Celtic stun Rangers as Daizen Maeda scores crazy goal after 20 seconds in Old Firm derby | Football | Sport
There was no cagey opening to the Old Firm derby as Celtic’s Daizen Maeda dramatically scored after just 20 seconds at Ibrox. With Rangers fans still in the midst of a raucous roar after kick-off, the Japanese international capitalised on James Tavernier’s mistake to give his side a sensational start.
Celtic keeper Joe Hart’s long ball forward seemingly drifted too far as Tavernier tracked back. But unaware of Maeda closing in behind him, he was guilty of hesitancy and as he tried to belatedly clear his lines, the winger stuck out his foot and the ball rebounded off him and into the bottom corner from 20 yards out.
Rangers keeper Jack Butland was left with no chance, and the goal was greeted with a stunned stadium silence. Away fans are still banned from Old Firm fixtures in light of previous crowd trouble.
The goal however, is not a new record for an Old Firm game. Chris Sutton, working on the clash as a co-commentator for Sky Sports, clings on to that marker having scored in 19 seconds when the pair faced-off back in December 2002.
Celtic began the clash a point ahead of their bitter rivals, but having played a game more. And the pressure has been mounting on manager Brandan Rodgers with the Hoops having lost form after previously being in control of the title race.
And sure enough, the intensity didn’t die down after the explosive opening. Rangers should have levelled midway through the half when from point-blank range, Connor Goldson headed over.
But it was Maeda who then had a golden chance to double the lead. From inside the area, his left-footed strike was well saved by Butland, being watched by England manager Gareth Southgate.
Butland was at it again moments later, brilliantly diving to his left to tip away Matt O’Riley’s header. But the hosts were then subjected to a VAR check against Goldson, after he appeared to handle the ball in his own area.
O’Riley then stepped forward, and this time he wasn’t to be denied. He cooly chipped the ball into the centre of the goal as the visitors went 2-0 up after 34 minutes.
