Celtic vs Rangers: Sakala’s equiliser puts Hoop’s title celebrations on hold

Celtic’s title celebrations have been put to halt as Fashion Sakala’s second-half goal won Rangers a point in the season’s final Old Firm match.

It ends all square at Paradise and the Bhoys maintain their six point lead at the top of the #cinchPrem. #CELRAN | #COYBIG🍀

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) May 1, 2022

Celtic knew that a win would almost certainly secure the title, and Jota scored the game’s first goal to set them on their way.

Sakala, a Gers striker, equalised with a thunderous drive in the 68th minute, but the draw keeps Rangers six points behind the Hoops with only three games remaining.

Celtic’s 19-goal advantage means retaining the title at Ibrox would require a remarkable and unexpected turnaround.

Celtic had lost to their bitter rivals in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park two weeks ago after extra-time, and vengeance was on the cards.

Only about 700 Rangers fans were allowed inside the 60,000-seat stadium, and they were drowned out by a raucous home crowd who had seen the Ibrox side start the better of the two squads.

Ryan Kent volleyed a cross from captain James Tavernier past the post from 12 yards in the 12th minute, when he could have at least challenged Hoops goalkeeper Joe Hart, who had to deal with a decent long-range attempt from the Gers attacker.

The home crowd erupted in applause when Jota, on loan from Benfica, surged clear of Gers defender Borna Barisic and headed in a cross from Maeda.

Celtic had the initiative as the Light Blues battled to regain their composure.

Jota headed a cross from midfielder Reo Hatate over the bar in the 31st minute, after Arfield had relinquished control.

Then, after a shot from a Maeda cross was deflected over the bar, Maeda headed a cross from Matt O’Riley past the post.

Celtic should have extended their advantage after an unmarked Furuhashi hooked a shot over the bar from a cross from Maeda, who then headed past the post with only McGregor to beat.

Rangers made a promising start to the second half, with defender Connor Goldson blasting over the bar from a Tavernier corner, then Maeda flashing a shot over the bar at the other end.

On the hour mark, Postecoglou made three changes, replacing Furuhashi, Hatate, and O’Riley with Giakoumakis, Tom Rogic, and Nir Bitton.

Rangers’ Davis was replaced by Jack, and Aribo was replaced by Wright, and the visitors were level four minutes later when Sakala connected with Kent before blasting a low drive past Hart at his near post.

The Celtic goalkeeper could have done better when he pushed a thunderous effort from the Zambian over the bar, with Sakala hitting the resulting corner over.

The game moved at a breakneck speed from beginning to end.

Referee John Beaton denied a Celtic penalty claim when Rogic’s cross struck John Lundstram in the 74th minute, and Maeda was replaced by Liel Abada.

Rangers went all out for the win they needed to keep their title aspirations alive, and it was a chaotic conclusion.

After that, Hart made a fantastic stop from Arfield before collecting Jack’s rebound shot, and then Sakala hit the post after being played through by Arfield.

The Gers midfielder was replaced by Amad Diallo, who was promptly booked for pulling down Abada as he broke on a counter-attack, the Israeli winger then placing the ball in the net despite the flag being up for offside far before time.

For the latest Sports News Follow BOL News on Google News. Read more on Latest Sports News on oldsite.bolnews.com