Ange Postecoglou didn't necessarily agree that this was Celtic 's first real test of the season, but they passed it with flying colours.
Another first half derby blitz had Rangers on the canvas at Parkhead for the second time this year. And the champions went on to make it 4-0 after the break to move five points clear at the top of the Premiership table before welcoming Real Madrid to Glasgow on Tuesday. to kick off their Champions League campaign.
The writing was on the wall when Liel Abada fired them in front after just eight minutes. Jota added a sumptuous second before Abada popped up in the box once again to fire in a third shortly before half time, just as he did back in February the last time Celtic ran riot against their rivals. The Gers simply couldn't live with Celtic's tempo and intensity, although were guilty of switching off at crucial moments, for which they were ruthlessly punished.
And Postecoglou was delighted with how his team responded to this particular test, although he believes his side had perhaps make their games up until now look easy, rather than that actually being the case. He said: "Brilliant on both counts [performance and result]. We knew it would be a big challenge for us today. They're a good side and have proven they're a good side.
'But we've been really good. Since the season started. we've gotten stronger every week and it was a really dominant performance. Everything impressed me. It's a big occasion and we know what's at stake.
"People had suggested we've had an easy run in terms of games so far and I know it seems that way, but if this was going to be our first test it was about how we handled it. And we handled it really well. Our press was just outstanding and we really got on top of them."
Abada was at the double once again as he continues his sparking form. He seems to love playing Rangers at home and Postecoglou hailed the ice in the Israeli's veins as he once again produce the goods on the big stage.
"He's been good since the day he came in," said the Hoops boss. "He walked in as a 19/20-year-old to one of the biggest clubs in the world and he literally hit the ground running. He hasn't stopped running since. It was another real mature performance from him.
"he's one of those boys who wants to be better in everything he does. He wants to learn from the good and bad. Credit to him again on the big stage. As a winger, he scores an extraordinary amount of goals, It takes a cool head to do that."
The one negative for Celtic was an early injury to Kyogo. He was forced off with a shoulder injury after less than four minutes. He almost hurt himself again during the post-match celebrations as he fell over one-armed. Carl Starfelt also had to be withdrawn after the break.
"We'll assess him and Carl, who was disappointed to come off.," said Postecoglou. "It was a blow because Koyogo has been outstanding for us. That's why we did the business we did Throwing Giako on was still going to give them a problem and credit to the team, they didn't miss a beat.
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