There’s an argument that a tale of the unexpected can capture the hearts and minds in a way continued dominance cannot.
You see, media from across the globe have become accustomed to extolling the virtues of the green team with Celtic winning 12 of the past 13 titles. But the reason why observers from Bangkok to Brisbane tune in is because this is a game which once split opinion over who would emerge victorious. It was that close.
But Rangers, who reduced the Scottish Premiership arrears to 11 points, were powered by goals by Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo. And that dominance was recognised by impressed onlookers from across the globe. Record Sport runs the rule over the global reaction as Philippe Clement finally gets one over Brendan Rodgers.
Kicker (Germany)
“Glasgow Rangers last won the Scottish league in 2021. Since then, Celtic, who had previously won the title nine times, have had a firm grip on the league again. In the past three years, the green and white “Bhoys” have also always celebrated at the end of the season. The visitors’ faces were long as they left the field as losers for the first time in the league.”
L’Equipe (France)
“These boys had not won against Celtic since May 2023 by the same scoreline. On Thursday, Glasgow Rangers finally won the Old Firm, on the 21st day of the Scottish Premiership, ending a series of seven games without a victory against their rival. This season, they lost twice to their neighbour: in the league (3-0) and in the League Cup on penalties (3-3, 4-5 from the spot)”
Abola (Portugal)
“In a game with uneven attacking output – Rangers had 20 more shots than Celtic – the score changed in the 7th minute: from outside the area, Ianis Hagi put the ball into the bottom corner to score the first goal. This result brings Rangers closer to Celtic at the top of the table, but not by much: the defeat reduces the gap between leaders and second-placed teams to 11 points.”
Niuewsblad (Belgium)
“For Philippe Clement, who has been in charge of Rangers since October last year, it is his first victory in the Old Firm. The Belgian coach has been under fire for the inconsistent results in recent weeks, but seems to be giving himself some breathing space with the victory. After nineteen games, Rangers are still eleven points behind Celtic, who suffered their first league defeat of the season. Only in the Champions League did the reigning national champions lose, 7-1 to Borussia Dortmund.”
Marca (Spain)
“It was a tremendously uneven Old Firm. Rangers won the Scottish derby against Celtic with a resounding 3-0 at Ibrox Park. Ianis Hagi (ex-Alavés and son of Gica), Propper and Danilo scored in a match that could have ended in a historic rout. Celtic barely had a shot on target.”
De Telegraaf (Netherlands)
“Pröpper made it 2-0 for Rangers in the 66th minute. The central defender tapped home from close range after Nicolas Raskin’s effort had been cleared off the line by a Celtic defender. Earlier, Ianis Hagi had put Rangers ahead in the 7th minute. Brazilian Danilo, who played for Ajax, FC Twente and Feyenoord, scored the 3-0 shortly after coming on as a substitute.
“Pröpper was acquired by Rangers last summer from FC Twente, where he was captain. Celtic have no major concerns yet. Brendan Rodgers’ team still have an 11-point lead over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.”
Pro Sport (Romania)
“Romanian international Ianis Hagi was named MVP of the match in the 3-0 Old Firm Rangers v Celtic, in which he opened the scoring with a great execution from outside the box. The Tricolor outclassed both his opponents and teammates in the analysis of the specialists at WhoScored, where he received a sensational rating.”