Idah Rescues Draw for Celtic, Thwarting Rangers’ Bid for Third Successive Old Firm Win

Celtic striker Adam Idah’s second-half equaliser thwarted Rangers’ hopes of clinching their third successive Old Firm derby victory, resulting in a 1-1 draw at Ibrox on Sunday.

The home side appeared set to continue their winning streak against their fierce Glasgow rivals, having triumphed in derbies in January and March, when Cyriel Dessers found the net just before half-time against the newly crowned Scottish champions.

However, Idah’s equaliser in the second half marked Rangers’ sixth consecutive match without a win across all competitions.

The Gers now find themselves 17 points behind Celtic, having managed just four victories in their twelve matches under interim manager Barry Ferguson, with no home wins since February 2nd.

Despite Celtic’s recent title triumph, Rangers players did not form a guard of honour; however, they were greeted by around 2,100 of their travelling supporters as they took to the pitch.

This marked the first occasion that away fans were allowed at an Ibrox derby since the 2-2 draw in January 2023.

Rangers believed they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Nicolas Raskin connected with a James Tavernier free-kick to nod the ball past Viljami Sinisalo, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review determined that the Belgian had been offside.

Celtic began to assert themselves, with Cameron Carter-Vickers’ header from an Arne Engels corner being tipped over by Liam Kelly in the 33rd minute.

Kelly made another crucial save moments later, blocking an attempt from Idah in the 43rd minute, before Rangers took the lead shortly after.

A pass from Mohamed Diomande into the box was deftly dummied by Vaclav Cerny for Dessers, who nudged it past Liam Scales before firing a low shot into the net from just outside the six-yard box.

However, Celtic levelled the score in the 57th minute.

Daizen Maeda got the better of Tavernier on the left flank, and as John Souttar attempted to clear the danger, the ball ricocheted off the Japanese forward and landed at Idah’s feet.

The 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international swiftly turned and unleashed a strike that deflected off the unfortunate Souttar, finding the back of the net just inside the box.

Initially ruled offside against Maeda, the goal was allowed to stand following an extensive VAR check.

Celtic had a chance to claim victory in the dying moments when Maeda capitalised on a mistake from Tavernier, racing clear, but Kelly was on hand to ensure that the final Glasgow derby of the season ended in a draw.