Celtic produced a dramatic second-half turnaround at Parkhead, with Daizen Maeda’s double and a VAR-checked equaliser swinging momentum in their favour
The spectacle at Parkhead saw Celtic overturn an early deficit to beat Rangers 3-1, a result that reshaped the closing stages of the Scottish Premiership. After an initial breakthrough from Mikey Moore put Rangers ahead, Celtic regrouped and produced a decisive second-half showing that included a levelling strike and a breathtaking brace from Daizen Maeda.
The outcome leaves Celtic within touching distance of Hearts with two matches to play, while Rangers find their title aspirations extinguished.
Beyond the final score, the match featured a VAR intervention and an on-field challenge that many believed warranted a sending-off.
Moments like these coloured the narrative as much as the goals themselves. This report walks through the action, examines the pivotal incidents, and outlines the immediate consequences for both clubs.
How the match unfolded
First half: Rangers struck first through Mikey Moore, who finished after positive build-up from his team.
For the remainder of the opening period the visitors largely held shape and threatened on transitions, while Celtic struggled to find a cutting edge until late in the half. A composed team move eventually produced a leveller: Yang Hyun-jun finished a slick passage of play, but the goal required a VAR review because of a potential offside involving Benjamin Nygren. After checking the footage the officials allowed the equaliser to stand, swinging momentum back toward the hosts.
Second half: The contest shifted dramatically after the break. Kieran Tierney’s accurate cross set up a close-range finish that put Celtic ahead shortly after the hour mark. Minutes later the mood at Parkhead reached fever pitch when Daizen Maeda produced a spectacular strike — described by many as an overkick from inside the area — to make it 3-1 and effectively seal the three points. Momentum, atmosphere and tactical control all tilted in Celtic’s favour as the game progressed.
Key moments and controversy
A major talking point was a heavy challenge from Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, which spectators and pundits argued should have resulted in a red card. The on-field referee consulted VAR, but the decision to avoid sending Johnston off sparked debate. The episode underlined the ongoing tensions around how VAR is applied to incidents involving tackles and follow-through. In addition, Rangers captain James Tavernier faced criticism for his role in the defensive setup for the second goal and was booed by the home crowd when substituted, a sour note for the skipper.
VAR, discipline and perceptions
VAR exists to remove clear and obvious errors, yet this match showed how interpretation still plays a central role. The technology reviewed the potential red card incident and the earlier offside suspicion, but both rulings left opposing camps feeling aggrieved. For supporters, such moments become as decisive as the goals themselves; for managers, the rulings are items for post-match reflection and possible appeal.
Player impressions and tactical takeaways
Goalkeepers had contrasting nights: Celtic’s Viljami Sinisalo was rarely troubled after the opener, whereas Rangers’ Jack Butland conceded three but was left with little realistic chance to prevent the decisive strikes. At the back, Celtic’s full-backs contributed to the attack while Rangers struggled to cope with quick interchanges. Daizen Maeda was the obvious match-winner, combining movement and finishing to devastating effect, while Yang and Tierney provided the creative outlets that unlocked a stubborn defence.
Tactical lessons
Martin O’Neill’s side demonstrated resilience and an ability to exploit wide areas, especially once the match opened up. Rangers, on the other hand, paid the price for lapses in concentration and a lack of control in tight moments. Substitutions and bench depth will come under scrutiny for both teams as they reflect on a game that had major implications for the title race.
What the result means now
The 3-1 win propels Celtic to within a single point of league leaders Hearts, keeping their championship hopes very much alive as the season nears its end with two fixtures remaining. Celtic travel to Motherwell next, while Rangers will host Hibs, needing to regroup after their hopes were mathematically ended by this defeat. The title fight is tighter and more dramatic than ever; small margins, controversial decisions and moments of individual brilliance will all influence the final outcome.
Ultimately, this Old Firm encounter delivered goals, controversy and a clear statement from Celtic: they remain in contention and can summon big performances on the biggest nights. For Rangers it is a moment to reassess and rebuild focus ahead of the season’s closing fixtures.
