Rangers produced a solid performance to beat Celtic 3-0 in the final round of the Old Firm derby.
Goals from Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo sealed the win, cutting Celtic's lead at the top of the Premier League to 11 points and handing the visitors their first league defeat of the season.
The hosts took the lead in the seventh minute after exploiting a defensive error by Celtic.
A misplaced pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicola Raskin, who expertly held off his marker before setting up Hagi.
The Romanian striker fired a low shot from the edge of the penalty area, beating Kasper Schmeichel to make it 1-0.
Rangers dominated most of the first half, and Jan Cerny came close to doubling the lead.
The winger's deflected shot hit the crossbar, leaving Celtic struggling to stay in the game.
End of the match: Rangers 3-0 Celtic
💙 Victory for the famous Glasgow Rangers team pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
Meanwhile, the visitors struggled to find their rhythm, with Rio Hatat's late strike being their only effort of note in the first half, which was well saved by Jack Kelly in the Rangers goal.
Tensions flared at the half-time whistle, with Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic's Callum McGregor both receiving yellow cards after a heated exchange.
Celtic briefly thought they had found their way back early in the second half when Kyogo Furuhashi scored, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the 66th minute, Propper doubled the hosts' lead.
A corner kick from the right side was received by Raskin's header, which Schmeichel blocked brilliantly. However, the rebound found Propper at the far post, and the Dutch defender slotted it home to make it 2-0.
Rangers continued to press, with both Cerny and substitute Danilo threatening to extend the lead.
👊 pic.twitter.com/O7l4rY5nLA
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2, 2025
They put the result beyond doubt in the 81st minute when Danilo, who had come on just a minute earlier, found the back of the net.
Gifty's initial cross was blocked, but the ball rebounded to Danilo, who coolly slotted it past Schmeichel to seal the three points for Rangers.
Celtic, who had not lost in the league until this match, looked a shadow of their usual self.
Due to their lack of possession and being the second best team in all divisions, they were unable to match the power of Rangers. Coach Brendan Rodgers will be disappointed by his team's poor performance, as the lead has narrowed to 11 points.
For Rangers, it was also a statement of intent, as they aim to claw their way back into the title race.
