In a pulsating encounter that will go down in the annals of Scottish football history, Rangers have triumphed over Celtic 3-2 at Parkhead, securing their first win at the home of their arch-rivals since 2020. The match was a thrilling display of attacking football, dramatic comebacks, and a late strike by Hamza Igamane that sealed a hard-fought victory for the Gers.
This victory represents a significant moment for Rangers, not only because it marked their first win at Parkhead in years but also because it came in a fiercely contested Old Firm derby that had all the hallmarks of a classic.
A Rivalry Like No Other
The Old Firm derby is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in world football, pitting two of Scotland’s biggest and most successful clubs, Celtic and Rangers, against each other. The passion, pride, and history that surround these encounters make each game an unforgettable spectacle for fans and players alike.
Leading up to this match, Rangers had been under pressure to end their winless streak at Parkhead. Despite their success in recent seasons, including winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2021, Rangers had been unable to secure a victory on Celtic’s home turf in their last few attempts. Celtic, on the other hand, had been looking to build momentum under new manager Ange Postecoglou, but the weight of the rivalry was always going to add extra pressure.
As the teams prepared to face off, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Both teams were in excellent form, and with the stakes higher than ever, the match promised to be a thrilling spectacle.
Celtic Takes the Lead
From the moment the game kicked off, the intensity was evident. Both sides came out firing, with Celtic looking to assert their dominance early on. The Hoops controlled possession in the opening stages, moving the ball quickly and pressing high up the pitch. Celtic’s early pressure paid off in the 15th minute when they broke the deadlock. A well-timed cross from Jota found the head of Kyogo Furuhashi, who rose above the Rangers defenders to flick the ball past goalkeeper Allan McGregor and into the back of the net. The Parkhead faithful erupted in celebration as their team took a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal seemed to shake Rangers into life, and they responded with more urgency. Despite Celtic’s strong start, Rangers began to find their rhythm, with the midfield trio of Joe Aribo, John Lundstram, and Ryan Jack gaining control of the ball. However, Celtic’s defense, led by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, remained resolute.
In the 33rd minute, Rangers had their best chance of the first half. A brilliant ball over the top from James Tavernier sent Fashion Sakala racing through on goal. The Zambian forward, with only Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart to beat, looked to have equalized for Rangers, but his shot was well saved by Hart, who spread himself brilliantly to deny Sakala.
As the first half drew to a close, Celtic’s lead seemed to be under minimal threat. Rangers had shown flashes of their attacking prowess but were unable to break down the Hoops’ defense. Celtic, on the other hand, appeared content to play on the counter and maintain their slender advantage.
Rangers Fight Back
The second half began with both teams making tactical adjustments. Rangers were more aggressive in their pursuit of an equalizer, while Celtic remained dangerous on the break, looking to exploit any gaps left in Rangers’ defense.
In the 55th minute, Rangers finally found their breakthrough. A cross from the right-hand side by Tavernier was expertly controlled by Kemar Roofe, who laid the ball off for Joe Aribo. The Nigerian midfielder, who had been a standout performer for Rangers this season, took a touch to steady himself before smashing the ball past Hart into the bottom corner. The away section of the stadium erupted as the Gers pulled level at 1-1.
The equalizer sparked a period of end-to-end action, with both teams creating opportunities to take the lead. Celtic responded immediately, with Jota forcing a fantastic save from McGregor after a powerful shot from distance. Rangers then had a chance of their own when Sakala’s shot was deflected just wide of the post following a clever pass from Roofe.
It wasn’t long before the game would take another dramatic twist. In the 72nd minute, Celtic regained the lead thanks to a stunning individual goal from Liel Abada. The Israeli winger picked up the ball on the right flank and drifted inside, evading the challenge of Rangers’ Borna Barišić. With space opening up, Abada curled a delightful effort past McGregor into the far corner to give Celtic a 2-1 lead.
The goal was a blow to Rangers, who had been growing in confidence after their equalizer. But rather than folding, Rangers responded with renewed vigor, determined not to leave Parkhead empty-handed.
Hamza Igamane’s Late Heroics
With just minutes remaining and Rangers trailing 2-1, manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst made a crucial substitution, bringing on Hamza Igamane, a player with the potential to make an impact in tight situations. Igamane, who had been largely quiet in previous encounters, was determined to make his mark on this historic Old Firm derby.
Rangers poured forward in search of a late equalizer, and in the 87th minute, they were rewarded for their efforts. A corner kick whipped into the box was flicked on by Roofe, and Igamane, showing great awareness, pounced on the loose ball in the six-yard box. He reacted quickest, volleying the ball into the net to level the score at 2-2. The Rangers fans went wild as their team pulled level in dramatic fashion.
But the drama wasn’t over yet. With the match in its dying moments, Rangers launched one final attack. In the 90th minute, a perfectly timed pass from Lundstram found Igamane in space on the edge of the box. With Celtic’s defense stretched, Igamane took a touch to compose himself and drilled the ball into the bottom corner, past the despairing dive of Hart. The Parkhead crowd fell silent as Igamane’s strike gave Rangers a 3-2 lead and, with it, a historic victory.
The final whistle blew moments later, and Rangers had claimed their first victory at Parkhead since 2020. The players celebrated ecstatically, with Igamane being swarmed by his teammates for his match-winning performance. It was a moment that would be remembered for years to come as one of the most dramatic and emotional Old Firm derbies in recent memory.
A Historic Victory for Rangers
Rangers’ victory over Celtic was not just a win for the team but also a statement of their resilience and quality. It was a triumph that showed the strength of character required to overcome adversity, especially in such a high-pressure environment as an Old Firm derby.
For manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the win was a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to make the right changes at the right moments. His decision to introduce Igamane late in the game proved to be a masterstroke, as the substitute delivered when it mattered most. Van Bronckhorst’s celebrations on the touchline showed just how much the victory meant to him, his staff, and the players.
Hamza Igamane, the hero of the hour, will forever be remembered for his dramatic late goals. His performance was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where a single moment can change the course of an entire match. The 22-year-old forward had been in and out of the starting lineup, but on this occasion, he showed exactly why he’s such a valuable asset to the team.
For Celtic, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite taking the lead twice, they were unable to hold on for the win. There will no doubt be questions raised about their defensive frailties, particularly in the final stages of the match, where they allowed Rangers to exploit the gaps in their defense. Nevertheless, Celtic remains a strong team, and under Postecoglou, they will be looking to bounce back quickly.
A Match for the Ages
Rangers’ 3-2 victory over Celtic at Parkhead will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in recent Old Firm history. It was a match filled with drama, emotion, and stunning individual performances. From Jota’s early goal to Igamane’s heroics in the final moments, this game had everything that makes the Old Firm derby so special.
For Rangers, the win represents more than just three points—it is a symbol of their strength, their unity, and their ability to thrive under pressure. With Igamane’s last-minute heroics and a team performance full of grit and determination, this victory will be a cherished memory for all involved.
As the dust settles and the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: this match will go down as one of the unforgettable moments of the 2025 season and a defining victory for Rangers in their ongoing rivalry with Celtic.
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