Rabbi Matondo scored an injury-time equaliser for Rangers in a gripping Old Firm encounter against Celtic at Ibrox to hand Philippe Clement’s the initiative in the Scottish Premiership title race.
The visitors struck first blood after just 21 seconds when Daizen Maeda nipped in behind flat-footed Gers captain James Tavernier before seeing his deflected effort nestle in the back of the net. Brendan Rodgers’ double then doubled their advantage after 34 minutes when referee John Beaton gifted the Parkhead side a penalty, with Connor Goldson penalised for handball following a VAR check.
Matt O’Riley made no mistake from the spot, producing a Panenka as he sent Light Blues’ keeper Jack Butland the wrong way. Rangers were booed off by their own supporters at half-time but their response after the break was emphatic.
Tavernier hauled his team mates back into the contest from 12 yards following yet another VAR review after Fabio Silva went down in the box under Alistair Johnston’s challenge. Cyriel Dessers thought he had levelled the match two minutes later, but his goal was chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
Substitute Abdallah Sima did find the equaliser for the hosts on 86 minutes, with his strike taking a wicked deflection of Liam Scales on route to finding the net. But Adam Idah fired the Hoops back in front just seconds after the restart.
The drama didn’t end there, with Matondo cutting inside off the left flank before curling a shot beyond Joe Hart in the 93rd minute to earn Philippe Clement’s men a hard-fought share of the spoils.
Tensions flared after the full-time whistle between both sets of players, with Callum McGregor and Todd Cantwell involved in a heated confrontation. With this 3-3 draw, Rangers now have the chance to move two points clear at the top of the table when they play their game in hand against Dundee in midweek.
Here, Glasgow World takes a look at the story of the match through the camera lenses from photographers placed around the ground to capture the best of the action.
13. An Old Firm for the ages
Just how big Matondo's goal could prove to be in the title race remains to be seen, but for the time being both managers were left to dissect and break down a truly breathtaking 90 minutes. | Getty Images
14. Rowdy post-match rammy
Moments after the full-time whistle Rangers playmaker Todd Cantwell was involved in a heated altercation with Celtic captain Callum McGregor. Both players seemed to exchange verbals before Cantwell shoved McGregor and a rammy ensued. | Getty Images
15. Philippe feeling pumped up
The result arguably suits Rangers better considering Philippe Clement's side have a game in hand still to play. Win that against Dundee next week and they will find themselves firmly in the driving seat with only six post-split fixtures remaining. | Getty Images