The third Old Firm Derby between Celtic FC and Rangers FC lived up to the traditional rivalry between the clubs. Rangers improved after their last meeting. However, Celtic continued to show their quality, displaying more depth and strength.
Classic Old Firm Derby
It was a game very similar to one played back in 1979. Celtic were able to clinch a title on their own turf, with one man down lost just into the second half. There are fewer events in Celtic history that arouse the fan’s passion quite as much as those involving Rangers. This game definitely lived up to tradition.
Blockbuster Start For The Rangers
Things began going wrong early for Celtic. 2 minutes into the game, Dedryck Boyata made an untimely error. Thus allowing Josh Windass a clear path to goal. With time to think, he blasted a right foot strike shot into the net.
This was exactly what the Rangers needed to break the Celtic momentum.
Celtic Bounce back
Minutes after the Rangers ideal start, it was soon clear Celtic wouldn’t sit dwelling over a bad kick-off. Tom Rodic landed a beautiful goal in the top corner, giving Wes Foderingham no room for a save. Levelling the score, it was game on.
Rangers fight back
After the Rodick goal, Rangers continued to press up. They knew to win the classic Old Firm Derby, they needed to hound and swarm Celtic and dominate possession.
Having wasted a goal opportunity, Rangers came back attacking. Daniel Cadeias was able to get wide, and find a way though Scott Bain. The Rangers fans were bouncing, and rightfully so. This had been a very uplifting time for their club.
Last kick of the half
Celtic kept up the pressure, but just couldn’t find the right chance to grab an equaliser. Foderingham made some crucial saves, shutting down the peppering of on-target shots. However, right before the break, Moussa Dembele stormed through to find the back of the net.
Brendan Rodgers Gamble
With the Game tied at 2-2, Jozo Simunovic threw an elbow on Alfredo Morelos in the 57th minute. A straight red card. While Simunovic sloped off the field, Rodgers took a gamble to put his team 9 points ahead of Rangers.
Trading Tom Rodic for Jack Hendry was a risk. Later in the half, the Parkhead manager subbed attacking midfielder James Forrest, adding Odsonne Edouard to partner Moussa Dembele. This was the move that would make for an exciting final quarter.
Celtic’s Dramatic Finish
The tide then turned in Ranger’s favour. Just 2 minutes after entering the play, Odsonne Edouard received a sharp pass from Dembele. Enabling him a quality shot, firing Celtic back in the lead over Rangers 10 men.
After all their gallant efforts, Rangers just couldn’t connect. Devastating after an excellent start. This was a typically dramatic climax for the League’s most famous clash, the Old Firm Derby, the one Fans clamour to see.
3-2 down in the Old Firm derby.
Dying minutes of the game.Not the best time to miss this… ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/N2rcQUNbve
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) March 12, 2018