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Celtic kept themselves firmly in control of the Scottish Premiership title race as a late Kyogo strike earned them a 2-2 draw at Ibrox, denying Rangers what would have been a pivotal comeback win.
Michael Beale’s side went into the first Old Firm derby of 2023 knowing it was effectively a must-win match if they were to keep themselves within range of their biggest rivals, but made the worst possible start as Daizen Maeda gave Celtic an early lead after pouncing on a terrible pass from Alfredo Morelos.
The second-half was a different story though as Rangers responded, Ryan Kent with a brilliant curling strike and then James Tavernier from the penalty spot netting in quick succession as the hosts turned the match around. However, Kyogo struck with two minutes remaining for the visitors to maintain Celtic’s nine-point cushion at the top of the table.
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So that’s 20 matches played by the top two teams in Scotland.
Celtic sit on 55 points, nine clear of Rangers who have a mountain to climb if they’re to deny their rivals a second successive title.
The teams next meet on April 8 at Celtic Park.
Huge moment in the title race
FT: Rangers 2-2 Celtic
It does indeed finish level.
Rangers were poor in the first-half but responded after the break and turned things around through goals from Kent and Tavernier.
But Kyogo has denied them a crucial win, and kept Celtic firmly in charge of the title race.
90+6 mins: Ryan Jacks into the book too, yellow cards starting to flow now.
Hart launches a long ball forward, bounces out of play though. Looks like this will be finish all square.
90+3 mins: Bit scrappy from both teams, to be expected considering the situation.
McGregor caught on the ball and Rangers look to break, until the Celtic captain brings a swift halt to that. First yellow card of the match.
90 mins: Seven minutes added on!
Well then. Plenty of time for either side to find a winner.
GOAL! Rangers 2-2 Celtic | Kyogo 88′
CELTIC EQUALISE!
That’s a massive goal for the visitors! Mooy cuts the ball back into the box, bit of a scramble but it falls for Kyogo and he lashes it into the back of the net.
87 mins: It’s Rangers who still look the most likely to score.
This time it’s Kamara in behind after a pass from Kent, he’s closed down by Carter-Vickers though and the chance goes.
84 mins: Sensational block from Carter-Vickers as Rangers looked certain to score.
The hosts fly forward on the counter, Kent slides Tillman in but he’s denied by a brilliant bit of defending.
82 mins: Long ball over the top from McGregor, Jota briefly looks to be in but he can’t take it in his stride.
Has to settle for knocking it out for a throw-in, just wanted to avoid giving McGregor the chance to take an age over a goal-kick.
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