adminRangers produced a stunning statement performance in the first Old Firm clash of the 2026/27 season, sweeping aside Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox to book their place in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup.
Derek McInnes secured his first victory over Celtic as Rangers manager in emphatic fashion, with his side delivering an energetic and disciplined performance that left their fierce rivals struggling to find an answer.
The result was especially significant because it came in McInnes’ first Old Firm encounter in charge of Rangers. The victory also extended Rangers’ impressive run of form, while Celtic suffered their first domestic defeat of the campaign.
There was an unusual atmosphere inside Ibrox, with Celtic supporters absent after authorities ordered that away fans would not attend Old Firm fixtures in this season’s domestic competitions. That left the stadium dominated by Rangers supporters, who created an intense backdrop from the opening whistle.
Rangers immediately looked determined to take control.
Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone endured an uncomfortable opening period, while the home side repeatedly pressed their opponents and looked dangerous in transition.
The breakthrough arrived in the 22nd minute.
Ryan Naderi battled Cameron Carter-Vickers before finding Kevin Kelsy, who moved the ball towards Dan Neil on the edge of the penalty area. The Rangers captain kept his composure and produced an excellent finish beyond Johnstone to put the hosts ahead.
It was a particularly memorable moment for Neil, who had joined Rangers from Sunderland during the summer. His first Rangers goal could hardly have arrived on a bigger occasion.
Celtic attempted to respond, but Rangers remained the more threatening side.
Martin O’Neill’s team struggled to build sustained pressure, while the hosts looked increasingly comfortable as the first half progressed. Rangers’ intensity and organisation prevented Celtic from finding the spaces they needed.
The visitors went into the interval trailing by a single goal, but there was little indication that the momentum was about to shift dramatically.
Rangers continued to press after the restart.
Celtic goalkeeper Johnstone did produce a strong save to deny Kim Minsu, but the pressure eventually became too much.
Rangers doubled their advantage in the 59th minute.
James Penrice delivered a dangerous cross into the area, and Kelsy reacted brilliantly to fire the ball into the net from close range. The effort went in off the post before a VAR review confirmed the goal.
It was Kelsy’s first goal for Rangers and gave the hosts a commanding advantage.
Celtic now needed a major response.
Instead, Rangers continued to look more dangerous.
A further Rangers goal was ruled out for offside, but the decision only delayed the inevitable as McInnes’ side continued to dominate the contest.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 75th minute.
Neil collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and produced another superb finish, curling his effort high beyond Johnstone to complete a remarkable personal double.
The midfielder had scored his first Rangers goal earlier in the afternoon and then added another to put the result beyond doubt.
The Ibrox crowd erupted as Rangers moved towards an emphatic victory.
Celtic were unable to find a response during the closing stages.
Rangers remained organised defensively and controlled the remainder of the contest, ensuring that the visitors rarely threatened goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 Rangers victory and sent the home side into the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals, where they will face Aberdeen.
For McInnes, the result represented a major moment early in his Rangers tenure.
The manager had spoken about building a team capable of competing in the biggest matches, and his players responded with a performance built around intensity, physicality and attacking quality.
Neil was naturally the headline figure after his two goals, while Kelsy also enjoyed a memorable afternoon with his first strike for the club.
Celtic, meanwhile, were left with plenty to consider.
O’Neill’s side had entered the derby with a perfect domestic record but struggled to match Rangers’ intensity and failed to produce the attacking threat required to turn the contest around. The defeat also ended their unbeaten domestic start to the season.
The result, however, may not be the final word between the two clubs this season.
Rangers and Celtic are scheduled to meet again at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership just one week later, meaning O’Neill’s side will have an immediate opportunity to respond.
For now, though, the bragging rights belong firmly to Rangers.
A 3-0 victory in the first Old Firm of the season, a place in the League Cup semi-finals and two goals from their new captain have given McInnes and his players plenty to celebrate.
Rangers have delivered their first major Old Firm statement of the campaign — and Celtic will now have to find a response.
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