There’s just something about Rangers vs. Celtic that makes the footballing world pause—no matter what’s at stake.
And although the title was already out of reach, Sunday’s final Old Firm derby of the season still managed to stir up plenty of emotion, drama, and talking points at Ibrox.
The game ended 1-1, a scoreline that both managers will interpret very differently.
Rangers came agonizingly close to securing their third league win over Celtic in a single season for the first time in nearly three decades.
Celtic, meanwhile, salvaged a draw and with it, a little pride after losing back-to-back derby matches.
Dessers Strikes Just Before Half-Time to Fire Up Ibrox
For the better part of the first half, Rangers looked like the stronger, more focused side.
Cyriel Dessers continued his impressive goal-scoring form, netting his 25th of the season just before the break.
It came after a moment of brilliance from Vaclav Cerny and Mohamed Diomande, whose quick counterattack tore through Celtic’s defence.
Dessers’ finish wasn’t straightforward—he had to hold off Liam Scales and slot home from a tight angle—but he made it look easy.
It was a goal that gave the Ibrox crowd hope and the team a deserved 1-0 lead.
Idah Misses a Sitter, Then Makes Amends with Equaliser
Just minutes before Dessers’ opener, Adam Idah had a golden opportunity to put Celtic ahead.
Slipped through by Reo Hatate, he found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Liam Kelly—but fluffed his lines.
Kelly stood tall, made the save, and Idah could only look to the skies.
But the Irish striker wasn’t done. Early in the second half, he capitalised on a defensive mistake after Maeda had broken through Rangers’ backline.
John Souttar’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Maeda and fell right into Idah’s path.
This time, he didn’t hesitate—his shot deflected off Souttar and into the net.
The offside flag initially denied the goal, but VAR came to Celtic’s rescue.
Brendan Rodgers Breaths a Sigh of Relief After Tough Run
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers walked away the more content of the two managers.
Having lost both previous derbies this season, he avoided a clean sweep of defeats and maintained his strong overall record against Rangers—just three losses in 23 games.
Even with the title already sealed last weekend, Rodgers knew pride was on the line.
And though his side didn’t dominate, they did show flashes of control in the second half and nearly stole the win at the death.
Rangers’ Ibrox Struggles Continue Despite Bright Moments
Interim boss Barry Ferguson must have felt this one slipping away from him.
A victory here would have added to his case for getting the job permanently, especially after March’s win at Parkhead.
But the result means he’s now gone five home games without a win—stretching Rangers’ winless run at Ibrox to seven matches since February.
He opted for a diamond formation due to injury issues, which gave them more presence in the middle of the park but left their full-backs exposed.
Still, it was enough to put Celtic under pressure early on.
A Low-Key Derby by Old Firm Standards
Compared to previous clashes, this one was a bit tame.
Only three yellow cards were handed out—one to Ferguson himself for voicing his frustrations and two more to substitutes Bailey Rice and Johnny Kenny.
That’s not to say there weren’t chances. Leon Balogun nearly opened the scoring in the very first minute with a thunderous header off a Tavernier corner.
Celtic keeper Viljami Sinisalo was busy too, denying Cerny and making a crucial late save from Raskin.
VAR Drama and Missed Opportunities Keep Fans on Edge
The first half included a moment of false celebration when Raskin thought he had scored from a James Tavernier free-kick. VAR ruled him offside, and the goal was chalked off.
Later in the game, Rangers had more chances to snatch the win.
Substitute Hamza Igamane couldn’t quite recreate his Parkhead magic, and Raskin squandered two more late opportunities—one skimming wide and another stopped brilliantly by Sinisalo.
Liam Kelly the Unsung Hero for Rangers in Stoppage Time
Just when it looked like Celtic might nick it at the very end, Daizen Maeda sprinted clear after a James Tavernier slip.
The Celtic bench was already on its feet anticipating a dramatic winner. But Liam Kelly had other ideas.
The Rangers keeper timed his intervention perfectly to keep the game level.
It was a critical save that ensured Rangers got at least a point from a fixture that looked destined to deliver more.
A Draw That Means More to Celtic Than Rangers
On paper, a 1-1 result doesn’t shift much in the table. But emotionally, it carried weight.
Celtic kept their 17-point lead intact and avoided a third straight loss to Rangers.
For Rodgers, that’s enough to quiet critics—for now.
For Ferguson and Rangers, the outcome was more frustrating.
This was a chance to make a statement, but instead, it felt like a missed opportunity—especially in front of their home crowd.
What’s Next for These Two Sides?
With the league title already in Celtic’s hands, both clubs will now turn their focus to the summer—one to rebuild and reload, the other to reinforce their dominance.
Rangers, with uncertainty swirling around the manager’s role, will be desperate to rediscover their home form.
For Celtic, the goal will be simple: stay on top, and avoid letting the gap close again.
