Match Report: Rangers and Celtic Play Out Bore Draw in Old Firm | OneFootball

Rangers and Celtic Cancel Each Other Out in Scottish Premiership Stalemate

Rangers’ wait for a first Scottish Premiership victory of the campaign stretched on as Russell Martin’s side were held to a tense 0-0 draw against Celtic at Ibrox. The match, played in front of more than 50,000 supporters, was energetic but largely devoid of genuine attacking quality.

The home fans thought they had their breakthrough when John Souttar’s thumping header rippled the net, only for VAR to intervene and rule him offside. That moment summed up Rangers’ evening, plenty of endeavour but little reward.

Celtic offered even less in the opening period. Brendan Rodgers’ team failed to register a single attempt before half-time, finishing the first 45 minutes with an expected goals tally of 0.00. The visitors struggled to find any rhythm in possession and their new attacking recruits, Bojan Miovski and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, were unable to make an impact on debut.

Martin’s Pragmatism Steadies Rangers

After three league matches without victory and a humbling defeat in Europe against Brugge, Rangers entered the derby under heavy pressure. Martin responded with a disciplined approach. His side were committed, organised and risk-averse, ensuring Celtic’s usually potent attack was contained.

There was frustration when referee Don Robertson waved away strong penalty appeals as Liam Scales appeared to barge into Miovski early on. Beyond that, Rangers did not create much but, crucially, they avoided the lapses in concentration that have marred previous performances.

Martin has spoken about wanting his Rangers team to play high-risk, attacking football in time, but for now the baby steps are clear. The immediate priority is stability, and in that respect this display marked progress.

The result leaves Rangers in sixth place after four matches, six points behind leaders Celtic. While far from inspiring, the clean sheet against the reigning champions provided a degree of reassurance for Martin and the Ibrox faithful.

Celtic’s Worrying Lack of Sharpness

From a Celtic perspective, this was a deeply underwhelming showing. Rodgers’ side looked flat, uninspired and alarmingly short of ideas in the final third. The intensity, movement and fluid attacking football that defined their play last season was absent.

Benjamin Nygren and Balikwisha were busy but ineffective, while Daizen Maeda looked far from the player who shone so brightly last term. Reo Hatate, usually a reliable metronome in midfield, struggled with misplaced passes and limited influence.

Celtic remain unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership and the transfer window still allows for reinforcements, so there is no cause for panic. However, there will be concern at how quickly performance levels have dropped and whether Rodgers can reignite his attacking unit.

What Lies Ahead

Both managers will know there is much work to do. Rangers face Hearts at Ibrox on 13 September, a fixture that offers Martin the chance to finally deliver a league win. Celtic travel to Kilmarnock the following day, seeking to rediscover their edge in attack.

This Old Firm encounter may not be remembered for drama or quality, but it laid bare the challenges both clubs must address if they are to set the pace in the Scottish Premiership this season.