Celtic provided another late show as Kyogo struck with two minutes left to earn a dramatic 2-2 derby draw and keep the champions nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and end Michael Beale’s perfect record as Rangers boss.
The Light Blues were on course for a huge three points after coming from behind to take the lead and it looked like they were set to breathe life into their title race. But the Hoops had other ideas to have the last laugh in a pulsating match.
Daizen Maeda fired Celtic in front after just five minutes but Rangers recovered and an exquisite Ryan Kent equaliser and James Tavernier penalty - his 100th career goal - in seven second half minutes before Kyogo grabbed the late leveller. The visitors threw in Alistair Johnston for a quickfire debut in the cauldron of an Ibrox derby with James Forrest also handed a start as Liel Abada and Jota had to settle for a place on the bench.
Beale promised to go “hell for leather” and it was a fast start from the home side with Ryan Kent testing Joe Hart very early on but the Light Blues shot themselves in the foot as they fell behind with less than five minutes on the clock in a frantic start.
Alfredo Morelos was given a big chance to impress but the Colombian was poor with a square ball to Tavernier who was weak in the challenge as Maeda was onto it as quick as a flash before showing great composure to slot the ball beyond Allan McGregor, playing in his 40th Old Firm derby at the age fo 40.
It was the last thing Rangers needed and they just didn’t look comfortable after that but the Hoops suffered an injury blow when Greg Taylor hobbled off and Josip Juranovic came on for his fellow full back.
Gers slowly settled as the first half wore on and Joe Hart did brilliantly to fingertip an effort from Kent onto the post with the Celtic keeper atoning for careless play in the build up to the chance when Morelos caught him in possession. Morelos then had two chances before the break to equalise but twice sent headers off target from Tavernier corners.
It certainly became more of a contest in the latter part of the first half as Rangers found their feet to make a game of it and tempers flared at on point as the home side took exception to a tackle from Johnston which saw Borna Barisic and Callum McGregor go nose to nose.
But it was that promise to go toe to toe with the champions that the home fans wanted to see and boy did they get it in the second half. The game turned on its head in seven pulsating minutes as Ibrox went wild as they celebrated two goals.
And Fashion Sakala was involved in both occasions as the Zambian terrorised Celtic. He did brilliantly to control a long ball before playing in Kent and the former Liverpool sent a wonderful finish beyond a helpless Hart.
The home fans were still bouncing at that point when Sakala then won a penalty after Carl Starfelt stupidly went to ground to foul the African. Up stepped Tavernier and he made no mistake from 12 yards with a brilliant finish high into the net.
Ibrox held its breath as Willie Collum - in the VAR control room - checked for a handball against Goldson from a Starfelt effort but John Beaton was told he wasn’t required to take a second look on the monitor.
Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis were thrown on for the last quarter of an hour but they still had to deal with problems at the other end and Cameron Carter-Vickers made a terrific block to deny Malik Tillman.
And how vital that proved as substitute Jota played a key role in the move that led to Kyogo's last-gasp goal as the ball broke to the Japan star and he coolly slotted into the roof of the net.
Here’s five talking points from the big match:
Celts never stop
It's the mantra of the champions and it was in evidence again. The Hoops looked rattled in that seven-minute second half period and were heading for a rare defeat but this squad don't know when they are beaten and showed it yet again. Their calling card once again.
Beale Appeal
There were plenty of doubters over the appointment of Michael Beale but you have to take your hat off to the job he has done so far despite the agony of being denied that win. It’s still very early days but to take this confidence-shorn Rangers side and guide them to four wins on the trot and a draw against the champions takes some doing.
They couldn't have asked for much more and when the dust settles on the disappointing end here the Ibrox board will be happy with their appointment so far.
Fashion statement
He is something of an enigma but Fashion Sakala certainly had the Rangers fans jumping for joy with a huge role in the Light Blues turnaround. He showed great control and composure to set up Ryan Kent for the equaliser and won the penalty for the second. Many believe he doesn’t have the quality Rangers need but you can’t argue with his commitment and there is clearly a player in there somewhere.
Jittery Josip
Josip Juranovic earned rave reviews for his displays for Croatia at the World Cup but is that full back still in Qatar? Plenty of Hoops fans might have been surprised not to see him start but he was given an early shout after an injury to Greg Taylor but he just didn’t look at it. He allowed Alfredo Morelos to outmuscle him for a chance late in the first half and was well caught in the build up to the home side’s equaliser. He started the window being linked with a move away with Barcelona reportedly one of his admirers but the huge transfer fee the Parkhead side want will have to drop on this evidence and it leads to questions over why Ange Postecoglou didn’t opt for Alexandro Bernabei.
Broken silence
Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker was quick to point out that “one or two” Celtic fans couldn’t manage to observe the minute’s silence on the 52nd anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster. Sadly, it seemed to be a few more than that and that prompted an angry reaction from the home support. The Parkhead side said in a club statement that the silence was also an opportunity to remember Frank McGarvey, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pele. The champions also wore black arm bans as a mark of respect. Earlier, Parkhead directors joined their Rangers counterparts, including Honorary Life President John Greig with new Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell standing side by side with Douglas Park at the memorial statue.
