Rangers produced a statement performance in the first Old Firm clash of the 2026/27 season, sweeping aside bitter rivals Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox on Sunday to book their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.
The victory was built around a superb display from midfielder Dan Neil, who scored twice, while Kevin Kelsy added another goal as Rangers punished a disappointing Celtic side that struggled to match the intensity of their hosts.
The result gives Rangers a major boost under manager Derek McInnes and ends Celtic’s unbeaten domestic start to the season. It was also Rangers’ first victory over Celtic in six consecutive cup meetings since 2022.
Playing in front of a capacity crowd of 51,212 at Ibrox, Rangers made their intentions clear from the opening minutes. The home side played with greater urgency and physical strength, forcing Celtic into defensive positions and making it difficult for Martin O’Neill’s team to establish control.
The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute, when Dan Neil produced a composed finish from the edge of the penalty area to put Rangers ahead.
It was a significant moment for the summer signing from Sunderland, marking his first goal for Rangers and immediately giving the home supporters another reason to celebrate.
Celtic struggled to respond effectively after falling behind. Their attacking players found little space, while Rangers continued to compete aggressively in midfield and looked more dangerous whenever they moved forward.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Rangers refusing to allow Celtic back into the contest.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 59th minute through Kevin Kelsy. The Venezuelan striker capitalised on an opening in the Celtic defence to finish and put Rangers firmly in command.
At 2-0 down, Celtic needed a quick response, but Rangers remained organised and continued to threaten on the counterattack.
Neil then completed his outstanding afternoon in the 75th minute, scoring his second goal of the match to make it 3-0 and effectively settle the quarter-final.
His brace capped a memorable individual performance and underlined the impact the midfielder has already made since arriving at Ibrox.
Rangers’ attacking threat was not limited to their goalscorers. Djeidi Gassama repeatedly caused problems on the left side, while James Penrice was also influential with his delivery from wide areas. The Rangers defence, meanwhile, remained disciplined enough to prevent Celtic from creating a route back into the game.
Celtic’s afternoon became increasingly frustrating as the visitors failed to produce the response expected from the Scottish champions. Their forwards were largely contained, while Rangers’ midfield consistently won the physical battles.
The defeat represented Celtic’s first domestic loss of the season and exposed weaknesses that manager Martin O’Neill will now have to address quickly.
For Rangers, the significance of the victory extends beyond simply reaching the next round. McInnes had faced pressure since taking charge, and a convincing victory over Celtic provides his side with a major psychological lift.
The Rangers boss praised the commitment of his players after the match, while O’Neill admitted that Celtic were thoroughly outplayed and described the result as a wake-up call for his team.
The win also sets up another intriguing chapter in the Old Firm rivalry, with Rangers and Celtic scheduled to meet again in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park on September 20.
Before then, Rangers can focus on their League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen. The semi-final is scheduled for the weekend of October 31 and November 1, with Hearts and Hibernian meeting in the other last-four contest.
For Rangers supporters, Sunday’s result was about more than a place in the semi-finals. It was a powerful reminder that their team can compete with Celtic when the intensity, organisation and finishing are at their best.
For Celtic, however, the 3-0 defeat leaves plenty of questions ahead of the next Old Firm meeting.
Rangers have now made their intentions clear. They are not merely interested in reaching the latter stages of the League Cup. After dismantling their biggest rivals, McInnes and his players will believe they have a genuine opportunity to go all the way and challenge for the first major trophy of the season.
