The Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers delivered another enthralling chapter on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with a pulsating 2-2 draw at Ibrox. Reo Hatate’s dramatic late equaliser rescued a point for Celtic after they had fallen two goals behind, keeping the title race in the Scottish Premiership wide open. This Watch: Rangers v Celtic – Sportscene highlights recap details a match filled with stunning goals and late drama.
Youssef Chermiti, the Rangers striker, stole the show with a spectacular overhead kick to open the scoring early in the game, reminiscent of Wayne Rooney’s famous goal for Manchester United. He doubled the lead before halftime, seemingly putting Rangers in control. However, Celtic mounted a spirited second-half comeback, spearheaded by a Kieran Tierney header that ignited their challenge. The game ultimately hinged on a controversial penalty decision in stoppage time, with Hatate converting after his initial effort was saved by Jack Butland.
The draw leaves both Celtic and Rangers trailing Hearts in the league table, with the Edinburgh club having extended their lead at the top with a win on Saturday. The intensity of the Old Firm derby was, as always, palpable, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and historical significance of the fixture. The match was played in front of a fervent Ibrox crowd, adding to the electric atmosphere.
Chermiti’s Brilliance and Rangers’ Early Dominance
Rangers started the match with greater purpose, and their early pressure paid dividends with Chermiti’s stunning opener. The Moroccan forward connected perfectly with a cross to execute a breathtaking overhead kick that left the Celtic goalkeeper with no chance.
Chermiti continued to be a threat, capitalizing on some slack defending to add a second goal before the break, putting Rangers firmly in the driver’s seat. According to Sky Sports, the first half saw Rangers dominate possession and create several opportunities.
The Old Firm rivalry, as detailed by Wikipedia, is a prominent fixture in Scottish football, deeply embedded in the nation’s culture and often reflecting social and religious divisions. The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers has a long and storied history, dating back to their first meeting in 1888.
Celtic’s Resilient Comeback
Celtic emerged for the second half with renewed determination, and their improved performance was rewarded with Tierney’s headed goal. The defender rose highest to meet a cross, reducing the deficit and injecting belief into the Celtic side. The visitors continued to press for an equaliser, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the dying moments of the game.
The turning point came when Daizen Maeda’s header struck the hand of Dujon Sterling, leading to a penalty decision. Hatate stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although his initial effort was saved by Butland, he was on hand to bundle the rebound into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Celtic players and supporters. The BBC reported that the game was a “derby like no other,” highlighting the double jeopardy faced by both teams in their pursuit of league leadership. Celtic and Rangers faced a crucial encounter with significant implications for the title race.
Statistical Overview of the Old Firm
As of March 1, 2026, Rangers have played Celtic a total of 450 times. Rangers have the edge in overall wins with 172, whereas Celtic have 171 victories, with 107 matches ending in draws. The Old Firm statistics demonstrate the closely contested nature of this historic rivalry.
| Team | Total Matches | Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Celtic | 450 | 171 | 107 |
| Rangers | 450 | 172 | 107 |
Impact on the Scottish Premiership Title Race
The result leaves the Scottish Premiership title race incredibly tight. Hearts currently lead the way, but both Celtic and Rangers remain firmly in contention. With several games still to be played, the outcome of the season remains uncertain. The next Old Firm fixture is scheduled for March 8, 2026, in the Scottish Cup, promising another captivating encounter between the two Glasgow giants.
The draw at Ibrox will undoubtedly serve as a motivation for both Celtic and Rangers to strengthen their squads and improve their performances in the remaining matches. The title race is set to go down to the wire, with fans eagerly anticipating further twists and turns.
The Scottish Premiership season continues to unfold with drama and excitement. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and results through official league channels and reputable sports news outlets. The next checkpoint in this enthralling title race is the Scottish Cup clash between Rangers and Celtic on March 8th.
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