Rangers' emphatic 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final on Sunday has made headlines around the world, with international media praising the Ibrox side's dominance. Dan Neil scored twice and Kevin Kelsy added a third as Derek McInnes's reign at Ibrox truly kicked off.
Dominant display draws global praise
The performance had both Rangers supporters and global observers seriously impressed. Aside from Michael Beale getting one over Ange Postecoglou after the title was gone, this was as comprehensive as Steven Gerrard's side was during the 20/21 season. Martin O'Neill offered no excuses, and how could he? This domination was as pronounced as it was sustained.
Celtic's goal has become a magnet for the opposition to get shots away as Rangers started well and finished with a bang. Here's how eyes transfixed from across the world viewed a signature day for Rangers.
L'Equipe (France)
The first Old Firm derby of the season went decisively in Rangers' favour. In the League Cup quarter-final on Sunday, Glasgow Rangers cruised to a 3-0 victory over Celtic at Ibrox Stadium. The man of the match was none other than Dan Neil. The 24-year-old midfielder, who arrived this summer from his boyhood club Sunderland, scored twice. The second goal was scored by another new signing, Venezuelan striker Kevin Kelsy.
Record (Portugal)
Rangers secured their place in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup on Sunday after a convincing 3-0 home win against their eternal Glasgow rivals Celtic in the quarter-finals. In the 394th Old Firm derby, Rangers were superior and won with a brace from Englishman Dan Neil in the 22nd and 75th minutes, and a goal from Venezuelan Kevin Kelsy in the 59th minute. The two teams will meet again next week in the Scottish Premiership, but this time at Celtic's home ground. This was the first domestic defeat for Celtic, who lead the Scottish League with a 100 per cent winning record, with 18 points, five more than Rangers.
A Bola (Portugal) and Voetbal Primeur (Belgium)
A Bola noted that Benfica's opponent in the Europa League league stage suffered their first domestic defeat this season. Dan Neil was the star of the match, scoring twice. The 24-year-old midfielder opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and sealed the victory in the 75th minute with a fantastic shot. In between, Kelsy extended the lead (59'), securing their fifth consecutive win. Rangers beamed in the first derby of the season and progressed in the competition. The next duel between the two teams is scheduled for next week, with Celtic hosting the match, which counts towards the seventh round of the Scottish league.
Voetbal Primeur reported that Rangers made a clear statement in the Old Firm on Sunday. The Glasgow team beat Celtic 3-0 at home and thereby qualified for the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup. Belgian international Nico Raskin played the full match and was one of the standout players for Rangers. After the World Cup, Raskin seemed headed for a transfer to one of the major European leagues, but ultimately stayed at Rangers. Against Celtic, the midfielder showed once again why he is so important to his club. The Red Devil demonstrated dominance with his work rate and aggression. Celtic could offer little in response.
Game Day (Brazil)
Dan Neil scored two goals and Rangers settled the first Old Firm derby of the season at home: a 3-0 victory over Celtic in the Scottish Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, securing their place in the semi-finals. The Glasgow derby has a second part coming up soon: Derek McInnes and Martin O'Neill's teams will meet again in a week, with Celtic needing to respond quickly to a defeat that leaves no room for doubt.
