'Hearts cheer loudest', 'unpredictable Gers', 'Puskas Award' ': How the world media reacted to Rangers 2-2 Celtic

Rangers and Celtic were forced to settle for a share of the spoils as they battled to a 2-2 draw in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.

A result that does little for either side in their quest to leapfrog Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership, the home side looked in complete control at the break thanks to a Youssef Chermiti double, one of which came via an audacious overhead kick - only for Celtic to roar back to level the game via a goal from Kieran Tierney and an injury-time strike from Reo Hatate.

After the game, neither manager refused to concede defeat in the Scottish Premiership title race, but with Hearts now six points clear of Rangers in second, and eight clear of Celtic in third, it is Derek McInnes’ side who are on course to end the Jambos 66 year wait to win the league title.

On another seismic weekend in the title race, we look at how the world media reacted to the game at Ibrox:

Rangers players show their disappointment after being pegged by in the final minutes against Celtic. | SNS Group

Sportza (Belgium)

“What a way to open the always tense derby against Celtic. With a phenomenal bicycle kick, Chermiti seemed to pave the way to another derby victory for Rangers, but in the final minutes, Celtic equalized with a late penalty: 2-2. Need more nominees for the Puskas Award?

“Rangers striker Chermiti has already made his mark in the Old Firm Derby against Celtic. With a stunning bicycle kick, he opened the scoring for Rangers. It set the tone for a tense derby between Rangers and Celtic, who are both not enjoying their best seasons and currently have to concede top spot to Hearts. At half-time, Nicolas Raskin and co. seemed to have their ducks in a row, leading 2-0, but the sting was still in the Scottish tail. Tierney and Hatate, deep in the closing stages, secured a draw at Ibrox Stadium.

Neither team gained much from the draw, and so the frustrations after the match were visible, especially from Tuur Rommens. Will leaders Hearts truly be the lucky winner? Rangers remain second in the standings with 57 points, six behind Hearts. Celtic are third with 55 points (and a match in hand).”

One Football (International)

“Beyond the goals, Chermiti's all-round work sustained Rangers' momentum. He finished with three attempts, two on target, and won seven possessions, plus five aerial duels that Celtic kept pinned back when the ball went long. His presence also opened lanes for Mikey Moore and Skov Olsen to keep delivering from wide areas. The display underlines Chermiti's status in the Premiership.”

Yahoo Canada

“Rangers and Celtic served up another breathless chapter in the Scottish Premiership title race, drawing 2-2 in front of 50,129 at Ibrox Stadium. For long spells this felt like a defining afternoon, then it twisted again, and again. Youssef Chermiti lit the blue touchpaper inside eight minutes. The striker’s overhead kick, instinctive and emphatic, had Ibrox rising as one. It was the sort of finish that alters the temperature in the ground and forces opponents to question their defensive structure.

“Martin O’Neill altered the rhythm at the interval, introducing Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounekti. The effect was immediate. Celtic began to play higher, quicker, braver. It finished 2-2, though it felt like far more than a draw. The result leaves Rangers six points behind leaders Hearts, with Celtic two further back but holding a game in hand. In a season already tight, this point may echo loudly in May.”

L’Equipe (France)

“In a typically electric Old Firm derby, Danny Rohl's men opened the scoring in the eighth minute through Youssef Chermiti, who scored a sumptuous overhead kick after a precise cross from Andreas Skov Olsen (1-0). The Portuguese striker quickly doubled his tally (26th minute), beating two defenders and then the opposing goalkeeper.

“Kieran Tierney pulled one back with a powerful header (2-1, 56th minute). And just when Rangers seemed headed for victory, Celtic were awarded a penalty. Reo Hatate's initial shot was saved by Jack Butland, but the Japanese midfielder pounced on the rebound (90+1), snatching a draw to level the score (2-2). Five games remained, with Celtic in third on 55 points, but with a game in hand, still trail Hearts in first on 63 points - the surprising league leaders. Rangers are second with 57 points.”

Chermiti's audacious overhead kick goal received plenty of praise from around the globe. | SNS Group

Yahoo (Australia/Global)

“What now for epic Scottish title race after Old Firm draw? Some statement January business from Rangers was expected to propel them into being title favourites. Last month's win over Hearts only added to that. However, they are proving to become unpredictable under Danny Rohl and worries about the Ibrox side's mentality are resurfacing. Rangers have only lost once in the league under the German, who has done an impressive job to drag the team back into contention after Russell Martin's dismal reign, but four draws in their past six league outings have prompted questions.

“At half-time at Ibrox on Sunday, most had started to write off Celtic's title hopes. O'Neill's side were heading for a second straight league defeat that would have left them nine points adrift off Hearts and five off Rangers. However, a rousing response from the reigning champions underlined their credentials. As far as mentality goes, they have the manager and players most equipped at dealing with the psychological aspect of a title fight. Concerns about the team's performance level will remain, even after an impressive fightback in Govan.”

Associated Press (International)

“Rangers looked like closing the gap on Hearts when going two goals ahead inside 26 minutes and potentially turning the title run into a two-horse race. But defending champion Celtic rallied after the break. When Hatate eventually made the opportunity count in the first minute of added time, it sparked wild celebrations from Celtic fans. But Hearts will have had the most cheer after watching its two main rivals drop points.”

ESPN (United States)

“Hoops boss Martin O'Neill had little initially to celebrate on his 74th birthday as Gers striker Youssef Chermiti opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a stunning overhead kick then flicked in a second in the 26th minute. The visitors stormed back after the break and left-back Kieran Tierney reduced the deficit in the 56th minute.

“Rangers were hanging on desperately until VAR intervened - with a couple of minutes remaining - and a penalty was awarded for a Dujon Sterling handball. Jack Butland saved Hatate's spot-kick and his effort from the rebound, but the Hoops substitute scored at the third attempt. With nine fixtures remaining, Danny Rohl's side are six points behind leaders Hearts and two ahead of Celtic who have a game in hand over the top two.”

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