Old Firm: Rangers end Celtic's unbeaten run

Glasgow Rangers delivered a statement victory by ending Celtic's unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership, securing a decisive 3-0 win in the 21st round of the competition.

The victory not only marked a turning point in the ongoing season but also ended a frustrating streak of seven matches without a win against their fierce rivals. The result sent a clear message that Rangers are determined to challenge Celtic's dominance, even as the Hoops remain firmly at the top of the league table.

The match began with intensity as Rangers took the lead early. Romanian international Ianis Hagi opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box, showcasing his technical prowess and composure under pressure. The goal set the tone for the game, putting Celtic on the back foot and igniting the passion of the home crowd at Ibrox. Rangers' defensive solidity and tactical discipline ensured they maintained their advantage through the first half, frustrating Celtic's attempts to find an equalizer.

In the second half, Rangers continued to press their advantage. Dutch defender Robin Pröpper doubled the lead in the 66th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound inside the box and slotting the ball past Celtic's goalkeeper. The goal came at a critical juncture, just minutes after Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo was substituted for Celtic, signaling the visitors' struggle to regain control of the match. Pröpper's goal was a testament to Rangers' determination and their ability to capitalize on key moments.

As the match progressed, Celtic pushed forward in search of a lifeline, but their efforts left them vulnerable at the back. Brazilian forward Danilo Pereira sealed the victory for Rangers in the 81st minute, pouncing on a deflection to score the third and final goal. Pereira's strike was the culmination of a well-executed team performance and underscored Rangers' clinical edge on the day.

Despite the defeat, Celtic remain at the summit of the Scottish Premiership with 50 points, holding an 11-point lead over Rangers. However, the loss highlighted some vulnerabilities in their squad, as well as the challenges of maintaining consistent performances amid a busy schedule. Celtic have played 19 matches this season, as have Rangers, with the league currently in its 21st round. The discrepancy is due to fixture rescheduling, adding further intrigue to the title race.

This defeat marked a rare setback for Celtic in what has been an otherwise impressive campaign. Earlier in the season, they had convincingly defeated Rangers 3-0 in the league, a result that seemed to affirm their superiority at the time. Additionally, Celtic had triumphed over their rivals in the League Cup, winning a dramatic penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. These earlier successes underscored their dominance in the rivalry, making Rangers' latest victory even more significant.

For Rangers, the result is more than just three points; it is a morale boost and a turning point in their season. After a period of inconsistency and disappointing results against their bitter rivals, the team has shown that they can compete at the highest level. The win also reignites their hopes of narrowing the gap at the top of the table and potentially mounting a late-season challenge.

The Old Firm rivalry, one of the most storied and passionate derbies in football, continues to deliver drama and excitement. Rangers' victory adds another chapter to this historic fixture, reminding fans of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the enduring intensity of this age-old clash. As both teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the rivalry promises to remain a central storyline, with every match carrying the weight of history and the aspirations of two fiercely loyal fanbases.