Celtic v Rangers LIVE: Result and reaction as hosts cruise to victory in first Old Firm derby of the season
Celtic 3-0 Rangers: Goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo and Callum McGregor secured victory for the hosts
Celtic cruised to victory over Rangers in the first Old Firm derby of the season to continue their perfect Scottish Premiership start.
First-half goals from Daizen Maeda and Kyogo set the home side on course at Celtic Park, before captain Callum McGregor’s fine second half strike added gloss to a commanding performance. After a bright opening ten minutes, Rangers seldom threatened, with Brendan Rodgers’ side now four wins from four and yet to concede in the league this season.
Philippe Clement had expressed hope that his refreshed Rangers squad could challenge their rivals , but a gulf in class was evident throughout. A fourth consecutive win at home over their cross-city foes leaves Celtic level on points with high-flying Aberdeen at the top of the table, with the visitors already five points back and any prospect of a title fight surely distant.
Re-live all the action from the Old Firm derby below.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 54 minutes
Daizen Maeda finds room beyond James Tavernier and connects with Reo Hatate. Hatate assesses his options as he uses his body to keep a couple of Rangers defenders away, but his eventual backheel isn’t delivered with the requisite power to return the ball to Maeda.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 51 minutes
Mohamed Diomande is fouled about 35 yards from the Celtic goal. Vaclav Cerny swings the free kick in and Robin Propper heads goalwards after a spot of aerial pinball, though his effort strikes a teammate.
This is a good couple of minutes from Rangers, though. Cameron Carter-Vickers is forced to scramble behind after John Souttar, still up after that free kick, snatches at a shot.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 49 minutes
Not for the first time today, a Celtic flick-on bounces harmlessly past the far post with no-one there to provide the finishing touches.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 47 minutes
Celtic’s defence is still yet to breached this season. Rangers have an early second half sniff but Kasper Schmeichel collects in comfort.
HT: Celtic 2-0 Rangers
Off Celtic go with a smile, the hosts having taken control of the contest after a bright Rangers start. The visitors pressed high with impressive intensity early on, but once the energy levels started to drop, they were open expanses for Celtic to explore. Kyogo was denied once by the offside flag before Daizen Maeda’s opener, and the Japan striker made sure he got his customary Old Firm goal just before half time to leave his side firmly on top.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 45 + 1 minutes
Boy do Rangers need the interval. Celtic cut them open once more and they are queueing up in the box to knock it home, Paulo Bernardo eschewing one shooting opportunity but getting another. He fails to catch it cleanly and Jack Butland saves before shooting grumpy looks at his back four.
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, 45 minutes
A gorgeous diagonal springs Daizen Maeda beyond the Rangers defence, but the winger underhits his cross to Kyogo.
Into three additional minutes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments