Celtic take lead after just 21 seconds in Old Firm Derby against Rangers thanks to Daizen Maeda’s ‘monstrous’ goal at Ibrox
Celtic stunned the crowd at Ibrox by taking the lead after just 21 seconds thanks to Daizen Maeda’s freak goal against Rangers.
The Old Firm rivals went into the clash separated by just a single point, with Brendan Rodgers’ side leading the way on top.
Celtic have triumphed in both ties this season and have arrived in good form, having bounced back from failing to meet their standards at the start of the year.
Maeda charged down an attempted clearance from James Tavernier and saw the ball cannon past a helpless Jack Butland in goal.
Although quick, the Japanese international’s strike was not quick enough to become the fastest goal in Old Firm history. That honor is held by Mail Sport’s Chris Sutton.
The former Celtic striker scored just 19 seconds into his side’s 3-2 defeat to their arch-rivals in December 2022.
Although they haven’t been at their best recently, it’s Rangers’ form that has made this season’s title race so compelling, as Philippe Clement’s side have won 11 of their last 12 Premiership matches Scottish.
The Ibrox side have won just one of their last 12 championships, with several to come as they climb back up the league table, now just two clear of the team’s all-time total. their rivals of 53.
