
Rangers stun Celtic with comeback win in Old Firm derby
Rangers stun Celtic with comeback win in Old Firm derby
- Rangers achieved a comeback victory against Celtic, scoring three goals in the second half.
- Celtic initially took the lead but failed to maintain their advantage, leading to pressure on their manager.
- This win has intensified the competition for the league title, making it a three-horse race.
Story
In Scotland, the Old Firm derby took place on January 3, 2026, where Rangers came from behind to defeat Celtic 3-1 at Celtic Park. The match started with Celtic dominating the first half, as they took the lead early on with a goal from Hyun-Jun Yang in the 20th minute. Despite their first-half performance where they were more assertive with 65% possession and numerous shots on target, Celtic failed to capitalize on their chances. The game shifted dramatically in the second half as Rangers turned the tide, with former Everton player Youssef Chermiti scoring two goals in quick succession, turning a one-goal deficit into a lead. The breakthrough for Rangers came after they made tactical changes during half-time, allowing them to exploit openings in the Celtic defense effectively. Mikey Moore sealed the victory with a third goal for Rangers in the 71st minute. Following this decisive win, the league standings showed that both Rangers and Celtic are now equal on points but Rangers are behind Celtic on goal difference. This match intensified the league competition as Hearts continues to lead the standings, now opening a window for them to increase their advantage over both teams. Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy, who had not secured a positive run of results since taking over, now faces mounting pressure as his position seems precarious after this significant loss. On the other hand, Rangers manager Danny Rohl, in his third month with the team, has found a renewed sense of optimism after this important victory, potentially revitalizing his team's performance and morale moving forward. The historical rivalry displayed during the match highlighted the stakes involved in derby games, where passion and expectation run high among supporters. As both teams look ahead to their upcoming fixtures, the ramifications of this result may have wider implications for the title race, with Rangers asserting themselves as serious contenders. This match not only exhibited the competitiveness of Scottish football but also emphasized the critical nature of managerial stability and success in high-pressure environments.