AliousRangers Edge Celtic in Thrilling Old Firm Derby to End Glasgow Hoodoo**
Rangers secured a dramatic and long-awaited victory at Celtic Park, overcoming their fiercest rivals in an intense Old Firm showdown. Goals from Nico Raskin and Mohamed Diomande gave the visitors a commanding lead at halftime, but the effects of their grueling Europa League penalty shootout win over Fenerbahce just days earlier seemed to take their toll after the break.
Brendan Rodgers’ revitalized Celtic fought back with second-half strikes from Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate, swinging the momentum in the hosts’ favor. With the home crowd roaring them on, Celtic appeared poised to complete the turnaround. However, Rangers had other plans.
With just two minutes remaining, substitute Hamza Igamane delivered the decisive blow, silencing Parkhead with a late winner that sealed Rangers’ first triumph at Celtic Park since October 2020. The victory was made even sweeter by the presence of 2,500 jubilant away fans—the first time visiting supporters had been allowed at the fixture since 2023.
Ferguson: ‘We Deserved It’**
Interim boss Barry Ferguson, a former Rangers captain, was full of praise for his squad after the hard-fought victory.
> *“It’s an incredible feeling, coming to your fiercest rivals and earning a win,”* he said. *“I told the players to go and enjoy the next couple of days because it’s been a long time—five years.”*
Reflecting on the performance, Ferguson credited his side’s discipline and execution of the game plan.
> *“I thought we were excellent in the first half, exactly as we had planned. The second half was always going to be a challenge because Celtic would come at us, especially with their fans getting frustrated. Brendan made some changes that gave them a lift, and they got back into the game. But we held firm and showed the resilience you need to be a Rangers player.”*
Character and Mentality Key to Victory**
Since taking charge, Ferguson has emphasized the importance of character and mental strength—qualities he believes were on full display in this derby win.
> *“People in the media have questioned our character, but that’s something I’ve focused on since coming in. It takes more than just being a good footballer to succeed at Rangers. This group is starting to show they have what it takes.”*
Future Uncertain, Focus Remains on Present**
While speculation continues about whether Ferguson will remain in charge beyond the season, he remains focused solely on the job at hand.
> *“I have a contract until the end of the season, and I’m not thinking beyond that,”* he said. *“My focus is making sure we keep improving, keep building, and finish as strongly as possible. After that, I’ll go on holiday with my family and take things as they come.”*
Though Ferguson remains grounded, this victory could play a crucial role in shaping Rangers’ future. With momentum now on their side, their interim boss may have just made a strong case for a permanent appointment.
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