Rangers Vs Celtic: Hatate late penalty rescues Celtic as Hearts emerge biggest beneficiaries
Rangers Vs Celtic finished 2-2 at Ibrox after Reo Hatate scored from a stoppage-time penalty rebound, a result that significantly boosts Hearts’ position at the top with nine games left in the season. The draw matters now because it leaves Rangers six points behind Hearts and Celtic eight back with a game in hand, tightening the title race at a crucial stage.
Youssef Chermiti sparks early Rangers dominance
Rangers began the fixture in explosive fashion as Youssef Chermiti opened the scoring with a spectacular overhead scissor kick and later doubled his tally with a second, more opportunistic finish after a Dane Murray clearance was sliced back and Julian Araujo was slow to react. Viljami Sinisalo was beaten both times, and Ibrox roared during a first half in which Rangers were utterly dominant.
Reo Hatate penalty and VAR intervention decide late drama
Only seconds remained when referee John Beaton was diverted to the pitchside screen by the video assistant referee, a review that led to a penalty being awarded to Celtic. Hatate’s eventual effort arrived 20 seconds into stoppage time and followed an initial save, with Hatate putting in his own rebound to secure the draw.
Danny Röhl, momentum and the state of Rangers’ title bid
Rangers head coach Danny Röhl described the mood as one of disappointment after his side surrendered a two-goal lead. He stressed the importance of sustaining performance over 95 minutes, saying, "Anyone who has played football knows during a game there is momentum" and insisting the focus must be on the final matchday. The result leaves Rangers six points behind Hearts with nine games remaining. One assessment of recent form notes Rangers have won just two of their past six league matches, while another records three wins from their last six; both evaluations underline a stalled title bid.
Martin O'Neill, second-half Celtic revival and tactical changes
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said his side dominated the second half and that supporters helped drive the comeback after a disappointing opening 45 minutes. O'Neill, marking his 74th birthday on the day, made at least one notable half-time change by replacing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; the full sequence of his tactical adjustments is unclear in the provided context. O'Neill described his team as "uncertain" at times but insisted they still have the heart and desire to challenge for the championship.
Wider consequences: Hearts, fixtures and pundit shifts
The broader implication is clear: the draw most benefits Hearts. Derek McInnes’s side now lead Rangers by six points, and Celtic sit eight behind with a game in hand at Aberdeen on Wednesday. Pundit Kris Boyd, who had been backing Rangers, said he now leans towards Hearts for the title, noting Hearts have been top since October and highlighting their forthcoming schedule — two home games (one against Motherwell) and two away fixtures against the bottom two — as favourable. Boyd also flagged Rangers’ inconsistent form across competitions, citing three wins in eight matches in all competitions as a concern.
Supporter reaction, unbeaten run and a season of twists
There was sharp reaction from the Ibrox crowd at full time, with audible frustration directed at the home team. Commentators and former players weighed in: former goalkeeper Pat Bonner warned of many twists in the remaining nine games and said the split will bring more clarity; former striker Chris Sutton and a range of fans expressed scepticism about Rangers’ mentality and consistency. Rangers are currently unbeaten in 12 games, but recent draws — including stalemates with Hibs, Motherwell, Livingston and now Celtic — have left the club having won only a small number of their recent league fixtures. Those draws could prove costly as the run-in intensifies.
On-field moments, off-field strains and unresolved issues
The match produced one of the finest goals in the fixture’s history in Chermiti’s overhead strike and a dramatic late intervention by VAR and the referee. Observers also noted troubling elements in the crowd at Ibrox, with sectarian chanting described as a stain that the club, under its American owners, should tackle more effectively. Mikey Moore, the Tottenham loanee, was singled out as causing problems for the Celtic defence during Rangers’ period of control earlier in the match.
In short, the 2-2 draw reshuffles the title picture: Hearts sit six clear of Rangers with nine matches to play, Celtic remain in contention eight behind with a game in hand, and Rangers must arrest a recent dip in form if they are to remain genuine challengers.
