Rangers battled to a point at Parkhead as Fashion Sakala 's strike leaves Celtic waiting to wrap up the league title.
Gio van Bronckhorst 's team knew they needed a win to stand any real chance of flipping a commanding lead but they were left fighting an uphill battle when Jota volleyed home early on.
It was a shaky first half performance from Rangers that could have got out of hand but they held on and battled back after the break.
Sakala equalised with a wonderful finish at Joe Hart 's near post and should have put them in front late on when he struck the post.
But it was a point apiece and here is how Record Sport rated the Rangers players.
Rangers player ratings
ALLAN McGREGOR: Relatively quiet afternoon despite Celtic being on top for spells. Had no chance with Jota’s opener as his defence switched off in front of him but did well to put Maeda off his big headed chance just before half-time as the keeper leapt off his line. 6
JAMES TAVERNIER: The skipper started his 201st Premiership appearance throwing over a perfect cross which Kent should have converted. Handed responsibility for keeping tabs on Maeda to Goldson in build-up to Celtic’s goal when he should have tracked the Japanese ace himself. 7
CONNOR GOLDSON: Did no favours by his captain as Maeda drifted inside but could have reacted quicker to the danger himself. Fired a big opening over at start of second half but did well to hush the threat of Kyogo then Giakoumakis. Collected a stoppage-time caution. 7
CALVIN BASSEY: Enjoyed getting close up and personal with Tom Rogic last time out but Celtic made sure not to engage the big Nigeria international in a test of strength. So lucky not to gift second goal to Celtic as Maeda headed wide after his wayward pass out from defence. Much steadier in second half. 7
BORNA BARISIC: Last visit to Parkhead saw the Croatian hooked after a nightmare 45 minutes and it was a repeat of his back-post howler from February that saw Jota put Celtic ahead. Got his body shape all wrong and failed to spot the danger over his shoulder. Offered better quality getting forward after the break. Booked for rugby tackling Jota. 5
JOHN LUNDSTRAM: Has established himself as a key man since being left out here back in February and was again Rangers’ most effective performer during the opening half when the rest of his team struggled to shake off the disappointment of falling behind. Maintained those impressive levels after the break. 8
STEVEN DAVIS: It was introduction of the Northern Ireland skipper’s vast experience that helped swing Scottish Cup semi-final in Gers’ favour but could not exert the same influence over this one. Cool and composed at times but GVB really needed someone with a bit more forward oomph to drive his team forward. Blazed over with first time volley. 6
SCOTT ARFIELD: Hampden hero with his Scottish Cup equaliser but one of the men in blue guilty of going into his shell in the wake of Jota’s goal. Gave himself a shake as the Hoops failed to build on their lead and came up with a couple of nice touches in build up to his side drawing level. 6
FASHION SAKALA: A game of two halves for the Zambian. Rangers support were stunned to see him return after an opening 45 minutes in which he could barely trap a bag of cement but justified Van Bronckhorst’s faith as he rifled home stunning equaliser. So unlucky not to win it at the death as he rattled the post after sprinting clear. 7
RYAN KENT: Could have given his team the early lead as his clever movement left Ralston bamboozled at the back post - but failed to take advantage as he volleyed wide. Played his part in getting Gers level though as he slid in Sakala. Had his name taken for a barge on Carter-Vickers. 6
JOE ARIBO: The midfield playmaker was back in the makeshift striker role which helped give Rangers a foothold at the start of the second half in Leipzig but looked a fish out of water this time. Replaced with half an hour remaining in case he has to give it another go should Kemar Roofe fail to recover for Thursday’s second leg. 6
Substitutes
RYAN JACK (Davis, 63): Presented with a golden chance to win it late on but could only fire straight at Hart. 4
SCOTT WRIGHT (Aribo, 63): Led the charge which brought the equaliser and created another huge chance which Jack could not finish off. 5
AMAD DIALLO (Arfield, 87): Only on the pitch 20 seconds when he had to take one for the team, halting an Abada breakaway that copped him a yellow. 2
