Three things we learnt from Ibrox thumping as Rangers beat Celtic 3-0

Rangers produced one of their most impressive Old Firm performances in recent years as they swept aside Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox to reach the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.

Captain Dan Neil’s double and Kevin Kelsy’s first Rangers goal completed a memorable afternoon for manager Derek McInnes, whose side looked sharper, hungrier and more prepared.

Here are three things we learnt from the latest meeting between the Glasgow giants.

Rangers finally showed they can handle the pressure

There was a familiar feeling around this fixture for Rangers.

They had to deliver in a huge game against Celtic, just as they did last season when a victory was required in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers wilted under pressure on that occasion. They did the exact opposite this time.

McInnes’ side looked fearless from the opening whistle and never allowed the occasion to overwhelm them.

They pressed Celtic aggressively, attacked with purpose and punished mistakes when they appeared.

That mentality shift could prove more important than the result itself.

Rangers have shown they can perform when everything is on the line, and that could give them belief heading into the next meeting.

Kevin Kelsy is finally finding his groove

Kelsy’s start to life at Rangers had been underwhelming.

Everything clicked at Ibrox. The Venezuelan was a constant threat and capped his display with a superb finish.

His combination play was also encouraging, particularly in the build-up to Neil’s opening goal.

Neil was the standout player, but Kelsy looked electrifying. Rangers will hope this is the beginning of a sustained run of form from Kelsy.

Celtic had problems in key areas, with Sam Johnstone looking uncomfortable in goal and failing to inspire confidence on a difficult afternoon for the visitors.

Rangers can upset Celtic again next Sunday

The biggest takeaway for Celtic is that this result cannot simply be dismissed as a one-off cup defeat.

The teams meet again in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead next Sunday, and Rangers now have genuine reason to believe they can win again.

Celtic had no answer to Rangers’ intensity at Ibrox, while McInnes’ players will take enormous confidence from proving they can exploit weaknesses.

The circumstances will be different, but Rangers have already shown Celtic can be beaten convincingly.

If they reproduce even a fraction of Sunday’s performance next weekend, another upset is on the cards.