Celtic vs Rangers derby defeat

Pressure continues to mount at Celtic as a damaging 3–1 home defeat to Rangers intensifies scrutiny on head coach Wilfried Nancy. What unfolded at Parkhead was not merely another loss, but a match that encapsulated Celtic’s wider collapse—on the pitch, in the stands, and at boardroom level.

Nancy’s emotional pre-match press conference, where he appealed for patience and perspective, already hinted at a manager under siege. However, this sixth defeat in eight matches has only accelerated the sense that time is rapidly running out. Celtic’s directors now face a defining decision: continue backing a struggling project or concede that the appointment has failed.

A Promising First Half That Fooled No One

For the opening 45 minutes, Celtic actually looked like a team worthy of belief. Aggressive pressing, quick transitions, and midfield runners unsettled Rangers early on. The home crowd, anxious at kick-off, found its voice as Celtic grew into the derby.

That dominance was deservedly rewarded when Yang Hyun-jun produced a moment of brilliance. Collecting the ball near the right touchline, Yang skipped past two hesitant defenders before unleashing a thunderous strike into the roof of the net. It was a stunning goal and a reminder of his untapped potential, especially given how close he came to leaving the club during the previous transfer window.

Celtic should have doubled their lead before the break. Clear chances fell to Johnny Kenny and Auston Trusty, while Rangers appeared rattled whenever early balls were played behind their defence. Yet, the failure to capitalise would prove costly—a recurring flaw under Nancy’s tenure.

Rangers Respond, Celtic Collapse

Any sense of control evaporated early in the second half. Rangers returned with renewed intensity and quickly exposed Celtic’s fragility. Five minutes after the restart, Youssef Chermiti finished from close range after Nico Raskin broke free in midfield. The equaliser was deserved, but Celtic’s response was alarmingly passive.

That moment marked the true test of Nancy’s leadership. Once again, his team failed it. A sloppy throw-in allowed Chermiti to steal possession and surge through on goal, calmly beating Kasper Schmeichel to give Rangers the lead.

Worse was to follow. A speculative effort from Mikey Moore should have been comfortably handled, but Schmeichel reacted painfully slowly. The third goal confirmed a dramatic turnaround and further exposed a goalkeeper whose declining form has been ignored for far too long.

Fan Revolt and Boardroom Silence

As Rangers took control, sections of the Celtic support began to leave. Those who remained directed their fury toward the board, chanting against leadership that has overseen a sharp decline since Celtic’s fleeting promise in last season’s Champions League run, when even Bayern Munich were briefly unsettled.

Key figures were conspicuously absent. Majority shareholder Dermot Desmond was nowhere to be seen, months after publicly criticising Brendan Rodgers following his departure. The silence now feels louder than ever.

What Comes Next for Celtic?

Rangers did not need a fourth goal to celebrate. The result moves them level on points and fuels belief that the title race is firmly alive. For Celtic, however, the questions are far more existential.

This match showed both sides of Nancy’s reign: fleeting attacking promise and chronic mental weakness. Until Celtic learn to manage adversity, any progress will remain fragile. Whether Nancy is given the chance to fix those flaws now rests with a board under increasing fire.

One thing is clear—Celtic are no longer in crisis mode. They are living in it.