On a day when Celtic had little to prove but plenty of pride to protect, Adam Idah ensured that Rangers’ hopes of ending their domestic campaign with bragging rights were reduced to rubble at Ibrox. The Irishman’s deflected second-half strike not only cancelled out Cyriel Dessers’ opener but extended Rangers’ winless run at home against their bitter rivals to a historically grim seventh game — the longest such sequence in their storied history.

While the title had long been sewn up by Brendan Rodgers’ side, the notion that this derby was meaningless was swiftly laughed off in a contest crackling with tension, controversy, and old scores still to be settled.

Barry Ferguson, leading Rangers in what may well be his final Old Firm bout as interim boss, demanded fire and purpose from his players — and, for the first 45 minutes, he got it.

Nicolas Raskin thought he’d broken the deadlock with an early header, but VAR’s icy grip ruled him offside. Celtic looked vulnerable — particularly from set-pieces, a flaw Rodgers had flagged pre-match — and were lucky to see Leon Balogun’s point-blank header clatter the bar rather than the net.

Eventually, the breakthrough came. It was Dessers again — goal number 25 in a season marked as much by scrutiny as by strikes. A flowing Rangers move ended with the striker shrugging off Liam Scales and burying his finish low past Sinisalo to ignite Ibrox.

But as they’ve done so often this season, Celtic responded with maturity and steel. Maeda’s burst down the left forced chaos in the box, and when the ball fell to Idah, the striker swivelled smartly before drilling a shot — via a deflection — beyond Liam Kelly.

The linesman’s flag came up. For a moment, Ibrox celebrated. But VAR — this time in Celtic’s favour — ruled that Maeda was passive, not interfering. Goal. One apiece.

Rangers, for all their aggression, couldn’t muster another telling blow. Celtic, though far from fluid, managed the latter stages smartly, denying the hosts any clear sight of a winner. Maeda might’ve stolen all three points late on but scuffed a golden chance on the break.

In the end, it was a result that encapsulates much of Rangers’ season: promise, frustration, and familiar failings at home.

Talking Points

Rangers’ Ibrox Curse Deepens
Seven without a win against Celtic at Ibrox is more than a blemish — it’s a scar on the psyche of a club still reeling from losing the league with barely a whimper. Ferguson’s men showed character but once again lacked killer instinct.

Celtic’s Mentality Remains Unshaken
Already champions, and having shipped three goals in each of their previous three derbies, Celtic might have wilted. Instead, they dug in and salvaged a point through grit and nous — exactly the qualities that have made Rodgers’ men worthy champions.

Idah’s Big Moment
It hasn’t been a headline-grabbing spell in Glasgow for the Republic of Ireland striker, but in the white-hot atmosphere of Ibrox, he delivered. His sharp turn and finish spoke of a player growing into the shirt at just the right time.

What They Said

Barry Ferguson, Rangers interim head coach:

“The effort and energy were there. We scored a good goal and handled most of what Celtic threw at us. But the quality in key moments — that’s where we need to improve.”

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager:

“Once we adapted to their shape, I thought we controlled large parts of the game. The goal was deserved, and I never felt like we were under sustained pressure. It’s a result that reflects the character in the team.”