Rangers confirmed their dominance in the Scottish League Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 triumph over city rivals Celtic, giving manager Derek McInnes his first Old Firm victory since taking the helm. The win, which took place at Ibrox Stadium in front of a largely silent crowd due to the absence of traveling supporters, propelled the Gers into the competition's semi‑finals where they will meet Aberdeen on the weekend of October 31‑November 1. The match opened with both sides attempting to impose their style, but Rangers’ high‑intensity, man‑for‑man pressing soon proved too much for the visitors.
Celtic struggled to find rhythm under the relentless pressure, creating few clear chances and ultimately succumbing to a defeat they have not suffered in a cup tie against their Glasgow neighbours for seven years. The first breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute.
Dan Neil, the Rangers captain, collected a pass from the right flank and, after a quick turn, slipped the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area. The strike was the product of fluid movement involving the newly signed Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy and fellow attacker Ryan Naderi, whose interplay opened up space for Neil to exploit. This goal not only gave McInnes his inaugural Old Firm win but also set the tone for the rest of the evening. Just before the interval, Kelsy made his mark on the scoresheet.
The £9.2 million deadline‑day acquisition, making his Old Firm debut, volleyed home a flick‑on from Naderi at the back post. The goal was a testament to his composure and technical ability, signalling that his hefty transfer fee had been well spent. The Venezuelan’s celebration was met with a roar from the Ibrox faithful, who were delighted to see their new signing contribute so swiftly. The final goal came with fifteen minutes remaining.
Neil, still perched at the edge of the box, unleashed a curling effort that found the top corner, sealing a brace for the captain and cementing Rangers’ three‑goal cushion. His second strike displayed both power and precision, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Johnstone with no chance of a rescue. Throughout the game, Rangers’ tactical setup was a key factor. McInnes deployed left‑back James Penrice in a quasi‑midfield role, effectively overloading the centre of the pitch and allowing the team to press Celtic in tight, coordinated clusters.
Wing‑backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim provided width and relentless energy, while the midfield trio of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez and Olwethu Makhanya engaged in three‑vs‑three battles against Celtic’s attacking unit. This bold approach forced Celtic into a defensive posture, with their creative midfielder Callum McGregor left isolated and unable to influence the game. The match report also highlighted several notable moments. Early chances fell to both sides, but Kelsy and Kim missed clear opportunities before Neil’s opener.
Celtic’s Johnstone produced a handful of crucial saves, notably denying a close‑range header from Naderi at the 50th minute and a powerful shot from Kim shortly after the restart. However, these interventions were insufficient to stem the tide of Rangers’ attacks.
Post‑match, McInnes praised his squad, describing the performance as a benchmark for future fixtures. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the intensity and focus displayed at Ibrox, while also acknowledging the need to prepare for the upcoming semi‑final against Aberdeen and the subsequent league clash against Celtic in the Premiership. "We delivered a big performance today and showed the strength of the club both on and off the pitch," McInnes said.
"It gives us a great reference point moving forward." Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, on the other hand, admitted his side were outplayed. He lamented missed chances in the first half and described the defeat as a wake‑up call. "We were second best today," O'Neill conceded, noting that Rangers’ physicality and tactical discipline exposed Celtic’s vulnerabilities. He promised that the team would learn from the loss ahead of their next league encounter.
Looking ahead, Rangers will travel to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen in a semi‑final that promises another intense Glasgow showdown, while Hearts have been drawn against Hibernian. The victory also narrows the gap between Rangers and Celtic in the league table, leaving the title race finely balanced. Overall, the 3‑0 result not only secured Rangers a place in the semi‑finals but also sent a clear message to their rivals: under McInnes’s guidance, the team is capable of executing a disciplined, high‑pressing game plan that can dominate even the most storied opponents.
The performance will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in the season, reinforcing Rangers’ ambitions on both domestic cup and league fronts.