Celtic have moved six points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, courtesy of a 2-1 victory in the Old Firm derby away at rivals Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
Aaron Ramsey gave the hosts an early lead at Ibrox, but strikes from Tom Rogic and Cameron Carter-Vickers turned the game on its head to help the Hoops win back-to-back games against the current top-flight holders.
Rangers now have it all to do if they are to retain the title, as Ange Postecoglou's men boast a six-point lead ahead of the Gers in second place, along with a far superior goal difference, with only six league games remaining.
The mouth-watering contest began in frantic fashion with Rangers getting off to the perfect start in just the third minute thanks to Welshman Ramsey, who was picked out by Ryan Kent from the left flank before sweeping in his first Old Firm derby goal from close range.
Rangers' lead, however, was short lived as Celtic midfielder Rogic equalised just four minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball which was poorly parried to the Australian by goalkeeper Allan McGregor.
The closing stages of a fiery, physical first-half saw the Hoops take the lead in the 42nd minute when centre-back Carter-Vickers made the net ripple with a low-driven strike from six yards out.
The second half was then delayed momentarily after fragments of broken glass bottles, thrown in the direction of Hoops stopper Joe Hart, had to be removed from the pitch.
Rangers were the dominant side in the second 45, particularly in the final 15 minutes, but Celtic defended resiliently, with Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt standout performers who helped the visitors remain in front.
Substitute Fashion Sakala tested Hart in the 76th minute with a low-driven strike from the edge of the area, but a strong left hand from the latter tipped the ball away from danger.
Five minutes later, McGregor produced an even better save to kept Rangers in the game, tipping a powerful shot from Liel Abada over the crossbar, before Kemar Roofe – starting as the central striker for the Gers ahead of the injured Alfredo Morelos – fired over a glorious chance from close range.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side, who were condemned to their first home defeat in the Premiership since March 2020, will now turn their attention to another important clash, this time in the Europa League quarter-finals as they travel to Braga for their first-leg tie on Thursday.
Celtic, meanwhile, will take on relegation-threatened St Johnstone in their next league match on Saturday, before locking horns with Rangers again in the Scottish Cup semi-finals on April 17.
Oliver Thomas
