The beautiful game is a global production with supporters around the planet ready to devour the latest from the most captivating teams on the planet.
Money-spinning world tours have long told those in power, there's an appetite for the biggest and best. And Celtic and Rangers' appeal stretches far beyond Scotland, of that there is no doubt. Glasgow's derby is revered from Madrid to Melbourne – those who love football can't get enough of Scottish football's marquee fixture.
And that is reinforced after the pair lock horns. February's 3-0 win for Celtic was the only show in town as football fans beyond these shores watched on. And the intrigue remains as some of the world's leading media outlets witnessed Ange Postecoglou 's side trouncing Rangers 4-0 on Saturday. Goalscorers Liel Abada, Jota and David Turnbull have earned adulation but there was a whole range of other talking points to take in.
Record Sport runs the rule over the best of them as the Ibrox side were universally panned for their gaffe-filled display which leaves them five points behind the Premiership champions.
talkSPORT (United Kingdom)
Adrian Durham has been a vocal backer of Rangers in recent years, claiming the pulsating wall of noise they created in their Europa League semi-final was the most ferocious atmosphere he has ever experienced. However, Durham pulled no punches with his scathing verdict of Van Bronckhorst during the capitulation at the home of their greatest rivals.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said “Rangers are absolutely dreadful. If they hadn’t qualified for the Champions League, I think there’s every chance Giovanni van Bronckhorst could be sacked at half-time, they’ve been that bad. It’s almost like it’s not a derby, it’s ridiculous. Celtic playing some good stuff, but it’s an absolute stroll for them this afternoon. Fair play to them, they are going to go on and win the league again. The title parade is not going to be happening this season. They’ve been truly, truly shocking.”
Boerse Express (Germany)
The big one even received a mention in an outlet that specialises in stock market updates. But they were quick to notice the on-field crash from the men in blue.
They wrote: "A few days before the start of the new Champions League season, the two major Glasgow clubs could not be more different. Reigning champions Celtic outclassed Rangers 4-0 in the 431st edition of the traditional Old Firm Derby. For the 'Bhoys in Green' it was the sixth win of the season in the sixth league game.
"Rangers are already five points behind their city rivals in the table. The top game ran quickly towards the hosts in front of 60,411 spectators. Liel Abada, Jota and David Turnbull scored Celtic goals. Celtic is in gala form before the Champions League opener against defending champions Real Madrid, Rangers have to improve significantly before the duel with Ajax."
AS (Spain)
The leading Spanish publication reinforced what was spotted elsewhere – that this was a day of domination for Celtic and a disaster for Rangers. And their reporter reckons Postecoglou's side are a cut above most after their thumping win. They published: "The fans shouted at Celtic Park, 'Bring on Madrid'. Los Blancos will have been sent a warning not to relax ahead of their European debut on Tuesday because before them they will have one of the best Celtic teams in recent times.
"It is a chant infused by emotions and back up with numbers . The Ange Postecoglou-led team has scored 25 goals in six games and conceded just the single one. Not even today, in one of the most volatile derbies on the planet, that goes by the name of the ‘Old Firm’ against the other giants of Glasgow, Rangers (who also take their place in the Champions League group stage this season with Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax) did they falter. Not one jot. Instead they steamrolled. A machine ready to crush whatever is laid in front of them. And now, it’s time for Madrid, the reigning continental kings.
"Celtic has reinvented itself as a team that loves the ball, moves it, pampers it and when you get lost, it splits you wide . They have two diamonds in the rough: the Portuguese Jota and the Israeli Abada. Three of the four goals in the game came from their boots, all in the first half. Abada made the first and after half an hour, Jota signed the second. The third came in minute 40, dejá vù by Abada."
SoFoot (France)
How's your French, Jon McLaughlin? Well, his error-strewn display certainly didn't go unnoticed by one media publication who summed up his torrid afternoon. They wrote:
"It must be said that Rangers have done everything to make it easy for Celtic. And in particular on the opening of the score of Abada with a defence which was (unlocked) by a key quickly played and a doorman with the soapy hands. On the other hand, Jon McLaughlin cannot do anything on the inspiration of the Portuguese Jota who doubles the mark with a lob before seeing the ball pass between his legs after a strike from Abada who helped himself to a double.
"While Celtic were managing their lead during the second half and Jota was having fun with the opposing defenders, Jon McLaughlin decided to offer a goal to Turnbull by slipping the ball into his feet."
Marca (Spain)
The Spanish outlet have one eye on the big one and were impressed by Celtic's conclusive win.
They wrote: "Celtic are enjoying themselves at the start of the Scottish League . Real Madrid's next rival in the Champions League (they play Celtic Park next Tuesday) crushed Rangers (4-0) at the Old Firm . The Glasgow derby went to Postecoglou without question.
"The victory makes Celtic escape from Rangers in the lead . They take five points from their main rival after six games in which they have played full scoring 25 goals and conceding only one. A machine in Scotland that in the Champions League awaits Real Madrid in Glasgow."
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