In a momentous Celtic 2-1 victory over Rangers at Parkhead, the Premiership title is within reach for the former. An own goal from Rangers’ midfielder John Lundstram and his subsequent expulsion from the game gave a significant edge to Celtic, now six points and seven goals ahead of city competitors with just two matches left. If Rangers fail to avoid losing points against Dundee at home, Brendan Rodgers could witness the first triumph of his second tenure with a win over Kilmarnock midweek.
The closing minutes of the game’s first half were packed with dramatics. Celtic’s Matt O’Riley caused trouble for Lundstram before adding one goal for his side. Lundstram was then given a red card following an offence against Alistair Johnston, just after Cyriel Dessers narrowed the margin for Rangers. The first portion of the game clearly showed Rangers struggling with Celtic’s O’Riley and Callum McGregor, despite a few chances on their side.
Although O’Riley failed at converting a penalty, this failure didn’t impact Celtic’s ultimate victory. As the game ended and ecstatics cheers filled the Parkhead.
Rangers’ manager Phlippe Clement gave Davies his inaugural start of the year during Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun’s absence through injury, replacing Todd Cantwell with Tom Lawrence. Callwell, who expressed dissatisfaction over being subbed off in an earlier game, was sidelined throughout.
Celtic welcomed back Daizen Maeda from his injury, and James Forrest shifted to right wing, featuring both players starting together for only the second time in the season. The duo initiated a blazing offensive, with Forrest thrice threatening the opponent’s defence early on. Celtic took command of the game, showcasing their strength with constant pressure on the Rangers, while the latter’s attacks were inconsistently paced. O’Riley and McGregor made several promising attempts, including a free-kick and long-range efforts, keeping Celtic on the front foot.
During Rangers’ prime offensive manoeuvres, Fabio Silva was in the thick of things, acting as the orchestrator for Dujon Sterling’s header and giving himself a couple of scoring opportunities. However, he disappointingly failed to capitalise on both, missing a shot and heading off target from a nearby position. Celtic had a shot at goal when Kyogo Furhashi’s shot was skilfully saved by Butland after a period of strong possession.
The deadlock was broken in the 35th minute when McGregor, after receiving a pass from Forrest and navigating down the right, lined up a shot for O’Riley. Taking a moment to control the ball, O’Riley deftly drilled it past the near post from 17 yards. This advantage was increased soon after resumption when Maeda, after a fast-paced run down the flank, drove a low cross that Lundstram mistakenly steered into his own net. Absorbed in the adulation from the Lisbon Lions Stand, Maeda took his time returning to the field of play.
The celebrations resumed when Dessers, from close proximity, headed home after Sterling’s earlier headed cross from Barisic. However, a possible comeback for Rangers was squandered in overtime when a rash challenge by Lundstram on Johnston led to a yellow card, upped to a dismissal after video review initiated by Steven McLean.
Further trouble ensued for Rangers when John Souttar was substituted by Ross McCausland due to injury, resulting in Sterling moving to central defence. Despite these circumstances, Rangers persevered, defending resolutely in great numbers. Celtic endured more offensive mishaps, with O’Riley’s penalty saved by Butland, two Maeda goals disqualified for offside violations, and a denied effort by substitute Nicolas Kuhn. In the face of McGregor’s thwarting Scott Wright’s counter-attack and staunch defence against Celtic’s passes, Rangers held out for a chance which never materialised. The closing stages saw a massive chance spurned by home substitute Adam Idah in a late counter-attack.