Full TimeSecond Half ends, Celtic 3, Rangers 2.Post updateAttempt missed. Borna Barišić (Rangers) left footed shot from outside the box is too high. Assisted by Joe Aribo.Post updateFoul by Joe Aribo (Rangers).Post updateCallum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.Post updateAttempt blocked. Alfredo Morelos (Rangers) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Borna Barišić with a cross.Post updateFoul by Ryan Kent (Rangers).Post updateCallum McGregor (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Celtic look set to retain the Scottish Premiership title after a thrilling derby victory over Rangers saw them take a 12-point lead with seven games left. Kyogo Furuhashi scored either side of James Tavernier’s sumptuous free-kick at a raucous Celtic Park, before Jota rolled in the hosts’ third. Tavernier headed his 100th Rangers goal to set up a nervy finale, but Celtic held on to secure the win.
Both sides were missing key players through injury, with Celtic without midfielder Reo Hatate and Rangers without Connor Goldson. John Souttar made his first start since July for Rangers and was culpable of glaring second-half errors that Celtic capitalised on.
Controversy was never far away as Alfredo Morelos had a goal disallowed for a push on Alistair Johnston, and VAR ratified the decision to the dismay of the away side. Celtic roused themselves and surged ahead when Kyogo swivelled and lashed past Allan McGregor’s grasp after being picked out by Matt O’Riley’s cutback.
Rangers responded with an exquisite equaliser from Tavernier’s 25-yard free-kick, but their errors were costly as Celtic extended their lead with what proved to be the decisive goal. Jota nipped in to steal Souttar’s blind passback to McGregor and roll the ball into the net. Tavernier popped up the back post to head in Barisic’s cross, but it was too late to find a leveller.
Player of the match Kyogo Furuhashi showed his importance to Celtic once again, taking his season’s goal haul to 28, while Jota’s goal was fitting reward for an incisive performance. Rangers did not display the cutting edge of their hosts and will feel aggrieved at Morelos’ disallowed opener.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou said: “It had a bit of everything. It was very competitive at times. It’s only natural that players will be on edge and that showed in our game. We still controlled aspects of it, we were always a threat.”
Rangers manager Michael Beale added: “It was a strong performance marred by two mistakes. I won’t pick holes in the boys for that because I thought they played well.”
Celtic have now made fast starts their hallmark under Postecoglou and have relied upon devastating attacking weapons to get the job done. With their vastly superior goal difference, it means a maximum of three more wins will ensure Celtic retain the trophy, while Rangers are left to lick their wounds after suffering the first league defeat of Beale’s tenure.