Ryan Naderi's goal secures back-to-back victories for Rangers over Celtic in just eight days
Category: Sports
Rangers claimed their second Old Firm derby victory in just seven days with a 1-0 win over Celtic at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026. The decisive goal came from Ryan Naderi, who capitalized on a rebound to secure three points for his team, intensifying the pressure on Celtic's manager, Martin O’Neill.
The match showcased Rangers' resurgence, with Derek McInnes' side displaying a commanding performance that would have resulted in a more substantial margin if not for VAR intervening to disallow a stunning volley from Olwethu Makhanya for handball. The victory marks a stark turnaround for Rangers, who had started the league season with two disappointing results.
Before this derby, Celtic had enjoyed a perfect start to the league, winning all six of their matches against teams like Dundee, Kilmarnock, and St. Johnstone. In stark comparison, Rangers had lost and drawn their initial fixtures against Dundee United and Hibernian, respectively, before embarking on a five-match winning streak that included victories over Aberdeen, Motherwell, and Falkirk.
The stakes were high as both teams entered the match with contrasting momentum. Celtic, buoyed by their strong league form, faced a setback midweek when they lost 3-1 to Ferencvaros in the Europa League. This defeat followed an earlier loss to Rangers in the League Cup just a week prior, leading to growing concerns about the team's confidence.
On the day of the match, Celtic Park was filled with over 60,000 home supporters, yet the atmosphere turned sour as Rangers took control. Naderi's goal came in the 33rd minute after Viljami Sinisalo saved a shot from Min-Su Kim, allowing Naderi to strike on the follow-up. Celtic's attempts to respond included a shot from Kieran Tierney that hit the woodwork, but they struggled to create clear opportunities.
Rangers continued to press, with Makhanya's disallowed goal serving as a reminder of their dominance. Celtic's first real chance on target did not come until the second half, when Ivor Pandur made a key save to deny Colby Donovan's header. This lack of offensive potency was emblematic of Celtic's struggles throughout the match.
The Old Firm derby is one of the most intense rivalries in football, often characterized by passionate displays from both sets of supporters. Historically, Celtic has enjoyed a strong home advantage, winning six of their past eight home games against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership before this encounter. The recent victories for Rangers, especially under McInnes, signify a potential shift in the balance of power within Scottish football.
McInnes' ability to lead Rangers to consecutive victories over their arch-rivals has elevated expectations for the team this season. His predecessor, Graeme Souness, was the last Rangers manager to achieve such a feat in 1986, highlighting the significance of this moment in the club's history.
Meanwhile, O’Neill’s Celtic faces a period of reflection. The team’s recent performances have raised questions about their tactics and cohesion. Following the match, O’Neill insisted that the team’s confidence was not at rock bottom, but acknowledged the need for a rethink and reset after a challenging week.
As the season progresses, both teams will have to navigate the pressures of maintaining form. Rangers, now just two points behind Celtic at the top of the Premiership, will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. Their next matches will be closely examined as they seek to capitalize on their recent successes.
Celtic, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. With an international break on the horizon, O’Neill has the opportunity to assess his squad and implement necessary changes. The manager emphasized the importance of self-reflection, stating, "We have to rethink and reset. It's a time for self-reflection." This period could be key for Celtic as they aim to reclaim their dominance in the league.
With the pressure mounting on both sides, the next round of fixtures will be telling. Rangers will hope to maintain their winning streak, whereas Celtic will aim to bounce back decisively, ensuring they do not fall too far behind in the title race. The rivalry's intensity promises to deliver more thrilling encounters as the season continues.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, McInnes expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "We played with a lot of confidence. I was disappointed we didn't add to the goal we did score because we were deserving of that." The implications of this derby extend beyond just points; they signify a potential shift in the dynamics of Scottish football, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.