Celtic FC Triumph 3–1 Over Rangers in Scottish Premiership Classic

Celtic FC 3–1 Rangers
Scottish Premiership – 10 May 2026, 19:00

Celtic Park witnessed an electrifying Old Firm derby on 10 May 2026 as the home side emerged 3–1 victors over fierce rivals Rangers. The result tightens the title race, with Celtic now level on points with the league leaders after a display of clinical finishing and tactical discipline.

Match Overview

The match started at a ferocious tempo. Rangers took the lead in the 12th minute through a superb curled effort from winger Tom Lawrence, who cut inside from the left and beat Joe Hart with a shot into the far corner. Celtic responded immediately, equalising just four minutes later when Kyogo Furuhashi latched onto a through‑ball from Matt O’Riley and slotted calmly past Jack Butland.

The momentum shifted entirely in Celtic’s favour after the break. Midfielder Reo Hatate put the home side ahead in the 53rd minute with a low drive from the edge of the box that took a slight deflection. Rangers pushed for an equaliser but were caught on the counter in the 78th minute, when substitute Oh Hyeon‑gyu rounded the goalkeeper after a lightning‑quick break to make it 3–1.

Key Moments

• 12' – Tom Lawrence opens the scoring for Rangers with a beautiful curler
• 16' – Kyogo Furuhashi equalises for Celtic after a clever pass from O’Riley
• 53' – Reo Hatate’s deflected strike gives Celtic the lead
• 68' – Rangers’ James Tavernier hits the crossbar with a free‑kick
• 78' – Oh Hyeon‑gyu makes it 3–1 on the break, sealing the win

Tactical Story

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers set up in a fluid 4‑3‑3 that aimed to exploit the spaces behind Rangers’ high full‑backs. The midfield trio of O’Riley, Hatate, and Callum McGregor controlled possession after the equaliser, while Rangers struggled to press effectively after their early goal. Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement switched to a back three in the second half to try to contain Celtic’s width, but it left gaps in central midfield that Hatate exploited.

Standout Players

• Reo Hatate (Celtic) – Scored the pivotal second goal and dictated play from midfield.
• Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic) – Constant movement unsettled Rangers’ defenders; took his goal superbly.
• Tom Lawrence (Rangers) – Early goal was a moment of quality, but isolated after the first half.

Table & Season Impact

The victory propels Celtic to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on goal difference, tied with Rangers on 82 points apiece with four matches remaining. The psychological blow to Rangers is significant, as they had not lost at Celtic Park in over a year. For Celtic, this result reignites their title defence and gives them the momentum heading into the crucial run‑in.

Full time: Celtic FC 3–1 Rangers.