maintain their defensive solidity and continue exploiting the width offered by their wing‑backs.
The partnership between Kelsy and Naderi appears promising, and if Neil can sustain his goal‑scoring form, the team will have a potent attacking trio capable of challenging for both domestic and European honors. In summary, the 3‑0 victory not only secured a place in the League Cup semi‑finals but also sent a clear message to the rest of the Scottish football landscape: under Derek McInnes, Rangers are a well‑drilled, aggressive side capable of imposing their will on even the most storied opponents. The upcoming tie against Aberdeen promises to be another test of their mettle, while Celtic will need to regroup quickly to avoid a prolonged slump in form.