Rangers salvage draw against Celtic in title thriller

GLASGOW: Rangers staged a pulsating fightback from two goals down to snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw against Scotish Premiership leaders Celtic as the title race ignited on Sunday.

Trailing Celtic by just one point heading into the Ibrox showdown, Philippe Clement’s side were rocked when Daizen Maeda gave the visitors the lead ater just 21 seconds.

Rangers fell further behind in the 34th minute when Mat O’riley converted a penalty.

But Rangers captain James Tavernier scored from the spot in the 55th minute to give the hosts renewed hope.

Abdallah Sima equalised in the 86th minute of a rollercoaster clash, only for Celtic’s Adam Idah to net seconds later as Brendan Rodgers’ men moved within touching distance of a priceless victory.

Rangers substitute Rabbi Matondo grabbed the leveller deep into stoppage time to leave the title batle on a knife edge.

Second-placed rangers remain one point behind Celtic but have a game in hand against Dundee on Wednesday that would take them top with a victory.

They also still have to go to Celtic Park for one last Old Firm derby this term.

Less than a minute had elapsed before Celtic lit the fuse of an explosive encounter.

Joe Hart’s long clearance went past a hesitant Tavernier, who tried to clear under pressure from Maeda but the ball rebounded off the Japan attacker and sped low past keeper Jack Butland from just inside the area.

Rangers were shaken by that freak goal and Butland had to make good saves to deny Maeda and Reo Hatate as Celtic pushed for a second goal that arrived ater 30 minutes.

When referee john beat on checked his pitch side monitor at the behest of VAR, he decided the ball had struck Rangers defender Connor Goldson on the elbow and awarded a penalty.