Three years ago today, Celtic’s monumental 2-1 victory at Ibrox remains one of the defining moments in recent Scottish football history. This match not only played a crucial role in Celtic’s march toward reclaiming the Scottish Premiership title but also shut down a slew of doubters, particularly those in the media who had been quick to write them off. The result, which turned the tide of the 2021/22 season, is still etched in the memories of Celtic supporters as one of their greatest triumphs in recent years.
A Season of Change: The Road to Ibrox
The 2021/22 season had been a period of immense change for Celtic. After the club’s disappointing campaign the previous year, which had seen them cede the title to their rivals, theRangers, it was clear that a fresh approach was needed. Enter Ange Postecoglou, the Australian manager who had taken over in the summer, bringing with him an exciting and dynamic brand of football. While many were skeptical about his ability to succeed in the high-pressure world of Scottish football, Postecoglou quickly proved that he was the right man for the job.
The first few months were a period of transition as Postecoglou worked to implement his vision of attacking football. At the same time, he had to deal with significant squad turnover, injuries, and the need to reintegrate players who were either out of form or had fallen out of favor under the previous manager. Despite these challenges, the team began to show the qualities that would come to define their season—speed, aggression, and an unrelenting desire to win. Celtic’s attacking play became a joy to watch, but it was the resilience and fighting spirit that Postecoglou instilled in the team that set them apart.
By the time Celtic arrived at Ibrox for the pivotal fixture on April 3, 2022, they had already begun to hit their stride. However, the league title was still very much up for grabs. TheRangers, under Steven Gerrard’s former assistant Giovanni van Bronckhorst, were defending champions, having romped to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade the previous season. While Celtic had faltered during that campaign due to a mixture of poor form and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, theRangers had capitalized on their rivals’ misfortune and built a strong team. However, even with theRangers’ strong position, Celtic had been steadily chipping away at their lead. By the time the two sides met at Ibrox, just three points separated them, and the game had all the makings of a title-deciding clash.
The Ibrox Clash: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The atmosphere at Ibrox was electric from the very first whistle. The home supporters were vocal, with their chants ringing out through the stands as they anticipated another victory. Celtic, however, knew the importance of the match. A win would send them six points clear at the top of the league, a crucial advantage with only six games left in the season. A loss for Celtic would swing the momentum firmly in theRangers’ favor, and with their defense of the title at stake, the home side would have been full of belief.
The game began in disastrous fashion for Celtic. Within the first few minutes, Aaron Ramsay—on loan from Juventus—scored an early goal for theRangers. It was a blow to Celtic’s hopes, and the home crowd erupted in celebration. The early goal seemed to settle theRangers, and for a moment, it looked as though Celtic might buckle under the pressure. Hugh Keevins, the well-known pundit, was one of many who believed theRangers would come out on top, with some even predicting a heavy defeat for Celtic. His predictions reflected the widespread perception that Celtic were still in transition and not yet equipped to take on a team like theRangers in a title-deciding match.
But Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic were not a team to be easily rattled. Despite the early setback, Celtic responded with the composure and resolve that would come to define their title charge. Midfielder Tom Rogic, often dubbed the Glasgow Derby specialist, silenced the home crowd by scoring the equalizer. His calm finish was a reminder of the big-game mentality that had been instilled in Celtic’s players. Rogic’s goal didn’t just level the score—it shifted the momentum. Celtic began to grow into the game, and the home side, who had been riding the wave of Ramsay’s early goal, suddenly looked vulnerable.
As the first half wore on, Celtic took full control. The defense, led by the ever-imposing Cameron Carter-Vickers, kept theRangers at bay, and the midfield, with Callum McGregor orchestrating play, gained dominance. The second goal came minutes before halftime, and it was a scrappy one. A free-kick was delivered into the box, and after a scramble, Cameron Carter-Vickers was in the right place at the right time to fire the ball into the back of the net. Celtic had completed an incredible turnaround, and they went into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The Ibrox crowd, which had been so loud and confident in the early stages, was now stunned into silence. Celtic had weathered the storm, responded to adversity, and were now in the driving seat. It was a stunning reversal, and the confidence from the players and their fans was palpable. However, there was still a long way to go. The second half would be a test of Celtic’s composure.
The Second Half: Nerves of Steel
As the second half kicked off, there was a brief delay due to a supporter from theRangers throwing a broken bottle onto the pitch, a dangerous and unsporting act that threatened to disrupt the flow of the game. Fortunately, no players were injured, but it highlighted the tension and volatility of the situation. Celtic, however, remained focused and composed. The game continued, and while theRangers did push forward in search of an equalizer, Celtic’s defense held firm.
Joe Hart, who had faced criticism at various points in the season, was solid in goal, making crucial saves when required. The Celtic backline, with Carter-Vickers and his defensive partner, stood tall against everything the home side threw at them. Meanwhile, Postecoglou’s tactical decisions—especially his substitutions—proved to be spot on. The manager’s understanding of the game and his ability to make the right adjustments ensured that Celtic remained in control, even as theRangers pushed for an equalizer.
In attack, Celtic had opportunities to seal the game. Liel Abada had two golden chances to put the game to bed, but his efforts were either blocked or saved by theRangers’ goalkeeper. It wasn’t the most clinical performance from Celtic, but their work rate and collective spirit were evident. Giorgos Giakoumakis, despite not being at his best, worked tirelessly up front, and Daizen Maeda’s pace caused problems for theRangers’ defense.
With every passing minute, it became increasingly clear that Celtic were going to hold on. When the final whistle blew, the relief and euphoria among the players and supporters were overwhelming. Celtic had not only won the game 2-1, but they had also taken a significant step towards reclaiming the title. The victory gave them a six-point lead at the top of the table, a lead they would not relinquish.
David Potter’s Post-Match Thoughts
In his post-match reflection, David Potter acknowledged the importance of the win but also tempered the excitement with caution. He reminded supporters that there were still six crucial games to go, and Celtic had to remain focused on each one. He also praised the tactical decisions made by Postecoglou, singling out the manager for his astute substitutions and his ability to keep the team focused under pressure. While the performance wasn’t perfect, Potter highlighted the character and determination displayed by the players, particularly in the face of the early setback.
Potter’s man of the match was Callum McGregor, whose leadership and tireless work rate were evident throughout the game. The central defenders, especially Carter-Vickers, also earned praise for their resilience and commitment. The full-backs, including Josip Juranović, who had a tough start to the game, recovered well and contributed to the team’s overall performance. While there were missed opportunities—particularly from Abada—Potter’s overall assessment was one of satisfaction with Celtic’s resilience.
The Bigger Picture: A Title in the Making
The victory at Ibrox marked a turning point in Celtic’s season. It wasn’t just the three points that were important, but the way in which Celtic had responded to adversity. The team showed that they could handle the pressure of a title race, that they had the quality to compete with their rivals, and most importantly, that they had the heart to fight for every point.
As the weeks went on, Celtic continued to build on that momentum, eventually securing the Scottish Premiership title in May 2022. The win at Ibrox had been a defining moment, a game where Celtic proved they were back at the top of Scottish football. The 2-1 victory in April was not just a result—it was a statement. It was a reminder of the power of belief, determination, and the quality of the team that Ange Postecoglou had built. It was a game that Celtic fans would remember for years to come, not only because of the significance of the result but because of the way the team showed their true character when it mattered most.
The victory at Ibrox was also a vindication of Postecoglou’s vision. While he had faced skepticism from some corners of the football world, the triumph that day demonstrated that his approach to the game—based on attacking football, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude—had what it took to succeed in Scotland. And as Celtic went on to claim the title, it became clear that the win at Ibrox had been the catalyst for a glorious season, one that would be remembered as the start of a new era of dominance for Celtic under Postecoglou.