Ryan Naderi’s first Old Firm goal earned Rangers a second derby victory in a week as Derek McInnes’ side won 1–0 at Celtic Park.
The result moves Rangers to within two points of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic and extends their winning run to six consecutive matches.
With no Rangers supporters inside the stadium, Naderi silenced the home crowd when he reacted quickest to score from close range in the 33rd minute.
Kim Min-su’s powerful effort was parried by Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, but the rebound fell perfectly for Naderi, who made no mistake.
The victory also makes McInnes the first Rangers manager since Graeme Souness in 1986 to win his opening two Old Firm derbies.
Rangers punish Celtic before the break
Celtic made a promising start, with Kieran Tierney—playing in a more advanced midfield role—sending an effort narrowly over Ivor Pandur’s crossbar.
However, Rangers gradually settled into the game before taking the lead through Naderi.
The visitors came within inches of doubling their advantage moments later when Djeidi Gassama’s clever attempt struck the post.
Celtic’s best chance fell to Colby Donovan, whose header appeared destined for the net before Pandur produced an excellent save.
Olwethu Makhanya later found the top corner with a spectacular strike for Rangers, but the goal was ruled out following a handball in the build-up.
Despite a series of attacking substitutions, Celtic struggled to create sustained pressure against a disciplined Rangers defence.
Celtic’s changes fail to produce a response
Martin O’Neill altered his team following two damaging defeats, selecting five recognised defenders and pushing Tierney into midfield.
Luke McCowan started on the opposite side, with Benjamin Nygren supporting lone striker Camilo Durán.
Kasper Høgh replaced McCowan at half-time before wingers Haissem Hassan and Sebastian Tounekti were introduced, but none of the changes produced an equaliser.
Celtic remain top of the Premiership, but their advantage has been reduced to only two points.
It was also their third consecutive defeat following last weekend’s League Cup loss at Ibrox and Thursday’s Europa League setback against Ferencváros.
McInnes has Rangers believing again
Rangers arrived knowing defeat would allow Celtic to open a significant advantage at the top of the table. Instead, McInnes’ team delivered a controlled and committed away performance.
The visitors survived Celtic’s early spell, took their opportunity and defended their lead with organisation.
Rangers have now won six successive matches while conceding only once during that run.
After a difficult start to the campaign and a disappointing European exit, Rangers have built genuine domestic momentum. With no continental fixtures to manage and a League Cup semi-final awaiting them next month, belief is growing that they can mount a serious title challenge.
Their recent Old Firm record offers further encouragement, with Rangers losing just one of the past eight league meetings between the clubs.
International break arrives at crucial time
O’Neill now has three weeks to reassess his system and rebuild confidence within a Celtic side that had won its opening six league matches.
For Rangers, the break arrives with confidence soaring. McInnes’ team sit only two points from the summit and have established themselves firmly in the title race.
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