AliousEven Chris Sutton couldn’t help but acknowledge Rangers’ impressive display as they clinched a thrilling 3-2 Old Firm derby victory at Celtic Park, courtesy of a stunning late goal from Hamza Igamane.
The former Celtic striker, watching from the commentary box, witnessed his old club suffer their first home defeat to Rangers in five years—the last time being during Steven Gerrard’s tenure. In a pulsating and unpredictable derby, Rangers stormed into a 2-0 lead by halftime, with Nico Raskin nodding in a well-placed header and Mohamed Diomande coolly volleying home.
Kris Boyd highlighted how Barry Ferguson has maximized Diomande’s potential by deploying him in a more advanced role, operating as one of two attacking midfielders behind Cyriel Dessers. The tactical shift paid off once again, as the Ivorian made a surging run into the box and finished clinically.
Celtic, however, came roaring back in the second half. Japanese duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate found the net, shifting momentum in the hosts’ favor. But just when it seemed like they had turned the tide, Rangers delivered a dramatic twist.
Hamza Igamane had endured a two-month goal drought, making his 14th strike in a Rangers shirt long overdue. As the ball bounced up invitingly, the forward unleashed a ferocious shot into the top corner, leaving Kasper Schmeichel helpless.
Sutton, a renowned finisher in his playing days, couldn’t hide his admiration for the goal, even if it momentarily made him forget his Celtic ties. “That ball stays hit,” he remarked, acknowledging the sheer power of Igamane’s strike. “It’s a phenomenal finish. Johnston loses his footing, but Igamane doesn’t hesitate. Wallop. That’s an absolutely stunning goal.”
Igamane wasn’t the only Rangers player to earn rare praise from Sutton, who is typically reluctant to compliment the blue half of Glasgow.
**Jack Butland Shines Again**
Fresh off his heroics against Fenerbahce—where he denied both Dusan Tadic and Fred from the penalty spot—Jack Butland delivered another standout performance. In what could be one of the saves of the season, the Rangers goalkeeper acrobatically tipped Hatate’s curling effort over the bar with a strong right hand.
“That’s a fantastic save from Butland,” Sutton admitted. “We all thought that was heading in. It’s a sensational stop.”
While the result has little impact on the league standings—Celtic remain 13 points clear and firmly on course for the title—Barry Ferguson insisted that Rangers still have plenty to play for. With their recent displays, including the Fenerbahce triumph, the team has given fans hope that 2025 could bring a brighter future.
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