CELTIC DEFEAT RANGERS IN THE OLD FIRM DERBY

Celtic come from behind to beat Rangers at the Ibrox Stadium. The 2-1 victory puts Ange Postecoglou's side 6 points clear at the top of the table.

Celtic took one giant leap towards the Scottish Premiership trophy as they overcame their fierce rivals in an exciting Old Firm clash. Aaron Ramsey put Rangers ahead inside 3 minutes with a left-footed strike past Joe Hart. The perfect way to start his Old Firm debut. The lead was quickly lost as Celtic's Rogic responded with the equaliser just 4 minutes later. McGregor drove down the right flank before playing inside. Rangers stopped the initial shot from Rogic; however, it eventually found the Australian's feet again, who was able to put away the strike at the second time of asking.

Just before the end of the half, Celtic earned themselves the advantage. A high lofted ball was put into Rangers' penalty box. Carter-Vickers was first to react in the box during the scramble and remained composed to drill the ball into the back of the net. The derby had totally flipped on its head. The entire second 45 saw Rangers chase an equaliser to keep their title hopes alive, they kept the ball well but couldn't find the all-important goal. The game ended 2-1, and after a shaky start, Celtic inspired a comeback that could prove to be vital in the race for the title.

Rangers take an early lead

Inside just 3 minutes, Aaron Ramsey get his Old Firm debut underway in fantastic fashion. The Ibrox roared as the former Arsenal man converted with his left boot.

Ryan Kent claimed the assist as he received the ball out on the left-hand side from Bassey, the Englishman picked out Ramsey in the middle. Joe Hart got a hand to Ramsey's strike however it wasn't enough to prevent the goal.

Rapid response from Celtic

After conceding instantly due to a shaky start, Celtic managed to find a way back into the game. Callum McGregor burst down the right wing, before playing inside to Rogic. The Celtic skipper's first shot on goal is blocked, Hatate then attempted to score from outside the box.

Allan McGregor denied the Japanese midfielder, however his parried save falls back to Tom Rogic who was able to put away the rebound to give Celtic the equaliser.

The score was already 1-1 inside just 7 minutes, this was the first time both Rangers and Celtic had scored inside the opening 10 minutes of a league meeting since December 2002.

Carter-Vickers gives Celtic the advantage

As the first half of the Old Firm derby came to a close, Celtic took the lead. Celtic earned free-kick inside Rangers' half. The lofted ball was booted high into the air before falling into a scrambled penalty area.

Carter-Vickers reacted first and remained composed; the defender drilled his left-footed half volley into the back of the net. Celtic headed into the interval ahead, with their 700 travelling fans bouncing in ecstasy.

Delayed start to the second half

The second half got underway a few minutes later than expected due to Rangers fans throwing broken glass at Joe Hart.

Various shards of glass were dotted around the penalty area. The second half began five minutes later once all the glass had been removed by ground staff.

Remarkable save from McGregor

With only 10 minutes of normal time remaining, Allan McGregor made an outstanding save to keep Rangers in the derby. Adaba fired his strike at goal, hoping to ensure the 3 points for Celtic.

McGregor tipped the ball over the crossbar to keep his side in it, Adaba couldn't believe he hadn't extended Celtic's lead. Rangers on the other hand remained hopeful.

Celtic go 6 points clear

Celtic put one hand on the title, a massive 3 points at the home of their arch rivals. Rangers struck first via Aaron Ramsey, Celtic were all over the place in the opening minutes however they sorted themselves out to get back into the game.

Rangers plugged away in the second half but Celtic stood firm to prevent dropping points as they race for yet another Scottish Premiership trophy. They are now 6 points clear of Rangers with a colossal goal difference of 16 between themselves and Rangers.

This win means Celtic are now 26 games unbeaten, with momentum increasing every week, another piece of silverware for the cabinet is starting to look more and more likely.

What’s Next?

Next match report = Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid

Tuesday 5th April 8pm

Line-ups:

Rangers – (4-2-3-1) McGregor, Bassey, Balogun, Goldson, Tavernier, Jack (Arfield 66’), Lundstram, Kent, Ramsey (Sakala 66’), Aribo, Roofe

Bookings – Lundstram (41’)

Scorers – Ramsey (3’)

Celtic – (4-3-3) Hart, Taylor (Ralston 71’), Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Juranovic, Hatate (Biton 62’), McGregor, Rogic (O’Riley 62’ (Turnbull 76’)), Maeda, Jota (Abada 76’), Giakoumakis

Bookings – Giakoumakis (64’), Carter-Vickers (65’), Biton (82’), Ralston (88’)

Scorers – Rogic (7’), Carter-Vickers (43’)

Referee: William Collum

Attendance: 50,023

MOTM: Tom Rogic

Written by Isabelle Newnham