How Rangers’ Tactical Masterclass Destroyed Celtic 3-0

Rangers secured a memorable 3-0 victory over Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday, September 13, booking their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals in emphatic fashion.

Derek McInnes’ side delivered an impressive Old Firm performance, with Dan Neil scoring twice and new striker Kevin Kelsy adding his first goal for the club. The result also provides Rangers with significant momentum ahead of their next meeting with Celtic.

⚽ 22nd minute – Rangers 1-0 Celtic: Dan Neil

Rangers broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through captain Dan Neil, who marked his Old Firm appearance with his first goal in Rangers colours.

The hosts had been building pressure, particularly down the left, where Djeidi Gassama was proving difficult for Celtic to contain. Rangers moved the ball effectively in the final third before Neil arrived to finish off the attack.

Celtic were finding it difficult to cope with Rangers’ intensity, and Neil’s strike deservedly put the home side ahead.

Rangers took their 1-0 advantage into the interval.

⚽ 59th minute – Rangers 2-0 Celtic: Kevin Kelsy

Rangers extended their lead just before the hour mark when Kevin Kelsy opened his account for the club.

James Penrice was involved again, sending a dangerous delivery into the Celtic box from the left. The ball was directed towards the far post, where Kelsy had positioned himself in space.

The Venezuelan reacted quickly, striking the dropping ball on the volley and sending it into the bottom-right cornerbeyond Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

It was an important moment for Kelsy, who had only recently arrived in a deal worth around £9.5 million. His first Rangers goal came on the biggest domestic stage.

❌ Rangers denied a fourth

Rangers thought they had added another goal shortly afterwards when Emmanuel Fernandez headed home from another Penrice delivery.

However, the celebrations were cut short after the effort was reviewed and ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The decision prevented Rangers from adding to their advantage, but they remained firmly in control.

⚽ 75th minute – Rangers 3-0 Celtic: Dan Neil

Neil saved his best moment for last.

The Rangers captain collected the ball close to the edge of Celtic’s penalty area before producing a superb curling finish into the top-right corner.

Johnstone was given no realistic opportunity to keep it out as Neil found the perfect angle with his effort.

The goal completed an outstanding individual display and put Rangers 3-0 ahead, effectively putting the quarter-final beyond Celtic’s reach.

Full-time: Rangers 3-0 Celtic

Rangers 3-0 Celtic
Scorers: Dan Neil 22′, Kevin Kelsy 59′, Dan Neil 75′

Rangers were the dominant team for much of the contest and deserved their comprehensive victory. Their attacking pressure caused Celtic repeated problems, while their organisation without the ball restricted the visitors’ ability to build any sustained momentum.

For McInnes, it was the perfect way to experience his first Old Firm derby as Rangers manager, while Neil emerged as the standout performer after contributing two goals from midfield.

Kelsy’s first goal also offered Rangers supporters another reason for optimism following the club’s significant summer investment.

Goal timeline

Rangers march into the semi-finals

The final whistle confirmed a convincing 3-0 Old Firm triumph, with Neil’s brace and Kelsy’s maiden Rangers strike sending McInnes’ team through to the League Cup semi-finals.

More importantly, Rangers now have a huge psychological boost from dismantling their city rivals and can take considerable confidence from one of their most impressive performances of the campaign.