Celtic's manager, Wilfried Nancy, is facing increased pressure after Rangers secured a 3-1 victory in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park. This defeat marks Nancy's sixth loss in his first eight games in charge.
Celtic dominated the first half, with Yang Hyun-jun scoring a superb solo goal in the 19th minute. Celtic were dominant and could have been further ahead by halftime. Auston Trusty missed a good chance, heading wide from an Arne Engels corner, and Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland denied Johnny Kenny.
Rangers emerged a different side after the break. Youssef Chermiti scored an easy equalizer in the 50th minute. Nine minutes later, Chermiti capitalized on poor defending by Trusty to score his second, giving Rangers the lead. Mikey Moore sealed the victory in the 71st minute with a low strike past Kasper Schmeichel.
The result leaves Celtic level on points with Rangers but behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. Rangers are now unbeaten in five Old Firm derbies.
The defeat has intensified the scrutiny on Wilfried Nancy. Before the game, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton said that he struggled to find a supporter who wanted Nancy at the club. The Celtic board faces a critical decision about Nancy's future.
The Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers is one of the world's most intense football rivalries. The rivalry is rooted in historical, religious, and social divisions within Glasgow. Celtic was founded in 1887 to alleviate poverty in Glasgow's East End, which was predominantly Irish Catholic, while Rangers' fan base is mostly Protestant. As of today, Celtic and Rangers have played each other 449 times in major competitions; Rangers have won 172 matches, Celtic 171, and 106 have ended in a draw.
