Rangers advanced to the Scottish Cup semifinals with a commanding 3–0 victory over arch-rivals Celtic, capped by a late goal from substitute Kevin Kelsy in what media outlets and supporters regard as a classic Old Firm clash. The result eliminates the holders from the competition and shifts the domestic momentum decisively toward Philippe Clement’s squad as the season enters its final stretch.
Dominant Display Secures Semifinal Berth
The decisive quarterfinal fixture at Hampden Park saw Rangers take control of the tempo early, frustrating Celtic’s midfield build-up and capitalizing on defensive lapses. According to match reports from BBC Sport and Sky Sports, Rangers established a tactical superiority that limited Celtic’s attacking threats throughout the 90 minutes. The victory not only propels Rangers deeper into the tournament bracket but also delivers a psychological blow to their historic Glasgow rivals.
Kevin Kelsy Seals the Victory Late
Venezuelan forward Kevin Kelsy sealed the 3–0 scoreline in the closing stages, converting a swift counter-attacking opportunity to spark celebrations among the visiting supporters. Kelsy’s introduction off the bench added fresh legs to the Rangers attack just as Celtic pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer. The strike underlined the depth of Rangers’ bench options during high-stakes knockout fixtures.
Implications for the Scottish Cup and Beyond
With Celtic knocked out of the competition, the landscape of the Scottish Cup tournament shifts dramatically. Rangers now advance to the semifinal stage alongside remaining contenders, intensifying the race for domestic silverware. Analysts note that this high-profile cup success provides vital momentum for Rangers as they navigate the demanding conclusion of the domestic league calendar.
What Comes Next
Rangers turn their focus back to upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures while awaiting the official Scottish Football Association draw for the semifinal pairings. Supporters can monitor official club channels and the Scottish FA portal for confirmed match schedules, venue allocations, and ticketing information ahead of the next round.
