Photo via Sky Sports

What we learned from first Old Firm clash of season

Derek McInnes led Rangers to a comprehensive victory over Martin O'Neill's Celtic to book their spot in the League Cup semi-finals. Dan Neil delivered a standout performance, outshining an isolated Callum McGregor in the middle of the pitch while converting two pinpoint efforts from distance, while Kevin Kelsy added a back-post volley to secure a three-goal triumph.

McInnes' structural adjustments proved decisive, as full-back James Penrice inverted to crowd the central third, wing-backs Djeidi Gassama and Minsu Kim supplied width, and a back three of Dujon Sterling, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Olwethu Makhanya held firm in direct matchups.

The loss highlighted an ongoing defensive vulnerability for Celtic in high-stakes fixtures, coming on the heels of their previous breakdown against LASK when they surrendered a 4-0 advantage. After the third goal went in, McGregor demanded his back line concede nothing further, underscoring Celtic's struggles as the Glasgow rivals prepare to square off for the second time in a single week.