Celtic pulled off the perfect smash-and-grab at Ibrox Stadium as they defeated Rangers in a penalty shootout to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals.
A week on from the dramatic 2-2 draw between these old rivals in the Scottish Premiership, the clubs met again in the Scottish Cup and Rangers were dominant throughout.
Danny Rohl’s side pinned Celtic into their own final third for close to 120 minutes but couldn’t find a way through. The Hoops had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half after Daizen Maeda nodded in a cross and the Gers scored in extra time only for VAR to rule that goal out for handball too.
The match went to a penalty shootout and misses from James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama were enough to send Celtic through after four perfect spot kicks. The result was soured however by chaotic scenes after the shootout as the pitch was flooded by the opposing sets of fans who squared off with each other.
Relive the updates from Ibrox below:
Rangers vs Celtic - Scottish Cup quarter-finals
- Rangers beaten by Celtic after penalty shootout | Live on Premier Sports 1
- 101' NO GOAL! Fernandez handled the ball before scoring (RAN 0-0 CEL)
- 100' GOAL! Fernandez touches the ball into the back of the net (RAN 1-0 CEL)
- 37' NO GOAL! Scales was offside in the build up (RAN 0-0 CEL)
- 35' GOAL! Maeda heads in opener for Celtic (RAN 0-1 CEL)
Fans clash on Ibrox pitch after Celtic knock Rangers out of cup on penalties
17:21 , Mike JonesFans clashed on the Ibrox pitch after Celtic knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup on penalties.
The Hoops progressed to the semi-finals despite failing to register a single shot on target in 120 minutes of action.
Celtic secured a 4-2 shoot-out victory after the goalless draw before dozens of their fans invaded the pitch. That sparked an invasion from hundreds of Rangers supporters and missiles were thrown as police and stewards moved to form a barrier.
Fans clash on Ibrox pitch after Celtic knock Rangers out of cup on penalties
Celtic’s Scottish Cup win overshadowed by chaotic scenes after penalty shootout
16:45 , Mike JonesCeltic’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Rangers was overshadowed by the post-match scenes which unfurled at Ibrox Stadium as fans from both clubs flooded the pitch and released flares and projectiles at each other.
A flock of police officers and stewards were called into action to separate both sets of supporters and quickly gained control of the situation by forming a barricade as pyrotechnics were thrown from end to end.
Celtic’s Scottish Cup win overshadowed by chaotic scenes after penalty shootout
Disappointing scenes after Old Firm derby
16:11 , Mike JonesThis is first time in almost a decade that an away allocation of this size was allowed at an Old Firm match and it’s been ruined.
The atmosphere inside the ground throughout the game was brilliant but after the penalty shootout both sets of fans flooded on the pitch, squaring off and letting off flares.
A sizeable police presence was called in to handle the situation alongside the stewards and they quickly got control of it.
Former Hearts & Hibs midfielder, Michael Stewart, speaking on Premier Sports:
16:09 , Mike Jones“Ugly scenes at the end but thankfully it's managed to calm down and not go any further.
“The game itself was drama-filled, right to the end.
“From Celtic's perspective, they'll be looking at it positively. They won the game the way they had to, missing a lot of key players. It was lacking in quality, absolutely.
“For Rangers, the challenge was to break down Celtic and they just couldn't do it.”
Celtic defeat Rangers in penalty shootout
15:53 , Mike JonesCeltic had one shot in the entire game and have gone through to the semi-finals.
That’s because they scored all four of their penalties and Rangers missed two of theirs.
A melee between both sets of fans spoiled the afternoon and police were called in to calm proceedings following Celtic’s victory.
Penalties: Rangers 2-3 Celtic
15:44 , Mike JonesCvancara has the opportunity to win this match for Celtic.
He slots it home and wins the game!
Penalties: Rangers 2-3 Celtic
15:43 , Mike JonesGassama smashes the ball over the crossbar!
It’s a second miss for the home side, an awful penalty and Celtic have the chance to win this tie now...
Penalties: Rangers 2-3 Celtic
15:42 , Mike JonesNext up for Celtic is Reo Hatate.
He finds the right corner!
Celtic go ahead again.
Penalties: Rangers 2-2 Celtic
15:42 , Mike JonesRangers’ Ryan Naderi played every minute of the quarter-final and needs to keep his team in this shootout...
... he does! It’s close and Sinisalo gets a touch to the ball but can’t keep it out.
Penalties: Rangers 1-2 Celtic
15:41 , Mike JonesAuston Trusty steps up after a fine defensive performance.
He sends Butland the wrong way and scores!
Penalties: Rangers 1-1 Celtic
15:40 , Mike JonesNow it’s the turn of Rangers’ Bajrami.
He scoots the ball underneath the goalkeeper and gets it in.
Penalties: Rangers 0-1 Celtic
15:39 , Mike JonesCeltic have the advantage in the shootout now.
It’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain up first for the Hoops...
... he scores!
Penalties: Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:38 , Mike JonesThe penalties are being taken at the Copeland Road end in front of the Rangers fans.
James Tavernier is taking the first spot kick...
... he misses!
The Rangers captain hits the crossbar and knocks it over the top.
Penalties: Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:35 , Mike JonesJack Butland has faced five penalties this season and has saved them all. Will the Rangers goalkeeper be the hero today?
ET full-time! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:33 , Mike Jones120 mins: It was predictable from around the hour mark.
Penalties will decide this tie.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:23 , Mike Jones113 mins: Paulo Bernardo is having a decent time for Celtic.
He goes on a couple of nice forward runs but is twice checked with John Souttar poking the ball away from the attacker before he gets to the box.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:20 , Mike Jones109 mins: Naderi fizzes a cross into the Celtic box but Murray is there to clear the lines for the visitors.
Still Rangers piling on the pressure, still Celtic keeping them out.
ET second half! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:19 , Mike JonesPaulo Bernardo is on for Celtic and Jayden Meghoma on for Rangers.
15 minutes to play.
ET half-time! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:16 , Mike Jones105 mins: The whistle goes to end the first part of extra time.
There was a bit of drama with the cancelled out goal but still this match remains goalless.
Which way will it go?
NO GOAL! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:11 , Mike Jones101 mins: A VAR check comes to the rescue for Celtic this time as the replays quite clearly show the ball hitting Fernandez’s arm before heading into the net.
The goal is ruled out for handball.
GOAL! Rangers 1-0 Celtic (Emmanuel Fernandez, 100')
15:09 , Mike JonesIs this the winning goal?
James Tavernier takes a corner for Rangers and swings it into the box towards Emmanuel Fernandez.
He gets a glancing touch and turns the ball into the back of the net.
Ibrox goes wild but the celebrations may need to be cut short...
ET Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:05 , Mike Jones98 mins: Oxlade-Chamberlain follows Chukwuani just inside the Celtic half and Rommens boots the free kick into the box.
There’s a bt of pinball that happens but the ball bounces out for a throw in to the visitors.
ET Rangers 0-0 Celtic
15:03 , Mike Jones94 mins: Celtic have offered very little in attack today but defensively they’ve been super impressive.
Rangers have had a lot of shots but Sinisalo has had a relatively quiet afternoon.
ET Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:59 , Mike JonesRangers get the ball rolling for extra time and send it back to Butland.
Can the hosts get themselves a goal and secure the win here?
ET Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:57 , Mike JonesRangers will be fuming if they lose this match. They have had 19 shots, four on target and in response Celtic have had one shot.
The quality hasn’t been there in the final third for the hosts and that’s worrying.
Celtic stick in there for 30 more minutes and they can win a penalty shootout.
Full-time! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:53 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: There goes the whistle. This quarter-final tie will be decided by another 30 minutes and probably penalties after that.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:50 , Mike Jones90 mins: Into stoppage time now and it remains goalless.
Nothing surprising will happen. Get settled in for another half an hour folks.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:47 , Mike Jones88 mins: Rangers have wasted so many opportunities.
They have repeatedly turned the ball over high up the pitch but that pressure isn’t resulting in shots at goal.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:45 , Mike Jones85 mins: Sterling arrives late on a tackle on Joel Mvuka and is fortunate not to collect another yellow card.
Reo Hatate does get a yellow though for a foul on Ryan Naderi.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:40 , Mike Jones80 mins: 10 minutes to play at Ibrox. Will we see a winning goal or is this match destined for extra-time?
James Forrest replaces Daizen Maeda for Celtic. Can he find the target?
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:36 , Mike Jones77 mins: Yet another Rangers corner as Trusty holds his ground before blocking the cross.
This set piece is whipped in by Rommens but he sends it straight into the hands of Sinisalo.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:35 , Mike Jones74 mins: This match now has a feel of extra time and penalties.
It doesn’t look as though even team will score. Rangers are repeatedly knocking on the door but aren’t testing the goalkeeper.
Celtic haven’t offered any response.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:30 , Mike Jones70 mins: Close!
Chermiti is slipped the ball after Nygren is bounced out of possession.
The Rangers forward strikes an effort at goal but Trusty is there to get in the block and turn it behind for a corner.
20 minutes to play and we’ve still only had one shot on target so far.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:27 , Mike Jones69 mins: Sterling collects a yellow card for a late tackle on Maeda who is almost clear heading down the line.
It’s a cynical tackle from the Rangers defender.
This match remains on a knife edge. Which way will it go?
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:26 , Mike Jones66 mins: Here’s the recent thoughts from Neil Lennon on Premier Sports:
“The games got really attritional.
“Rangers are trying to make it physical but Celtic are standing up to it quite well. It's in the balance.”
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: Benjamin Arthur has had a tough day but it’s over now as Dane Murray is brought on to replace him and shore up Celtic’s defence.
Chermiti sends another teasing ball into the box but Sinisalo is there to clear for the visitors.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:18 , Mike Jones60 mins: Butland and Maeda collide in the Rangers box with the goalkeeper collecting the ball.
The home fans want a yellow card for the Celtic striker but nothing more than a free kick comes.
Martin O’Neill makes changes for Celtic with Luke McCowan getting replaced with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Sebastian Tounekti is off too with Tomas Cvancara brought on to play through the middle.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:14 , Mike Jones55 mins: This is a good period for Rangers who pile the pressure on Celtic winning corner after corner.
Off the line!
Moore whips in the ball and it drops to Fernandez in the six-yard area.
He touches it towards goal but it’s scooped off the line!
Rangers cannot come closer without scoring.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:11 , Mike Jones53 mins: Another opportunity for Rangers here as Moore delivers a corner kick.
He plays it low to Sko Olsen who sends it back to Moore.
The second attempted cross goes to the back post but Celtic defend it well.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:09 , Mike Jones50 mins: McCowan and Arthur are involved in a mix up as the ball is played back.
Arthur fumbles his control but Sinisalo is sharply off his line to charge down the loose ball and beat Chermiti to it.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:07 , Mike Jones48 mins: Mikey Moore bends in a free kick towards the back post of Celtic’s box.
It’s slightly overhit and Ryan Naderi can’t get hs head to the ball.
Second half! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
14:05 , Mike JonesCeltic haven’t won a Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox since 1957.
Can they do so today?
Rangers get the second half underway with Tochi Chukwuani replacing Mohamed Diomande who had that shoulder issue in the first half.
HT Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:54 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:48 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: The teams head into the tunnel for the break with the score level.
Chermiti gets a chance right at the end of the half but Sinisalo keeps him out before the offside flag goes up.
Nothing to separate the teams so far.
What will the second half bring?
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:47 , Mike Jones45 mins: Close! Chermiti gets into the six yard box and is fed the ball.
He turns it over the crossbar after Sterling’s pass from the right. A tricky chance but a good one for Rangers.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:43 , Mike Jones43 mins: Celtic are being much more aggressive now.
Their confidence has rocketed up and Martin O’Neill is encouraging them on from the dugouts.
Araujo looks for another cross from the right but his pass is blocked by Diomande.
Araujo has been brilliant on Celtic’s right so far.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:42 , Mike Jones40 mins: Rangers need to react to that disallowed goal.
They were the better team before it was scored and only VAR has come to the rescue for them.
It was Liam Scales at fault for the offside.
Maeda has another chance to score but Butland is quickly off his line to scoop up a loose ball.
NO GOAL! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:39 , Mike Jones37 mins: Drama!
A VAR check looks at a potential offside in the build up to that goal.
It looks like Scales is the guilty man, perhaps it was Maeda, but either way the goal is ruled out.
Rangers are back on level terms.
GOAL! Rangers 0-1 Celtic (Daizen Maeda, 36')
13:37 , Mike JonesThere’s the opener!
From the corner Rangers get the initial ball away but the visitors recover it.
They work it to Liam Scales who flicks the ball on to the back post where Daizen Maeda arrives and powers a header at goal.
Jack Butland gets a hand to it but only manages to push it onto the post where the ball ricochets into the back of the net!
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:36 , Mike Jones36 mins: There hasn’t been many clear cut opportunities to get the opening goal. Rangers have had the best chances.
McCowan has a pull at Diomande as the Rangers midfielder tries to get forward.
Celtic turn the ball over and Araujo flies forward with help from Yang.
Yang wins a corner and Celtic have a chance from a set piece.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:34 , Mike Jones33 mins:
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:30 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played at Ibrox and still goalless.
Whoever wins this match will be the favourites to win the Scottish Cup this season.
Celtic are still trying to get something to happen. Scales’ cross into the box comes towards Maeda and the visitors win themselves a corner kick.
Diomande might have a shoulder issue after a scrap in the box but he’s playing on for now.
The corner is swung into the box but Fernandez is there to win the header.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:28 , Mike Jones28 mins: It’s a worrying time for Celtic who just can’t get themselves up the pitch.
The outlet is Nygren bombing forward and he’s doing his best to get forward on the break with help from Maeda.
He wins a free kick and there’s a respite for Celtic.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:25 , Mike Jones25 mins: Sterling takes on Liam Scales and looks to weave past the Celtic captain who brings the overlapping winger down.
It’s a free kick and Scales collects the second yellow card of the game.
Moore swings in the free kick from the right wing. The cross sails over the heads of everyone but Fernandez came closest to winning that header.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:23 , Mike Jones23 mins: Moore swings a cross in from the left for Rangers but Trusty is there to head clear.
Rangers pile in the pressure though as they come again with Chermiti and Moore both taking shots in quick succession.
Celtic defend desperately on the edge of their own area and somehow manage to keep the ball out.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:21 , Mike Jones21 mins: More from Neil Lennon who says: “Celtic have got to get a foothold in the game and get some passes some going.
“They haven't been able to do that just yet.
“They're okay, there's been a bit of pressure from Rangers but no real chances of yet.”
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:19 , Mike Jones18 mins: Maeda wins an aerial ball and feeds it to Benjamin Nygren who drives into open space.
Nico Raskin tracks and puts a bit of pressure on the Celtic man who goes down wanting a free kick.
The referee is unmoved.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:16 , Mike Jones15 mins: Mikey Moore drives forward and lays the ball over to Andreas Skov Olsen.
He feeds the ball into the feet of Dujon Sterling who sends in another cross.
Auston Trusty is there to win the header and he nods it away.
Rangers recover the ball though and push very high up the pitch, pinning Celtic back and winning themselves a corner.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:13 , Mike Jones11 mins: Celtic have certainly started this match better than they did a week ago.
Chances have been few for the visitors but they look more confident in possession.
Julian Araujo tackles Emmanuel Fernandez and catches the man. The referee is letting a few of these physical tackles go though hoping for a more free flowing match.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:11 , Mike JonesNeil Lennon has been speaking about that penalty shout on Premier Sports.
He said: “It's the correct decision, and a great decision from the referee.
“It's definitely not a penalty. It's hit his right arm, it's tucked in.”
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:10 , Mike Jones9 mins: Handball?
Chermiti takes another shot and seemingly strikes Auston Trusty on the arm inside the Celtic box.
The Rangers players swarm the referee wanting a penalty kick but he is unmoved. A quick VAR check confirms the on field decision and the hosts have to move on.
Trusty’s left arm was outstretched but the ball struck him on the right which was by his side.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:08 , Mike Jones8 mins: Oh!
Youssef Chermiti is caught on the edge of the Celtic box.
He works the ball onto his right foot and lets fly but his effort goes wide as Luke McCowan makes a lunging tackle.
The referee isn’t interested in awarding a free kick though and motions for Viljami Sinisalo to take an goal kick and restart the match.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:06 , Mike Jones6 mins: Celtic have seen most of the ball early in this match but Daizen Maeda makes a foul and Rangers have their first real period of possession.
Diomande takes the past halfway before they work it out wide to Dujon Sterling.
He sends in a decent cross but the ball strikes his teammate and bounces out of play.
Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:04 , Mike Jones3 mins: Julian Araujo comes down the right wing with an early push up the pitch and is clattered by Emmanuel Fernandez.
Araujo is in the wars early one as a minute or so later he’s taken out by Mohamed Diomande who earns the first booking of the game.
Kick off! Rangers 0-0 Celtic
13:02 , Mike JonesThe home fans unfurl a huge tifo in the Copeland Road end as they join in with the singing of Simply The Best.
Celtic kick off the game. They’ve got plenty of support inside the ground and Ibrox is bouncing.
Wonderful atmosphere.
Rangers vs Celtic
12:55 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at Ibrox.
This is the 12th time the two rivals have met in the Scottish Cup at this ground with Rangers winning the head-to-head 5-3.
Can they extend that lead with a win today?
Kick off is up next...
Celtic need to start better
12:48 , Mike JonesA final word from the Hoops boss who explained: “It’s a different game, but we cannot afford to go as long a period and not doing too well.
“Because you can actually not be in control of the whole match, that’s the point, you wouldn’t expect to do, you’re away from home.
“And you can be out of a game for 10 or 15/20 minutes, as long as you hang in there during the course of that time, but in that 15/20 minutes you’re out, the game can go beyond you.
“So, I’m not a soothsayer, I don’t know what’s going to happen on Sunday, but getting back to the point I agree with, we need to start better.”
Rangers vs Celtic
12:47 , Mike JonesThe two teams met a week ago and drew 2-2 in the Premiership after a thrilling match at Ibrox.
Rangers dominated the first half and took a two goal lead before Celtic bounced back to earn a draw.
How will the match play out today?
Scottish Cup win would be a big boost
12:42 , Mike JonesO’Neill also revealed that winning in the Scottish Cup today would be a big boost to his team as they compete for multiple trophies.
“Naturally, just taking the game on its own, that would be a big boost for us,” O’Neill said.
“If we could win the game and get into the semi-final of the competition that would be great, but will it have a bearing on the way the league is going to pan out, I’m really not so sure.
“There’s tough matches ahead for us, there’s tough matches ahead for the sides concerned, so I really don’t know.
“I suppose if you got beaten in the game, it’s how quickly you can get over it.”
O'Neill reflects Rohl's comments
12:36 , Mike JonesCeltic manager Martin O’Neill reflected the comments of Danny Rohl in saying that his team were not good enough during the first half of the recent Old Firm derby.
The Hoops improved in the second half of the game and scored twice to earn a draw which is the same intensity O’Neill is looking for today.
“That would be important for us,” he admitted. “If we play like we did in the first half, we shouldn’t turn up then, but the second half gave us great confidence, and the ability to know that we can fight back.
“I think it’s a testament to the players’ character as much as anything else.”
Is there increased pressure on Rangers?
12:30 , Mike JonesNot according to their manager.
“My own pressure is always high because I want to be successful, I want to win something, I want to bring the club forward to win titles.” Rohl added.
“We still have two good opportunities to do something, it is again a game where in 90 minutes or 120 minutes I think it is on for both teams.
“We are focused, we know that we can do it, and we go into this game with a positive mindset. Pressure in football is normal, every manager has pressure, it doesn't matter where you are. We know our club is special, but it is also a big honour to be manager of such a fantastic club.”
Rangers want to improve domination
12:25 , Mike JonesRangers and Celtic clashed in the league last week and for the first half it was Danny Rohl’s side who were completely dominant.
“For the first 50 minutes, you will know better than me, when the last time was that Rangers dominated Celtic like that?” he said.
“That is the focus of what we want to do over the 90 minutes, and if necessary 120.”
Rohl says Rangers have belief
12:18 , Mike JonesRangers boss Danny Rohl says his team will go into today’s game with ‘belief’ despite surrendering a two-goal lead in the previous Old Frim derby.
He said: “We have to look back at the last game, see what was good, what we have to improve and then prepare for the next game, that is our job.
“We spoke about the good things, we spoke about the things we must improve, and the last training session was good, there was a good intensity, a good mindset and everyone was focused.
“Today, we will work on some details again and then we will have one more session. We have to go into the game with the belief and with trust, this is very crucial.”
Martin O'Neill explains Callum McGregor omission
12:15 , Mike JonesThe Celtic boss said: "It is [an injury for Callum McGregor]. He was feeling pretty sore by the end of the Aberdeen game and he's just not recovered in time.
"It's a blow for us. He's a captain in every aspect of it. Both a leader in the dressing room and on the field and he'll be a big miss for us.
"Things like this happen in football and you've got to get on with it."
Celtic team to face Rangers
12:09 , Mike JonesCeltic XI: Sinisalo; Araujo, Arthur, Trusty, Scales; Hatate, McGowen, Nygren; Yang, Tounekti, Maeda
📋 Your Celtic side for the #ScottishCup quarter-final.#RANCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/VCAfla7YjF
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 8, 2026
Rangers team to face Celtic
12:04 , Mike JonesRangers XI: Butland; Sterling, Djiga, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Diomande; Skov Olsen, Moore, Naderi; Chermiti
🆕 Our Starting XI to face Celtic in the @ScottishCup
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) March 8, 2026
Team News | https://t.co/XaqLYO16D5 pic.twitter.com/BuJMYy3qgc
Scottish Cup quarter-finals
11:54 , Mike JonesIn the other Scottish Cup quarter-final played on Saturday it was a closer affair between Falkirk and Dundee United.
The hosts, Falkirk, took an early lead through Barney Stewart who struck home inside the opening 10 minutes.
Finn Yeats doubled the lead in the 21st minute before Dundee hit back in stoppage time of the first half through Julius Eskesen.
With the game delicately balanced, Falkirk came through a sticky second half with control and composure and secured a 2-1 victory as well as a place in the final four.
Scottish Cup quarter-finals
11:48 , Mike JonesMatthew Todd and Olly Thomas (x2) were on target as Dunfermline Athletic secured their spot in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals on Saturday thanks to a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen.
As evidenced by the scoreline the home side created the clearer chances with five of their 14 attempts hitting the target and three beating goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.
Aberdeen attempted to get themselves back into the match but a two goal deficit at half-time was too much to recover from.
At Hearts, ‘something special’ is brewing in historic Scottish title challenge
11:42 , Jack RathbornThe banner in the Gorgie Road end of Tynecastle was ready, waiting to be unfurled as the tense, nervy final minutes ticked away. Hearts supporters are becoming reacquainted with these emotions on a weekly basis, the intensity sharpening now as winter turns to spring. Even today, on a grey, sodden afternoon where Aberdeen offer virtually nothing after falling behind to Claudio Braga’s first-half opener, the sense of what is at stake is never far from the surface: when Aberdeen’s Stuart Armstrong goes down in the box in the 83rd minute, having brushed past a Hearts challenge, there is a dramatic intake of breath. Hearts, though, survive.
Then it sinks in. It’s the final day of February and Hearts have gone seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. A day later, over in Glasgow, Rangers and Celtic play out a chaotic 2-2 draw at Ibrox. Their advantage is trimmed back to six, but with the Old Firm clubs both dropping points and looking vulnerable in a game of two distinct halves, Hearts are announced as the afternoon’s only winners. As the banner at Tynecastle proudly declared just as the referee’s final whistle blew: “Nine to go… Believe!”
At Hearts, ‘something special’ is brewing in historic Scottish title challenge
Rangers vs Celtic predicted line-ups
11:36 , Jack RathbornRangers XI: Butland; Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore; Naderi, Chermiti.
Celtic XI: Sinisalo; Araujo, Murray, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Yang, Adamu, Maeda.
Rangers vs Celtic team news
11:30 , Jack RathbornDerek Cornelius and Bailey Rice remain sidelined for Rangers, while Oliver Antman is a doubt due to his recovery from a long-term adductor injury. But Connor Barron could return and is pushing to be involved after resuming training.
For Celtic, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Adam Montgomery, Jota, Arne Engels, Callum Osmand and Alistair Johnston are all sidelined, with the latter duo still a few weeks away from making a return.
Kasper Schmeichel and Dane Murray are doubts due to an illness and a thigh injury respectively, while defender Auston Trusty is suspended. Kelechi Iheanacho is available for selection despite not being in the squad against Aberdeen.
