Derek McInnes praised his Rangers side’s confidence and resilience following a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Celtic Park, a result that closes the gap to their Old Firm rivals to just two points in the Scottish Premiership title race. McInnes expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, describing the triumph as a worthy and highly important three points in the context of the league. The win marks a significant step forward for the Rangers manager as he seeks to establish his side as genuine title contenders in a fiercely competitive season.
Reflecting on the tactical battle, McInnes noted that his team played with a great deal of confidence and kept Celtic’s potent attacking options at arm’s length throughout the contest. Although he was slightly disappointed that his side did not capitalize on other opportunities to extend their lead, he acknowledged that nobody could deny them the hard-fought victory. He emphasized that while Celtic always possess the quality to create chances, Rangers’ defensive discipline and composure ensured they secured the crucial three points.
This Old Firm triumph arrives amidst a dramatic three-way title race that has kept the Scottish Premiership on edge. Hearts have held the top spot for much of the campaign, but Celtic and Rangers remain closely poised to overtake them. The intense competition has seen Celtic previously defeat Rangers 3-1 in a gripping derby, only for McInnes’ side to respond with this statement win. Celtic assistant Shaun Maloney has warned that there will be plenty more twists in the tale before the season concludes in May, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the championship.
The victory provides a welcome boost for McInnes, who has faced a challenging start to his tenure. Rangers began the 2026-2027 season with a 1-1 draw away to Dundee United and subsequently suffered a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian at Ibrox, a match compounded by a serious injury to star striker Youssef Chermiti. Despite those early setbacks that left the team trailing, McInnes has consistently defended his squad’s quality, insisting they are not as bad as critics suggest. He has focused on integrating his players, establishing rhythm, and building the connections necessary to sustain a title challenge.
As Rangers prepare for their upcoming trip to Livingston, the focus remains on maintaining the momentum and confidence displayed at Celtic Park. McInnes’ quest to build a winning culture at Ibrox is ongoing, but this triumph proves that his side has the resilience and capability to compete at the highest level. With the title race wide open and every point critical, Rangers’ victory demonstrates their determination to play a major role in the season’s finale.
