It couldn’t have started much better for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team as one of the manager’s selection calls, starting Aaron Ramsey, came to fruition within three minutes as the Welshman converted Ryan Kent’s cut-back to send the home side ahead.
The lead lasted just a few minutes though as Tom Rogic responded for Celtic and the visitors went into the half-time interval ahead through Cameron Carter-Vickers.
The strike proved to be the matchwinner with no further goals in the second half where Rangers pushed for their own equaliser but rarely tested Joe Hart.
With a six-point deficit van Bronckhorst conceded the title race was not over but ‘more difficult’.
Here is how his players rated on a significant afternoon in the cinch SPFL Premiership.
9. Kemar Roofe - 5
No-one would envy Roofe’s task in filling in for the injured Alfredo Morelos and it’s already clear how much of a loss the injured Colombian striker is for Rangers. Roofe could not impose himself on Celtic’s central defenders, his day summed up when he badly missed a rare chance in the closing stages. Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
10. Aaron Ramsey - 6
The Welsh international gave Rangers the perfect start with his well taken third minute goal. He produced some neat and classy touches but his influence on proceedings gradually waned before he was replaced by Fashion Sakala in the 66th minute. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
11. Ryan Kent - 7
The winger often rises to the big occasion for Rangers and showed he was in the mood here to set up the early opener. He remained the likeliest source of attacking success for his team but his final pass or cross let him down too often in the second half. Photo: Ian MacNicol
12. Giovanni van Bronckhorst
The Rangers manager refused to throw in the towel after the match, but said the result makes their title hopes 'more difficult'. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group