Celtic suffered a gut-wrenching 3-2 defeat at the hands of Rangers at Celtic Park, with a dramatic late goal sealing the visitors’ victory. The Hoops fought back brilliantly after a dismal first half but ultimately fell short in a competitive game. Here’s how each player fared in the Glasgow Derby.
Celtic Player Ratings
Kasper Schmeichel – 5
The veteran goalkeeper had a mixed afternoon. Made a couple of strong saves but looked shaky at times, particularly with his distribution, almost gifting Rangers a goal in the first half.
Alistair Johnston – 7
One of Celtic’s more consistent performers on the day. Defended well, put in a shift up and down the right flank, and delivered some dangerous crosses.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 6
A typically strong and physical display, but struggled to contain Rangers’ attacking movement, especially in transition.
Maik Nawrocki – 7
Made some crucial interventions and showed good positional awareness. Looked more composed as the game progressed.
Jeffrey Schlupp – 6
Energetic and dynamic on the left side, contributing both defensively and going forward. Got caught out for the opening goal but improved as the match wore on.
Arne Engels – 6
Kept things ticking in midfield and showed good composure under pressure. Had a couple of promising efforts from distance but was unable to make a decisive impact.
Reo Hatate – 8
One of Celtic’s standout performers. Took his goal brilliantly to bring Celtic level and was at the heart of everything creative in midfield.
Luke McCowan – 7
A competent outing for the midfielder, showing great vision and energy. Assisted Hatate’s goal with a perfectly timed pass.
Nicolas Kuhn – 5
Struggled to impose himself and was substituted at half-time. A frustrating performance where he failed to influence the game.
Daizen Maeda – 9
Celtic’s best player on the day. Scored a superb header to spark the comeback and caused Rangers’ defence problems throughout with his relentless pressing and movement.
Jota – 6
Provided the assist for Maeda’s goal and was a threat whenever he had the ball. However, he faded as the game wore on and couldn’t produce a moment of magic late on.
Substitutes
Adam Idah – 6
Brought on at half-time but had limited impact. Held the ball up well at times but didn’t get a clear sight of goal.
Yang Hyun-Jun – 6
Tried to inject energy on the right but struggled to find space against a disciplined Rangers defence.
Final Thoughts
Celtic showed tremendous fight to claw their way back into the game after a poor first half, but the late sucker punch from Hamza Igamane proved to be the difference. Maeda and Hatate were positives for the Hoops, but defensive mistakes and a sluggish start cost them dearly. Brendan Rodgers will need to rally the team against Hearts at Celtic Park after the international break.
What game were you at Johnston was a nightmare worst game in sice coming to Celtic should have been replaced at half time
Johnston was abysmal.. He’d be lucky to get half the score this page awarded him
Way too generous with those rankings, big fail by the manager ,against a failed Alloa manager, and red neck for the players, schooled by a team of journeymen, embarassing!.