Sublime Rangers lay down early Old Firm marker with League Cup hammering of Celtic
In a decisive Scottish League Cup match at Ibrox, Rangers defeated Celtic 3-0. Dan Neil netted a brace while Kevin Kelsy added a late goal, giving manager Derek McInnes his first Old Firm win. The win sets the tone for the upcoming Premier League derby.
In a high‑stakes Scottish League Cup clash, Rangers secured a 3‑0 triumph over Celtic at Ibrox, handing the Glasgow rivals their first defeat of the season. The win, achieved without any away supporters in attendance, gave new Rangers boss Derek McInnes his inaugural Old Firm victory.
Match Overview
The match opened with a calm Celtic side that struggled to find rhythm. Rangers’ captain Dan Neil, who joined the club from Sunderland earlier that summer, made an immediate impact. In the 22nd minute, a long ball over the Celtic defense found Neil at the edge of the box, where he calmly slotted past former Wolves keeper Sam Johnstone to give Rangers the lead.
Rangers continued to dominate possession and intensity. A free‑kick from James Penrice in the 50th minute was flicked on by Ryan Naderi, allowing Kevin Kelsy to fire a precise shot from 14 yards, his first goal for the club, to double the advantage.
With the game in hand, Dan Neil returned to the attack and, in the 75th minute, controlled a loose ball on the edge of the Celtic area before curling a shot into the top corner, sealing a comfortable 3‑0 victory.
Key Players and Performances
- Dan Neil – Scored twice, including a late finish that capped the win.
- Kevin Kelsy – Netted his first goal for Rangers with a well‑placed volley.
- Sam Johnstone – The former England goalkeeper made a number of saves but was unable to prevent the early goal.
- James Penrice – His free‑kick was pivotal in creating the second goal.
Atmosphere and Context
All 51,212 tickets sold were for Rangers fans, as away supporters were banned from Old Firm fixtures this season following a pitch invasion at a previous Scottish Cup tie. The stadium was awash in blue, with Union Bears ultras unveiling a tifo that referenced a 1993 incident between Rangers’ Ian Ferguson and Celtic’s Mike Galloway. The partisan atmosphere was palpable, yet the focus remained on the football.
Implications for the Season
Rangers’ victory not only gives them a psychological edge heading into the next Old Firm derby in the Scottish Premiership but also propels them into the League Cup semi‑finals, where they will face Aberdeen. For Celtic, the defeat is a wake‑up call; manager Martin O’Neill admitted the team “was second best” and highlighted the need for a stronger performance in future fixtures.
What Happens Next?
Rangers will travel to Aberdeen for the semi‑final, while Celtic prepare for a rematch against Rangers at Celtic Park next Sunday. Both teams are likely to reassess tactics and squad selections ahead of the next encounter, with Rangers aiming to maintain momentum and Celtic seeking redemption.
Discrepancies and Notes
Both sources agree on the scoreline and key moments but differ slightly on the minute of the second goal, with one citing the 59th minute and the other the 50th. The overall narrative remains consistent across reports.
Why It Matters
The result underscores a shift in the Old Firm balance, with Rangers asserting dominance early in the season and setting a tone for their campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Rangers won 3-0, their first Old Firm loss for Celtic.
- Dan Neil scored twice; Kevin Kelsy added a third‑half goal.
- Rangers’ physical style and high intensity were decisive.
- Celtic’s lack of pressure in the second half highlighted tactical issues.
- Rangers advance to the League Cup semi‑final against Aberdeen.
- The next Old Firm derby will be at Celtic Park.
FAQ
- What was the attendance at Ibrox? 51,212, all Rangers fans due to away bans.
- Did Rangers have any injuries? No major injuries reported; key players were fit.
- Who will Rangers face next? Aberdeen in the League Cup semi‑final.
Why it matters
The match marked a turning point for Rangers, giving them confidence and a psychological edge over Celtic, while exposing vulnerabilities in Celtic’s approach that could influence the remainder of the season.
Key points
- Rangers 3-0 win over Celtic
- Dan Neil scored a brace
- Kevin Kelsy added a late goal
- Rangers advance to League Cup semi-final
- Celtic's first defeat of the season
- Away fans banned from Old Firm fixtures
Frequently asked questions
What was the attendance at Ibrox?
51,212, all Rangers fans due to away bans.
Did Rangers have any injuries?
No major injuries reported; key players were fit.
Who will Rangers face next?
Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final.
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