Kyogo Furuhashi’s first-half goal at Ibrox marked his sixth score in the age-old rivalry
Brendan Rodgers quashed any early doubts about his second stint as Celtic’s head honcho by orchestrating a headline-grabbing Old Firm win over Rangers, though not without its share of debate and disputes.
The spotlight was once again on Kyogo Furuhashi, who seized the opportunity just before halftime to punish some subpar defending by Rangers at Ibrox, netting his sixth Old Firm goal in his fifth starting appearance.
Yet, the pivotal goal from the Japanese forward was shrouded in a cloud of what-ifs. Rabbi Matondo’s offside shot was nullified in the game’s opening minute, while a second goal from Kemar Roofe was axed due to a dubious foul call on Cyriel Dessers against Gustaf Lagerbielke.
Referee Don Robertson chose to nix the goal after conducting an on-field VAR check, a move that drew raised eyebrows, especially considering Lagerbielke seemed to have fouled the Rangers striker while being dispossessed.
Before the match, Rangers’ manager Michael Beale had emphasized the need to “make a statement,” especially in the wake of a mortifying Champions League defeat in Eindhoven. Unfortunately for him, this loss only intensifies the scrutiny he’s under, considering his one victory in six Old Firm matchups.
As for Celtic, their defense, held together by makeshift centre-backs Lagerbielke and Liam Scales—both making their Old Firm debuts—managed to withstand the pressure after halftime, thanks largely to goalkeeper Joe Hart. The win moves Celtic two points clear at the top of the table and four points ahead of their historic rivals.
Additional Context
The stakes were high for both teams’ managers heading into the game. Rodgers was trying to reclaim the Celtic faithful’s hearts after a lackluster showing in the Viaplay Cup and a drab draw with St. Johnstone. On the other side, Beale was still smarting from a 5-1 second-leg loss to PSV, knocking Rangers out of Champions League contention.
Amidst a deafening atmosphere at a fully packed Ibrox, both teams displayed moments of strength and vulnerability. Between the ruled-out goals for Rangers, Furuhashi missed a close-range shot and had another cleared by Connor Goldson before squandering a golden opportunity to assist Liel Abada, who had just forced a brilliant fingertip save from Jack Butland.
The rest of the match showcased Celtic’s fortitude on defense and Rangers’ impotence in attack, encapsulated by Sam Lammers’ critical miss and Hart’s crucial last-minute saves against Danilo.
Player of the Match – Liam Scales
Despite a jittery start, Celtic’s Liam Scales rose to the occasion in the second half, anchoring a patchwork defense and playing a critical role in preserving the lead.
Post-Game Analysis
“Big games need big performances,” Beale had said before the match. Against a vulnerable Celtic backline, Rangers had their chance and flubbed it. While much of the focus will inevitably be on the disallowed Roofe goal, it’s hard to ignore yet another defensive gaffe that turned the tide in favor of Celtic.
Matt O’Riley’s simple header caught John Souttar napping, allowing Furuhashi to convert a clinical finish. Beale must be wondering what it’d be like to have a finisher of Furuhashi’s caliber, who managed to make a significant impact with just nine touches, four of which were shots.
On the flip side, this marks Rodgers’ 10th win in 13 Old Firm matches, effectively brushing off the lingering doubts about his second tenure at Celtic.
Upcoming Fixtures
Following the international break, both teams will be back in action on September 16. Rangers will face St. Johnstone at 12:30 BST, while Celtic will play host to Dundee.
And, there you have it, another chapter in the Old Firm saga, and this one had more plot twists than a Christopher Nolan film. Stay tuned for the sequel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Old Firm Derby Recap
Who scored the decisive goal in the Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers?
Kyogo Furuhashi scored the pivotal goal, marking his sixth in Old Firm matches.
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was Celtic 1, Rangers 0.
Who is the Celtic manager and how did this match affect his standing?
The Celtic manager is Brendan Rodgers. This win significantly boosted his standing, dispelling some of the early doubts about his second stint at the helm of the club.
Why was the match considered controversial?
The match was seen as controversial due to two disallowed goals for Rangers. One was called offside and the other was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul.
Who was named Player of the Match?
Liam Scales was named Player of the Match for his stellar second-half defensive performance.
What did Rangers’ manager Michael Beale say before the match?
Michael Beale stressed the importance of “laying down a marker,” especially in light of a recent humiliating Champions League defeat.
Did the match have any impact on the league standings?
Yes, the win propelled Celtic to the top of the Scottish Premiership table, two points clear and four points ahead of Rangers.
Who made their Old Firm debuts in this match?
Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales made their Old Firm debuts, both playing as centre-backs for Celtic.
What happens next for both teams?
After the international break, both teams return to action on September 16. Rangers will face St. Johnstone, while Celtic will host Dundee.
How did the crowd atmosphere impact the match?
The Ibrox stadium was fully packed with home fans, creating a deafening atmosphere that had both sets of players displaying moments of strength and vulnerability.
More about Old Firm Derby Recap
- [Latest Scottish Premiership Standings](https://
