The Rangers star who didn’t even score just lost a masterclass against Celtic

Glasgow Rangers entered 2025 securing their first Old Firm win since May 2023 in a dominant performance Philippe Clementpeople at Ibrox.

Going into the traditional festive clash between the two teams, Celtic were overwhelming favorites to put even more pressure on Clement as they looked to go 17 points clear in Premiership.

The Rangers had other ideas. They established their authority early on when Ianis Hagi scored a wonderful goal and the Light Blues kept their foot off the gas throughout the clash.

Second-half goals from Robin Propper and Danilo secured a stunning 3-0 win as a host of players shone throughout the game.

Rangers’ best players against Celtic

Honestly, it’s hard to single out just one standout player. They all fought for each other and showed a lot of fight against a team that has caused the club so much pain lately.

Nicolas Raskin got the captain’s armband and was wonderful. Belgian won 60% of his duelsmade two key passes and looked solid in the heart of midfield.

Hagi produced arguably his best performance since suffering a serious knee injury in January 2022.

In addition to taking the first kick, the Romanian made four key passes, registered five shots and sent eight crosses.

On the opposite wing, Vaclav Cerny showed plenty of attacking intent, even hitting the post twice during the game to add to his goal tally.

Special mention goes to Mohamed Diomande, however, as the midfielder was the heart of the team, showing his class alongside Raskin in the heart of the Gers midfield.

Mohamed Diomande’s game in numbers against Celtic

Diomande did everything but get on the scoresheet against the Parkhead side. Clement has deployed him as a number ten at times this season, but this afternoon his job was to undo the Celtic team and control the game.

Completing plays with a 92% pass success rate while he took 54 touches shows just how impressive he was in doing so, not giving the Celtic players a moment’s peace to get into any kind of rhythm.

Although he may not have contributed much offensively, Diomande offered a lot defensively. Indeed, the Bjelokosac won seven of his 11 face-offs on the ground, went over the ball three times and lost possession just five times during the 90 minutes.

Journalist Jonny McFarlane even said hello Diomande as “excellent” along with Raskin and Hagi in the half, and it was a very mature game by the young African.

Clement’s first win at the Old Firm in his seventh attempt will certainly give the Light Blues plenty of confidence going into 2025. The result must act as a catalyst for the club to push on and try to catch their rivals at the top of the table.

Whatever happens, today’s 3-0 win proved that Rangers can go toe-to-toe with Celtic.