The latest installment of the Rangers-Celtic rivalry delivered everything expected of a derby that will likely determine where the Scottish Premiership title ends.
Rangers took a 2-0 lead thanks to the electric Youssef Chermiti, who scored a stellar double to surprise Celtic.
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However, the Bhoys turned the tide in the second half, managing to come from behind through Kieran Tierney before a late penalty sealed a 2-2 draw.
Here are three things we learned.
Reo Hatate can still make a difference for Celtic
Celtic star Reo Hatate has had a poor season by his own standards.
He has struggled to regain confidence and appeared in a bad mood, a shadow of the influential figure who once starred in these great games.
However, he came off the bench at Ibrox to throw the dagger at the Gers, reminding everyone of his quality.
Going into it, Celtic desperately needed a spark. They were outmatched physically and tactically.
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Hatate changed the tone of the tie. Their first attempt caused the Rangers to retreat.
Hatate played two key passes and completed 27/28 passes in total. He played a key role in driving Celtic up the pitch.
His penalty, which was saved twice before he was finally able to score, summed up his afternoon. Relentless.
Sixteen of Celtic’s 17 shots came after the first 45, and he was key to that momentum shift.
In this title race, Hatate could be an ace up the sleeve for Celtic manager Martin O’Neill. They need the Japanese midfielder to be brave, assertive and decisive.
Hatate’s performance today embodies the phrase “Form is temporary, class is permanent.”
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Rangers’ title race is effectively over
For 45 minutes, Rangers looked like they could win the tie and claim their first league title since 2021.
The Gers were fierce, formidable, cunning and absolutely dominant. They took an early lead, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Then came the well-known capitulation.
The Rangers have blown a good lead in recent weeks and continue to stutter when they should be hitting it.
His most vulnerable part was once again on display. Celtic roared and cowered. They went from being the aggressor to being passive and, as expected, their confidence decreased.
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Coach Danny Rohl reiterated that there are nine games left, which is huge, to recover a six-point gap.
Mathematically it is possible. Psychologically, this Rangers team doesn’t have it.
This was their chance to show that they are made of stronger stuff than their rivals. They suffocated them and their hope of keeping the crown, but they withered.
With just three wins in their last eight games in all competitions and Hearts in the lead, this draw looks like the final nail in the coffin of their title chase.
Celtic’s level in the second half is the best in Scotland
Celtic suffered a lot in the first half, but responded like the current champions.
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Suddenly, they were no longer the team that had been bullied in the first 45 minutes. They were relentless.
The Bhoys deserved Tierney’s goal. They kept up the pressure and finally broke the Rangers’ rearguard. From then on, the Gers were on the ropes.
The psychology of it all is fascinating. The Rangers were brimming with confidence, but were suddenly paralyzed as their rivals came back from nowhere.
Celtic were braver and set the pace, playing like a team determined to retain their Scottish Premiership title for another year.
If Celtic can maintain this intensity for 90 minutes, they will be the best team in Scotland.
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Unfortunately, they have been wildly inconsistent this season, slipping into games they should be winning.
Still, they have the highest ceiling in the league.
With momentum on their side following their derby exploits and a game in hand, this clash could be seen as the resurgence of their title challenge.
In the end, a draw favors Hearts, but Celtic showed that they will be there to trouble them, waiting for any slip-up.