In an exhilarating encounter at Celtic Park, Celtic took an early lead against Rangers with a standout performance from Yang Hyun-Jun, who scored a spectacular goal in the 20th minute. After a missed opportunity by teammate Johnny Kenny, Yang showcased his individual brilliance by picking up the ball from 40 yards out and slicing through the Rangers defense before unleashing a powerful shot that flew into the roof of the net, putting Celtic ahead 1-0.
While Celtic capitalized on their momentum, the match was filled with tense moments as Rangers pushed for an equalizer. They came close in the 26th minute when Gassama found himself one-on-one with Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, only for the veteran keeper to make a crucial save reminiscent of his father’s glory days in goal.
The first half saw both teams trading blows, with Rangers initially starting stronger but Celtic gradually asserting control. The pressure was palpable when Celtic created multiple chances, including a deflected shot that almost caused trouble for Schmeichel, who had to rely on his defense to clear the danger.
Celtic’s record at home is notable, having won all seven matches in the Scottish Premiership this season once they’ve scored first, which adds a psychological edge to their play. Rangers, however, are not to be underestimated, as they had shown flashes of potential attacking prowess and will look to find a route back into the game.
Before kick-off, Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy emphasized the importance of this derby, highlighting the motivation of players wanting to perform well not only for themselves but for the passionate Celtic fans. Meanwhile, Rangers’ manager Danny Röhl expressed confidence coming into the match, noting a recent resurgence in form that gives his team the belief they can compete effectively.
Despite the cold weather, the fervor of the Old Firm rivalry set the stage for a gripping contest, with both sets of players and fans deeply invested in the outcome of this clash. As the match progresses, the stakes remain high, and the tension is palpable, promising an exciting second half with both teams desperate to secure a crucial victory.