Rangers secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Celtic in the first Old Firm clash of the season, delivering a statement win in front of 51,212 fans at Ibrox. The Scottish League Cup match saw Rangers’ captain Dan Neil score twice, with winger Kevin Kelsy adding a goal between his strikes, as Derek McInnes’ side displayed a blend of physical intensity and relentless pace to dominate their historic rivals.
From the start, Rangers imposed themselves on the game, pressing with unwavering commitment that appeared to unsettle Celtic. Despite some early errors from Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, including a mishandled clearance that set up the opening goal, the home side struggled to capitalize initially. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Neil, a summer free transfer from Sunderland, finished smartly after a scramble in the Celtic penalty area following a long ball forward.
The visiting side failed to find their rhythm throughout the match. While they started with composure, it soon became clear they were second best, especially in the second half, when they failed to maintain possession or mount meaningful attacks. Kasper Høgh, Celtic’s significant summer signing, was largely ineffective at the tip of their attack and was substituted around the 65-minute mark.
Rangers continued to build on their lead early in the second half as Kelsy converted a set-piece chance. A free kick from James Penrice was flicked on by Ryan Naderi, allowing Kelsy to score with a well-placed shot past Johnstone. Neil then secured his second goal and sealed the win with a precise strike from the edge of the box in the 75th minute, much to the delight of the home crowd.
McInnes praised his team’s performance, emphasizing the focus and determination needed to beat a club of Celtic’s stature. “I’m delighted. The performance we gave today was the one required to overcome a team like Celtic,” he said. “We’ve seen the strength of the club today and it does the players no harm to understand what this match means to so many people.”
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill acknowledged his side’s shortcomings. “We were well beaten in the end, on the day we were second best. There has to be a realisation how big this game is,” he said, calling the defeat a necessary wake-up call as his team looks ahead to future challenges.
Rangers will face Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-finals and are preparing for a second Old Firm encounter scheduled for next weekend at Celtic Park. Despite mixed early-season results, McInnes expressed confidence moving forward, responding lightheartedly to questions about Rangers’ form by quipping, “Why are you pissing on my chips?” The emphatic win over Celtic has at least provided momentum and optimism for the Glasgow side as they pursue success both domestically and in cup competitions.