The latest installment between Rangers and Celtic was everything you’d expect from a derby that could decide the Scottish Premiership title.
Rangers beat Celtic to go 2-0 ahead thanks to a brace from Youssef Chermiti.
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However, the Boise turned things around in the second half, pulling one back through Kieran Tierney and a late penalty to level the score at 2-2.
Here are three things we learned.
Leo Hartart can still be a difference-maker for Celtic
Celtic star Reo Hatate is having a terrible season by his own standards.
He has been struggling to find confidence, looks out of sorts and looks nothing like the influential figures who once starred in these big games.
However, he came on as a substitute at Ibrox and delivered the dagger against the Gers, reminding everyone of his ability.
The Celtics are in desperate need of a spark before he takes the court. They were overwhelmed physically and tactically.
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Hatat changed the color of his tie. His first shot sent Rangers retreating.
Hartat played two key passes, with a total pass completion rate of 27/28. He played a key role in pushing the Celtics forward.
His penalty was saved twice before he finally scored, summing up his afternoon. ruthless.
Sixteen of the Celtics’ 17 shots came after the first 45, and he was key to that momentum shift.
Hart could be a trump card for Celtic coach Martin O’Neill in this title race. They need the Japanese midfielder to be brave, confident and decisive.
Hatat’s performance today embodies the saying “Form is temporary, class is eternal.”
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Rangers’ title bid is effectively over
For 45 minutes, Rangers looked set to win this game and claim their first league title since 2021.
The Ger people are fierce, powerful, sleek, and absolutely dominant. They took an early lead and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Then came the familiar surrender.
Rangers have squandered a big advantage in recent weeks and continue to underperform when they should be hitting their stride.
Their weaknesses were exposed again. The Celtics roared, they cowered. They went from aggressors to passives, and as expected, their confidence waned.
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Head coach Danny Rohr reiterated the importance of clawing back a six-point deficit with nine games remaining.
Mathematically, this is possible. Mentally, this Rangers team just doesn’t have it.
This is their chance to show they are stronger than their competitors. Suffocating them and their hopes of retaining their crown, they withered away.
With Hearts currently in pole position having won just three of their past eight games, this draw feels like the final nail in the coffin of their title pursuits.
Celtic’s second half was Scotland’s best
The Celtics struggled in the first half but responded like the defending champions.
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Suddenly, they’re no longer a bullied team in the top 45, they’re ruthless.
The Boyce deserved Tierney’s goal. They kept up the pressure and eventually broke through the Rangers defenders. Since then, the Mongols have been in trouble.
The psychology of it all is fascinating. Rangers were riding high with confidence, but they were suddenly paralyzed while their opponents were reborn from scratch.
Celtic were braver and controlled the tempo like a team determined to retain the Scottish Premiership title for another year.
If Celtic can maintain this intensity for 90 minutes, they are the best team in Scotland.
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Unfortunately, they have been extremely inconsistent this season and performed poorly in games they should have won.
Still, their ceiling is the highest in the league.
With a derby record and a game in hand, their side has plenty of momentum and this clash could be seen as a rekindling of their title bid.
Ultimately, the draw favored Hearts, but Celtic showed they would be there to unnerve them and wait for any mistakes.