After a breathless first half, where Ange Postecoglou’s side fell behind and then regained the lead just before half-time there were penalty claims at either end of the pitch.
Aaron Ramsey’s opener gave the hosts the perfect start on three minutes but Tom Rogic equalised just a few minutes later.
A plane flew overhead urging Rangers to seize the initiative in the title race but Celtic extended their lead just before half-time with Cameron Carter-Vickers making the decisive contact and they held on to take three points from the home of their rivals.
Rangers launched waves of late attacks as full-time loomed but couldn’t find an equaliser of their own and fell six points off their rivals at the top of the cinch Premiership table.
Here's how the visitors rated on an important afternoon at Ibrox.
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers - 9
A colossal performance. Scored the winning goal and made numerous important clearances. Celtic need to make his loan permanent. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
6. Reo Hatate - 6
Looked a rabbit in the headlights very early on, but managed to recover his composure thereafter as Celtic started to dominate the ball. Replaced by Bitton Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
7. Callum McGregor - 7
Helped Celtic wrestle back control of the match when behind and his surging run led to the equaliser. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
8. Tom Rogic - 8
Oozed class whenever going forward and was in the right place to equalise from rebound. Ran a fine race before giving way to O'Riley. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group