Celtic Women FC suffered a damaging Glasgow Derby defeat on Sunday, going down 2–0 to rivals Rangers in a result that has put early-season pressure on the manager.
For all the build-up to Celtic vs Rangers, the performance from the Hoops was flat. Rangers were sharper in both boxes, with Mia McAulay breaking the deadlock on 63 minutes before Eilidh Austin sealed the points with a composed finish late on. Celtic Women battled for periods of the game but never found the edge needed to turn pressure into real chances.
Reuters/Lee Smith
This latest setback continues a worrying trend for Celtic Women, who entered the campaign with ambitions of pushing for the Scottish Women’s Premier League title. Instead, they find themselves outthought and outfought in the first derby of the season. For supporters expecting a bold statement of intent, the display will only add to concerns over direction and leadership.
Rangers, on the other hand, leave with confidence and momentum, underlining their own credentials as serious contenders. The Glasgow Derby is always a marker of progress, and in this one, Rangers showed they were a step ahead in both organisation and belief.
Celtic news has been dominated by talk of inconsistency, and this defeat will only amplify the scrutiny. The manager knows performances like this will not be tolerated for long, particularly with Glasgow City also in the mix at the top.
Celtic Women must now regroup quickly. Their quality in attack hasn’t been evident, and defensive lapses continue to cost dearly. Against a Rangers side full of intent, those weaknesses were ruthlessly punished. If Celtic Women FC are serious about competing for honours this season, the turnaround has to start now.
