Celtic finally had a full house for an Old Firm in Celtic Park again on Wednesday night – and it was very much so Paradise for the Hoops, as they claimed their first win over Rangers in three years. Recent signing Reo Hatate was the star of the show, and exited to a standing ovation from the home fans.
In all honesty, it was a rout. Celtic were 3-0 up by half-time and cruised through the second-half to claim their first Old Firm win since 2019 in dominant fashion.
Reo Hatate made himself the newest hero of Celtic Park in crucial Old Firm win
The stage could hardly have been better set for the most iconic fixture in Scottish football. With Rangers faltering after the departure of Steven Gerrard as manager, Celtic were afforded an opportunity to take the lead of the title race on Wednesday night with a win over their Glasgow rivals.
There have been plenty of heroes for Celtic in the history of the Old Firm. The likes of Henrik Larsson and Shunsuke Nakamura have made themselves icons of the fixture in the 21st century and, on Wednesday night, a new modern hero was born, as Reo Hatate contributed two goals and an assist to a dominant 3-0 win for Celtic.
Reo Hatate joined Celtic last month from Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale, and has made an immediate impact in Glasgow. His true emergence as a star of this team, though came with his performance against Rangers.
Hatate’s first goal was not without controversy, as Rangers were left with a man down in the box with a head injury. The goal was allowed to stand despite a lengthy review. Less than ten minutes into the derby and Celtic were already flying – and it would only go on to get better for their fans.
Some start for Celtic against Rangers 👀pic.twitter.com/ns3ABaPxb1
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 2, 2022
We knew from August that there would be no Rangers fans in attendance at Celtic Park on Wednesday night. Though there was undeniably something missing from the atmosphere in Glasgow, the Celtic fans more than made up for it with the noise in the stadium.
If Hatate’s first goal was in any way questionable, there was no doubting the quality of his second. His curled finish left Rangers keeper Allan McGregor helpless, and put Celtic on course for a famous win.
Two goals and an assist for Reo Hatate and Celtic lead the Old Firm 3-0 at half-time.
Celtic Park may have a new hero!pic.twitter.com/BEAdEKVNCe— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 2, 2022
Hatate’s night (and Celtic’s) improved even further mere moments later, when his brilliant cross into the area left Rangers’ centre-backs stranded and gave Liel Abada a gift of a third goal.
Enjoyed this. Knew he’d fucked up so just embraced it and had a little rest pic.twitter.com/7pG8ra39mb
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) February 2, 2022
When Hatate left the field as a sub with 17 minutes to go, it was to a raucous reception from the home fans. The scenes at full time were emotional, with Celtic's players and fans alike revelling in a huge win against their oldest rivals.
Celtic have fought their way back to the top of the table for the first time since the opening month of the season. They are looking to snatch the Scottish title back from Rangers, after Rangers halted Celtic's charge for ten titles in a row last season.
It’s the first time in a decade that there has been a true title fight between Celtic and Rangers, and the green and white side of Glasgow had their new Japanese hero to thank for putting them in the ascendancy as the season motors on.
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