Celtic all but champions after enthralling win over Rangers as Parkhead party starts

Celtic are all but champions after they edged ever closer to the Premiership title with a win over Rangers.

It was a dramatic afternoon in Glasgow as the Hoops clinched the three points against their fierce rivals to take a six point lead into the final two games of the campaign. Brendan Rodgers' side have a superior goal difference - now sitting at seven over Gers - which can essentially be considered the equivalent of another point in the race for the trophy.

Gers knew before kickoff that it was vital to win at Parkhead if they wanted a realistic chance at the silverware as the season comes to an end but they found themselves a goal down when Matt O'Riley struck.

The Danish international fired some warning signs earlier in the action just inches wide, but on 35 minutes he wasn't to be denied. A pass inside found the 23-year-old and he drilled a brilliant effort low into the bottom corner of Jack Butland's net.

The stadium erupted and the decibel levels only increased when, three minutes later, John Lundstram nudged the ball into his own net to make it 2-0. Daizen Maeda used his pace on the flank only to pull the ball back and Lundstram left a lazy leg out to poke it home.

Celts would've thought they were on easy street but after another three minutes passed, the deficit was reduced when Cyriel Dessers netted from a Dujon Sterling header across goal.

Scouser Lundstram was at the centre of more drama as he was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Alistair Johnston after VAR intervened. And after the restart Celts had a chance to make it 3-1 only for O'Riley to have a penalty saved by Butland after he'd won it from a foul by Mo Diomande.

Celtic would see the game out and celebrate at full-time as they know they've essentially won the trophy.

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