Rangers produced a decisive performance in the last leg of the Old Trafford derby with a 3-0 win over Celtic.
Ianis Hagi Goals from Robin Propper and Danilo sealed the victory, cutting Celtic's lead at the top by 11 points and consigning the visitors to their first league defeat of the season.
The home team capitalized on a Celtic defensive error to take the lead in the seventh minute.
A misplaced pass from Liam Scales was intercepted by Nicolas Raskin, who expertly held onto his marker before setting up Hagi.
The Romanian striker beat Kasper Schmeichel with a low shot from the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
Rangers dominated the first half and Jan Cerny doubled the lead.
The winger's save hit the crossbar and Celtic struggled to stay in the game.
FULL TIME: Rangers 3-0 Celtic
💙 Victory for the famous Glasgow Rangers! pic.twitter.com/vQFVW1tpDS
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2 2025
At the same time, The visitors struggled to find their rhythm with Reo Hatate's late goal and a remarkable half-time effort well saved by Jack Kelly in Rangers' goal.
Tensions were high at the half-time whistle, with Rangers captain Raskin and Celtic's Callum McGregor both receiving yellow cards after heated exchanges.
Kyogo Furuhashi found Celtic's net early in the second half, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
In the 66th minute, Propper gave the home side the advantage.
Raskin's header was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel and found a corner in the right corner. But the long shot went to Propper, who the Dutch defender slotted into the net to make it 2-0.
Rangers continued to press, substitutes Cerny and Danilo threatened to extend the lead.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 2 2025
In the 81st minute, Danilo, who arrived 1 minute earlier, found the back of the net and put the result out of doubt.
Jefte's initial cross was blocked but the ball bounced back to Danilo who calmly slotted past Schmeichel to seal the three points for Rangers.
Celtic, who had been unbeaten in the league until this game, looked their usual self.
Possession and second best in every department; They couldn't match Rangers' intensity. Manager Brendan Rodgers will be frustrated by his side's underperformance as the gap at the top has narrowed to 11 points.
For the Rangers, It is also an objective as they aim to get back into the Championship.