### Celtic Overcome Rangers in Thrilling 2-1 Victory to Take Scottish Premiership Lead
In a nail-biting encounter that captivated fans across Scotland, Celtic secured their first home league victory since January 28th with a thrilling 2-1 triumph over Rangers at Ibrox Stadium. The match showcased the depth and skill of both teams, as Celtic dominated possession but ultimately fell just short in the final moments.
#### Celtic's Dominance
The opening goal came in the 17th minute when striker Scott Sinclair pounced on a loose ball from keeper Ryan McGinn to score what proved to be the game-winning strike. Sinclair's finish was unassisted and left Rangers goalkeeper Jack Ross scrambling to make a crucial save.
Celtic continued to dominate throughout the match, creating numerous opportunities for further goals. In the 45th minute, substitute striker Lewis Stevenson managed to find the back of the net after a well-worked move involving center-backs Andrew Robertson and Moussa Dembele. This equalizer put Celtic level at 1-1 and set up a tense finale.
#### Rangers' Fightback
Despite being down one goal, Rangers refused to give up. In the 69th minute, winger Kyle Walker scored a stunning free-kick to bring Rangers within striking distance. The shot sailed past Celtic's defensive line and into the top corner, leaving Celtic goalkeeper Marc Albrighton scrambling to make another important save.
With only minutes remaining, Celtic had the opportunity to secure the win. However, a series of errors allowed Rangers to capitalize. Defender John Lundstram managed to intercept a Celtic pass and slot it into the empty net in the 87th minute, sending Rangers to the brink of relegation.
#### Final Moments and Reflections
The final whistle blew with Celtic still trailing 2-1. Despite the setback, Celtic showed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure. Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his players for their effort and determination in the face of adversity.
Rangers manager Alex McLeish admitted defeat but maintained his belief in his team’s ability to bounce back. He highlighted the importance of individual performances and emphasized the need for more consistent play.
This victory is significant for Celtic, as they have now reclaimed the Scottish Premiership lead with six points from eight games. It marks a turning point in the season, giving them momentum heading into the upcoming fixtures against fellow top teams like Aberdeen and Hamilton Academical.
The match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of maintaining focus even in difficult situations. Both Celtic and Rangers will look forward to next week's clash with Hearts, hoping to continue their impressive form and push for a stronger finish in the Scottish Premiership.