Frustrated Danny Rohl would not concede that Celtic deserved their point, claiming the Hoops benefited from fortune in one decisive moment that handed them an unearned draw

Celtic’s Reo Hatate needed three attempts from the spot deep into stoppage time to finally convert a dramatic 91st-minute penalty, as Celtic battled back to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against Rangers in Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. The result leaves the hosts six points adrift of Premiership leaders Hearts.

It was a game of contrasting halves. A brilliant first-half double from Youssef Chermiti looked to have Rangers in complete control, but Celtic produced a spirited response after the break to claim a point and stay two behind their rivals with a game still in hand.

Rangers boss Danny Rohl admitted the immediate emotion was frustration after surrendering a two-goal cushion. Speaking to BBC, he suggested late penalties often carry an element of fortune, describing the decisive moment as “a little bit lucky,” while adding such situations can work both ways.

Chermiti had given the home side a dream start inside eight minutes, acrobatically firing home from Andreas Skov Olsen’s cross. Defensive uncertainty struck again midway through the half when a simple ball forward caused confusion at the back, allowing Chermiti to dispossess Julian Araujo and calmly slot past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Celtic, however, emerged transformed after the interval. In the 56th minute, Benjamin Nygren picked out Kieran Tierney in the six-yard box, and the Scotland international powered a header beyond Jack Butland to spark hopes of a comeback.

Tierney told Sky Sports the visitors were “a totally different team” after the restart, admitting the first-half display fell below expectations but praising the character shown in the second period.

Despite several key saves from Butland to preserve Rangers’ advantage, Celtic’s pressure eventually paid off. A VAR review ruled that Dujon Sterling had handled in the area, awarding the visitors a dramatic late spot-kick.

Hatate stepped up in the 91st minute. Butland denied him twice in frantic fashion, yet the midfielder kept his composure to score at the third attempt and complete a remarkable turnaround.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill conceded his side were second best for much of the opening half but felt their response merited a share of the spoils. He acknowledged the need for self-reflection at the break, adding that the second half “belonged to us” as Celtic clawed their way back into the contest.