Rangers delivered a commanding performance at Ibrox, overcoming their Glasgow rivals Celtic with a 3-0 triumph that secured their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. The win marked manager Derek McInnes's first victory in an Old Firm encounter, and it highlighted the impact of recent signings and the leadership of captain Dan Neil. From the opening whistle, Rangers imposed a high‑intensity, man‑for‑man press that left Celtic scrambling for any foothold. The visitors were unable to generate clear-cut chances, their usual fluidity stifled by the relentless pressure applied by the home side.
The atmosphere inside Ibrox was electric, even though the match was played without the usual contingent of travelling supporters due to restrictions. The first breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. After a period of sustained possession, Rangers' front duo of Ryan Naderi and Kevin Kelsy combined effectively on the left flank, creating space for the advancing Dan Neil. The stand‑in skipper calmly guided the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area, threading the needle after a well‑timed run and precise link‑up play.
Neil’s strike gave McInnes’s side an early lead and set the tone for the rest of the half. Kevin Kelsy, the Venezuelan forward signed for £9.2 million on deadline day, made his Old Firm debut and quickly proved his worth. Although he missed a promising early chance, he remained a constant threat, using his pace and physicality to keep Celtic defenders on the back foot.
His persistence paid off in the second half when he capitalised on a flick‑on from Naderi at the back post, volleying the ball into the net to double Rangers' advantage. This goal not only marked Kelsy’s first for his new club but also underscored the successful integration of the high‑profile signing.
With the scoreline 2‑0, Rangers continued to dominate possession and create opportunities. Dan Neil, riding the momentum of his opening goal, added a third before the final whistle.
In the 75th minute, he received a well‑placed ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a curling effort that flew into the top corner, sealing the victory and cementing his status as the match’s standout performer. The match report also detailed several key moments that illustrated the intensity of the contest.
Early on, Celtic goalkeeper Johnstone made a series of errors, first allowing Kelsy to fire a wide shot after a mis‑clearance and later failing to keep a close‑range effort from Minsu Kim out of the net. Celtic defender Carter‑Vickers also failed to clear a dangerous cross, leading directly to Neil’s opening goal.
Throughout the second half, Johnstone produced a handful of important saves, denying Rangers’ attackers on at least two occasions, but the defensive lapses were too many for the Hoops to overcome. Tactically, McInnes’s game plan was praised by Sky Sports’ Adam Binnie. The manager deployed left‑back James Penrice in a more advanced role, effectively turning him into an auxiliary midfielder who helped congest the central areas and facilitate the high press. Wing‑backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim provided width and relentless energy, while the midfield trio of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Olwethu Makhanya formed a compact three‑man block that out‑numbered Celtic’s attacking midfielders.
This strategic shift forced Celtic’s playmaker Callum McGregor into isolation, depriving him of the support he needed to dictate the tempo. Following the win, Rangers will travel to face Aberdeen in the semi‑finals scheduled for the weekend of October 31 and November 1.
Their opponents, Hearts, have been drawn against Hibernian, setting up an intriguing second‑half of the competition. The victory also narrows the gap between Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, with the league leaders now only two points ahead after the cup triumph. In post‑match interviews, Derek McInnes expressed delight with his team's performance. He highlighted the collective effort, the execution of the tactical plan, and the importance of maintaining the momentum heading into the next fixtures.
"We were flawless today, and that’s the benchmark we set for ourselves moving forward," McInnes said. He also praised the club’s overall strength, both on and off the pitch, and emphasized that the result serves as a reference point for newer players joining the squad. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, on the other hand, acknowledged his side’s shortcomings. He admitted that Celtic were outplayed, especially in the first half where they failed to capitalise on the few chances they created.
O’Neill stressed the significance of the Old Firm fixture for fans and the broader football community, calling it one of the greatest rivalries in Europe. He promised to use the defeat as a wake‑up call, vowing to address the deficiencies before the next league match and the upcoming mid‑week fixture. Overall, the match was a showcase of Rangers’ tactical discipline, the immediate impact of new signings, and the leadership of Dan Neil.
Their comprehensive victory not only advances them in the League Cup but also sends a clear message to rivals about the quality and determination present within the squad. The upcoming semi‑final against Aberdeen promises to be another challenging test, but with the confidence gained from this dominant display, Rangers will be eager to continue their cup run and push for silverware.