Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers said the Old Firm derby with Celtic on Sunday was “one of the craziest” games he had played in, with the 3-3 draw featuring an opener for the visitors after 21 seconds and three goals after the 85th minute, including a second Rangers equaliser three minutes into added time.
Celtic looked to be cruising after Daizen Maeda fired in to give them a lightning start and Matt O’Riley added a penalty on their way to a 2-0 half-time lead.
James Tavernier pulled one back with a penalty which Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers felt was contentious 10 minutes after the break, and an extraordinary finale started when Abdallah Sima brought Rangers level four minutes from time.
Adam Idah restored the lead for Rodgers’ side a minute later but Rabbi Matondo’s strike had the final say in an epic game between the arch-rivals.
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“To get the draw, after the start we had, is massive for us in the end and for the rest of the season,” said Dessers, who set up Sima’s goal and had one of his own ruled out for a foul.
“At this moment, I don’t have a lot of words – it’s one of the craziest games I’ve had in my life.”
Rangers v Celtic ‘massive’
Rangers remain a point behind Celtic with a game in hand after a contest which ended with a spat between the squads being broken up.
The incident appeared to be started by the hosts’ Todd Cantwell pushing Callum McGregor as tensions frayed at the final whistle.
🗣️ “It was a difficult game… Disappointing not to win.”
🗣️ “Nothing has changed from our point of view.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers reflects on Celtic’s 3-3 draw with Rangers and what it means in the race for the title ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/vcIoNVwlen
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024
“The gaffer said he didn’t recognise us,” Dessers replied when he was asked what manager Philippe Clement had told his players at the interval.
“He said he hadn’t seen the things we have been doing for the past five months, and I can only agree.
“We are mentally so strong. I’m so proud of this team and what we can achieve this season.
“To do it in a massive game like this, with the pressure full on, says a lot about this team. We’ve got a good point and we go with a positive feeling.”
