Dramatic Finish at Ibrox Leaves Both Rivals Frustrated
Rangers and Celtic drew 2-2 at Ibrox in a chaotic match that again showed why neither side looks like a convincing title favourite. Reo Hatate’s stoppage-time equaliser, scored at the third attempt after Jack Butland had saved his penalty, earned Celtic a point and denied Rangers a huge win. The result suited Hearts most, leaving them six points clear with nine games remaining.
The finale summed up the season’s disorder. Hatate’s low shot was stopped, his penalty was saved, and then he reacted quickest in the scramble to force the ball over the line. Instead of either Glasgow club taking control of the race, Hearts kept their advantage.
Rangers Fly Early Before Celtic Flip the Momentum
Rangers were brilliant in the first half and looked in total command by the break. Youssef Chermiti scored twice, first with a stunning overhead kick from Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross, then with a sharp finish in the box to put the hosts 2-0 up. Rangers pressed hard from the opening whistle, with Mikey Moore and Nico Raskin driving the tempo and crowding Celtic in midfield.
Celtic changed after half-time. Martin O’Neill brought on Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti, moved Daizen Maeda into a central role, and the visitors began to win second balls and play higher up the pitch. The pressure grew, Rangers started clearing in desperation, and the balance of the game shifted. Kieran Tierney headed in during the second-half surge to make it 2-1, and Celtic’s confidence rose from there.
Butland still had work to do, denying further efforts, yet Celtic kept coming. When Maeda’s header struck Dujon Sterling’s hand from close range, a penalty was awarded. Butland saved Hatate’s spot kick, but Hatate followed up and forced home the rebound to complete the comeback.
Hearts Gain Again as Both Old Firm Sides Show Flaws
The draw leaves Hearts firmly in front as the season moves toward the split. Rangers are now six points back, while Celtic sit a further two behind but with a game in hand. Motherwell also remain close enough to stay relevant, adding more tension to the run-in.
For Rangers, the collapse after the break felt familiar, especially after earlier dropped points elsewhere. For Celtic, the slow first half again underlined how often they spend matches chasing. Both teams showed quality in short bursts, but the overall picture remains messy, and that is why Hearts look best placed to go on and win it.
