League-leader Celtic did excellent business in the Old Firm on Sunday. The leader came back from behind against arch-rival Rangers and left Ibrox Park with a very precious 1-2 victory. Thanks to the win, the lead over number two Rangers has risen to six points: 79 to 73. The last round in the Scottish Premier League is next weekend, after which the competition is divided into a championship and a relegation pool.
Manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst saw his formation, quarter-finalist in the Europa League, start energetically at the packed Ibrox Park. In the third minute, Jack Kent was beautifully cleared on the left wing, after which the ball came in the penalty area at the feet of Aaron Ramsey. The midfielder hired from Juventus then shot flawlessly through the middle: 1-0. A hurricane of noise erupted from the cheers of the frenzied Rangers supporters. The euphoria was short-lived, however, as Celtic came alongside just four minutes later.
CELTIC LEAD! † The visitors go into peace with an excellent feeling ????#ZiggoSport #cinchPrem #RANCEL pic.twitter.com/ANhjpm6Cxr
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) April 3, 2022
Goalkeeper Allan McGregor can still parry a long shot from just outside the penalty area, but he had no chance on Tom Rogic’s rebound from close range: 1-1. Celtic smelled blood and in the final phase of the first half the comeback of the Bhoys complete. After a twisting free kick from the left, the ball ended up at Cameron Carter-Vickers after poor defense by Rangers. The American defender, who came along, hit the target from close range and joyfully ran away to celebrate the goal with his teammates. Celtic’s only 700 supporters were also ecstatic.
The second half of the Old Firm started a little later. There were many shards of glass in the penalty area of Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart, who clearly indicated what had to be removed. The mess had to be cleared up first, after which referee Willie Collum whistled for the start of the second half in Glasgow. Rangers were unable to make a comeback after the break, as a result of which Celtic stepped off the field with three very important points. Van Bronckhorst and associates will have the opportunity to take revenge in two weeks, because then both rivals will meet in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
Rangers – Celtic’s kick-off has a slight delay?? There are many shards of glass in Joe Hart’s goal area.. ??#ZiggoSport #cinchPrem #RANCEL pic.twitter.com/YX5aDoCSmX
— Ziggo Sport Football (@ZS_Voetbal) April 3, 2022
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