Rangers manager Danny Rohl is targeting a repeat of last weekend's explosive first-half performance to silence the massive Celtic support expected at Ibrox for Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final showdown.
Celtic Fans Return to Ibrox in Force
Under cup competition regulations, Rangers have allocated the entire Broomloan Stand to Celtic supporters, marking the first time since 2018 that approximately 7,500 Hoops fans will roar inside Ibrox. This creates a significantly different atmosphere compared to last Sunday's Premiership clash, where just over 2,000 away supporters witnessed Rangers' dominant opening period.
First-Half Masterclass Provides Blueprint
In that league encounter, the Light Blues stormed to a 2-0 halftime lead thanks to a spectacular brace from Youssef Chermiti, leaving the traveling Celtic contingent with little to celebrate. Rohl described those opening 50 minutes as "really, really outstanding" and emphasized how the electric atmosphere fueled his team's forward momentum.
"The atmosphere was incredible at 50 minutes, really incredible," Rohl recalled. "It was amazing to feel this. We pushed our players forward, forward."
Learning from Second-Half Collapse
However, the match took a dramatic turn after halftime as Celtic mounted a spirited comeback, culminating in Reo Hatate's last-gasp equalizer for a 2-2 draw. Rohl acknowledged this shift, noting, "Then it comes to 2-1 and you feel it in the stadium as well. But this is also part of the game."
Despite the disappointment of surrendering their lead, Rohl insists his squad has conducted a positive debrief and enters the cup tie with renewed confidence. "We spoke about the good things, we spoke about the things we have to improve," he explained.
Full Squad Available for Crucial Encounter
The German manager revealed he has a complete complement of players in training, with recent sessions showing "good intensity, good mindset, very focused." He emphasized the importance of belief and trust heading into what promises to be a fiercely contested cup match.
"I don't know when was the last time Rangers dominated Celtic like this in the first 50 minutes," Rohl stated. "I think this is the focus where we are and what we want to do over 90 minutes, of course, or 95 and if it's necessary over 120 minutes."
Title Race Still Alive Despite Setback
Rohl reminded everyone that Rangers remain firmly in the Premiership title race despite the late equalizer, pointing to a missed opportunity that could have made it 3-0. "Football is football," he reflected. "It's about decision-making, it's about focus, what we can influence."
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss concluded with a determined message: "I see a group who is really ready to go again and also the belief that we can beat them." His strategy is clear - harness the energy from their first-half dominance to quiet the Celtic faithful and secure passage to the Scottish Cup semifinals.
