Celtic moved closer to a third successive Scottish Premiership title with a 2-1 win over 10-year-old Rangers in a frenetic Old Firm derby on Saturday to take a six-point lead at the top of the table.
The hosts, with 87 points, want one more point to lift the trophy with two rounds remaining.
“Don’t take it for granted, stay calm. We’ve got a lot of paints to do this week,” manager Brendan Rodgers said. “Let’s make our plan and next Saturday we can have some fun. “
Matt O’Riley gave the hosts the lead in the 35th minute with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box after a cross from Callum McGregor. Rangers defender John Lundstram deflected a cross from Daizen Maeda into his account 3 minutes later to double. Celta’s forward line.
Rangers reduced Celtic’s merit two minutes later when Cyriel Dessers headed in from point-blank range, but things got worse for them before the break with Lundstram sent off for a challenge on Alistair Johnston.
Mohamed Diomande brought down O’Riley in the box early in the second half, but goal scorer Jack Butland scored the penalty to deny O’Riley a second goal and keep Rangers in the game.
“I practiced penalty shootouts and I probably felt indecisive,” O’Riley said.
Chances multiplied for Celtic, with Maeda scoring twice but being caught offside as the hosts held their narrow lead to seal the win.
While Celtic have a hand in the Premiership trophy, Rangers have a chance to exact revenge on their arch-rivals when they meet in the Scottish Cup final on May 25.
Celtic visit Kilmarnock on Wednesday and a draw would secure the title.
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