In an exhilarating Old Firm derby at Ibrox Stadium, Rangers and Celtic played out a pulsating 3-3 draw, showcasing the intensity and drama that defines one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Celtic wasted no time asserting their dominance as Daizen Maeda gave the visitors the lead in the very first minute, sending shockwaves through the home crowd. The visitors extended their lead in the 34th minute when Matt O’Riley coolly converted a penalty to make it 2-0, leaving Rangers with a mountain to climb.
Rangers responded strongly in the second half, with James Tavernier igniting hope for the home side with a goal from the spot in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Nigerian striker, Cyriel Dessers thought he’d equalized, but the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was disallowed in the 58th minute, leaving Rangers frustrated.
Nevertheless, Rangers continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Abdallah Sima found the back of the net to level the score at 2-2, setting up a grandstand finish. However, Celtic had other ideas, and Adam Idah restored their lead just a minute later, making it 3-2 to Celtic in the 87th minute.
Just when it seemed like Celtic would claim all three points, Rangers launched one final assault in stoppage time, and their efforts were rewarded when Rabbi Matondo scored in the 93rd minute to salvage a dramatic 3-3 draw for the home side, sending the Ibrox faithful into raptures.
Leon Balogun was a late substitute in the game, as the Nigerian came off the bench in the 7th minute of stoppages, to see out the game.
With this result, Celtic remains at the top of the league standings with 75 points from 32 games, while Rangers sit just one point behind with a game in hand.
