Celtic 0-1 Rangers: Visitors Win Old Firm Derby at Celtic Park

Rangers secured a narrow but hugely significant 1-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, 20 September 2026, at Celtic Park. The only goal of the game arrived in the 67th minute, handing the Ibrox side a crucial away win in the first Old Firm derby of the season and blowing the title race wide open.

Celtic dominated possession for long spells but found Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in inspired form. The visitors defended with discipline and struck on the counter, with their Brazilian striker Danilo finishing calmly past Kasper Schmeichel after a swift break. The result leaves Celtic frustrated and Rangers celebrating a memorable three points in Glasgow.

Match Overview

The match kicked off at 19:00 local time in front of a sold-out Celtic Park crowd of 58,000. Celtic started brightly, with Callum McGregor dictating tempo from midfield and Daizen Maeda causing problems down the left. Rangers sat deep, looking to spring counters through Todd Cantwell and Danilo.

Despite Celtic's early pressure, clear chances were rare. Kyogo Furuhashi headed wide from a McGregor cross in the 21st minute, and Reo Hatate forced a smart save from Butland five minutes later. Rangers grew into the game and had a penalty appeal turned down when Cantwell went down under a challenge from Cameron Carter-Vickers just before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, but Rangers struck the decisive blow in the 67th minute. A quick turnover in midfield released Danilo, who held off Liam Scales and slotted low into the bottom corner. Celtic pressed for an equaliser, but Butland denied McGregor and substitute Adam Idah in quick succession. A late red card for Rangers' John Souttar, after a second booking, set up a tense finale, but the ten men held on.

Key Moments

• 21' – Kyogo Furuhashi heads wide from Callum McGregor's cross.
• 26' – Jack Butland saves low from Reo Hatate.
• 44' – Rangers penalty appeal waved away after Todd Cantwell goes down.
• 67' – Goal! Danilo breaks clear and finishes past Kasper Schmeichel to make it 0-1.
• 78' – Butland produces a stunning double save to deny McGregor and Adam Idah.
• 86' – Rangers' John Souttar sent off for a second yellow card.

Tactical Story

Celtic lined up in a 4-3-3, with McGregor as the deep-lying playmaker and Hatate and Matt O'Riley pushing forward. Their full-backs, Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor, pushed high to pin Rangers back, but that left space in behind for Danilo and Cantwell to exploit. Rangers set up in a compact 4-2-3-1, with two holding midfielders screening the back four and inviting Celtic to play in front of them.

The visitors' game plan was clear: absorb pressure, stay narrow, and hit on the break. It worked perfectly. Celtic's expected goals (xG) tally was 1.4, but they managed only four shots on target. Rangers, by contrast, had just 34% possession but created the game's clearest opening and took it. Manager Philippe Clement's decision to start with an extra midfielder instead of a second striker proved decisive.

Standout Players

Jack Butland (Rangers) – The goalkeeper was the undisputed man of the match, making six saves, including a brilliant double stop late on. His command of the box and distribution under pressure were flawless.

Danilo (Rangers) – The Brazilian striker was a constant outlet. He held the ball up well, ran the channels, and took his goal with real composure. It was his fifth goal of the season.

Callum McGregor (Celtic) – Despite the defeat, McGregor was Celtic's best player. He completed 94% of his passes, created three chances, and drove his team forward relentlessly.

John Souttar (Rangers) – The defender was a rock at the back until his late dismissal. He won seven aerial duels and made four clearances before picking up a second yellow.

Scottish Premiership Table Impact

The win lifts Rangers to 16 points from seven matches, moving them level with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. Celtic remain ahead on goal difference, but the psychological boost for Rangers is immense. The result ends Celtic's 12-match home unbeaten run in the league and signals that the title race will be fiercely contested.

For Celtic, the defeat raises questions about their ability to break down deep defences. Manager Brendan Rodgers will need to find solutions quickly, with a trip to Aberdeen next on the schedule. Rangers, meanwhile, travel to Hearts with renewed confidence.

Match Facts