Rangers 3-0 Celtic: Dan Neil double fires Gers into League Cup semi-finals in Old Firm statement

Rangers produced a commanding performance at Ibrox to beat Celtic 3-0 in the first Old Firm clash of the 2026/27 season, sending Derek McInnes’ side into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals in emphatic fashion.

Captain Dan Neil stole the show on his Old Firm debut, scoring twice, while summer signing Kevin Kelsy also found the net on his derby debut. The result gives McInnes his first victory over Celtic as Rangers manager and represents one of the biggest statements of his tenure so far.

The victory was also significant because Rangers had endured a difficult European campaign earlier in the season, while Celtic arrived at Ibrox unbeaten domestically.

Yet there was little to separate the sides on paper once the match began, as Rangers’ intensity and pressing repeatedly unsettled the visitors.

Dan Neil breaks the deadlock

Rangers started with purpose and were rewarded in the 23rd minute.

Neil, wearing the captain’s armband in the absence of Lawrence Shankland, opened the scoring with his first goal for Rangers. The midfielder’s strike gave the hosts the advantage and sent an already charged Ibrox atmosphere into another gear.

The goal was particularly memorable for Neil, who was making his first appearance in an Old Firm derby.

Celtic struggled to respond with any sustained attacking pressure. Rangers’ aggressive man-for-man approach prevented Martin O’Neill’s team from establishing the control they have shown during their strong domestic start.

The visitors were repeatedly forced backwards, while Rangers looked dangerous whenever they recovered possession and attacked with pace.

Kelsy doubles Rangers' advantage

Rangers continued to dictate the contest after the interval and eventually found the second goal just before the hour mark.

Kevin Kelsy made it 2-0 in the 59th minute, scoring his first goal for Rangers after his summer move. It was another landmark moment for the forward, who was also making his Old Firm debut.

The goal left Celtic facing a difficult task, but Rangers showed little sign of allowing their rivals back into the contest.

Celtic struggled to create clear opportunities, while Rangers continued to win important individual battles across the pitch. Djeidi Gassama was particularly effective on the left, causing problems for the Celtic defence with his movement and direct running.

Neil completes a memorable derby double

With Celtic unable to produce the response they needed, Rangers put the result beyond doubt in the 75th minute.

Neil struck again to complete his brace and make it 3-0, producing a spectacular finish that capped an outstanding individual performance.

The captain's second goal effectively ended any hopes of a Celtic comeback and completed a remarkable afternoon for the summer recruit.

Neil had entered the match looking to make an impression on his first Old Firm appearance. He left it having scored twice and helped deliver McInnes his first derby victory as Rangers manager.

Rangers' intensity overwhelms Celtic

The scoreline reflected the balance of the afternoon.

Rangers were aggressive without the ball, competed strongly in midfield and repeatedly forced Celtic into rushed decisions. The visitors struggled to match the hosts physically and were unable to generate the sustained pressure required to change the direction of the game.

Rangers also showed greater attacking clarity. Their movement created openings, while their delivery from wide areas repeatedly threatened Celtic's defence.

The victory was made even more striking by the fact that Celtic had entered the game with a perfect domestic record. The defeat was their first domestic loss of the season.

For McInnes, the performance provided evidence that his side can compete at the highest level of Scottish football when they combine their physical intensity with attacking quality.

Rangers march into the semi-finals

The 3-0 victory sends Rangers through to the League Cup semi-finals, where they will face Aberdeen.

Hearts and Hibernian will contest the other semi-final, with the matches scheduled for the weekend of 31 October and 1 November.

The result also provides Rangers with a major psychological boost before the next Old Firm meeting, which will take place at Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership on 20 September.

There is therefore little time for either side to dwell on the result. Celtic will have an opportunity to respond almost immediately, while Rangers will enter the next meeting with the confidence that comes from a comprehensive derby victory.

For now, however, the bragging rights belong firmly to Rangers.

McInnes has his first Old Firm win. Neil has his first derby goals. Kelsy has his first Rangers goal.

And Rangers are through to the League Cup semi-finals after one of their most convincing performances of the season.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: How impressed were you with Dan Neil’s Old Firm debut?

🔥 Fire: Did Rangers produce their best performance under Derek McInnes?

😲 Shock: Were you surprised by Celtic’s lack of attacking threat?

👍 Like: Can Rangers challenge Celtic for the league title this season?

💬 Comment: What was your biggest takeaway from the 3-0 Old Firm win?