A Thrilling Clash at Celtic Park
In an electrifying match at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025, Rangers celebrated a dramatic 3-2 victory over Celtic, rekindling their Old Firm rivalry with a win they hadn't experienced since 2020. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with fierce competition and explosive football action keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Rangers kicked off the high-stakes encounter with a strong display, dominating the first half. Nicolas Raskin wasted no time, putting his team ahead with an early goal in the 4th minute. He capitalized on a corner from James Tavernier, heading the ball cleanly past the Celtic defense. The pressure continued to mount for Celtic, as Mohamed Diomande extended Rangers' lead in the 37th minute. Benefiting from Raskin's assist, Diomande clinically found the back of the net, highlighting Rangers' attacking prowess.
Celtic's Tenacity and a Late Twist
Celtic, however, were far from beaten and emerged for the second half with newfound vigor. Daizen Maeda sparked hope for the home side, scoring just four minutes into the second half. His goal inspired further resilience among his teammates, and by the 74th minute, Reo Hatate had brought Celtic level, igniting the stands and leveling the playing field.
But the match took another dramatic turn when Hamza Igamane, coming on as a substitute, seized an opportunity in the 88th minute. With Celtic's defense showing signs of fatigue, Igamane unleashed a spectacular long-range shot that found its mark, sealing the victory for Rangers and leaving Celtic's supporters and players stunned.
This memorable win wasn't just about on-field heroics; it was a significant moment for Rangers' interim manager Barry Ferguson. Fresh from securing a Europa League quarter-final spot against Fenerbahçe, Ferguson's tactical decisions left a mark, elevating his potential to land a permanent managerial role at the club.
Despite the loss, Celtic remain comfortably at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, still holding a 13-point lead. However, the match underscored the unpredictability of football and reignited the fierce rivalry between these two historic clubs. In the end, it was a night to remember for Rangers, as their players and fans savored a significant triumph on enemy turf.