Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland admitted Rangers had to “weather the storm” in the first half at Parkhead before producing a second-half display worthy of a statement Old Firm victory, as the Ibrox side came from behind to defeat Celtic 3–1 in the Scottish Premiership.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the final whistle, the Rangers goalkeeper - whose first-half saves proved crucial - stressed that patience, belief and tactical clarity were the foundations of the turnaround.
“Really good,” Butland said when asked how the win felt.
“I think we had to weather a bit first half.
“As you do when you come here, you can be up against it at times and figure a few things out at half-time.”
Butland acknowledged Celtic’s early dominance but emphasised that Rangers never lost their foothold in the contest.
“They’re a good side with good players, so there were things that we got a bit exposed on and we had some difficult moments,” he said.
“But we stayed in it.”
That ability to absorb pressure, and avoid panic, allowed Rangers to regroup at the break, where subtle tactical tweaks shifted the momentum decisively.
“The gaffer made a few changes,” Butland explained.
“Not personnel-wise. I think Thelo [Aasgaard], with the yellow card, that was a little bit more that.
“But we just made a few changes and it gave us a different perspective on how to press them - and it certainly worked.”
From the opening moments of the second half, Rangers were sharper, more aggressive and far better organised, a transformation Butland felt reflected growing maturity within the squad.
“Mentality-wise, we’ve shown in difficult times this season an ability to bounce back, individually and collectively,” he said.
“And today, yes, it is a statement win in that sense.”
However, Butland was careful not to frame the result purely through a league-table lens, instead underlining the unique weight of the fixture itself.
“Regardless of where the league position is, the games against your biggest rivals are important,” he said.
“So, it’s really positive to come here.”
That platform allowed Rangers attacking players to take control after the break, with Yousef Chermiti scoring twice before the contest was sealed late on.
Chermiti, who was named William Hill Premiership Player of the Match, echoed Butland’s sentiments about pressure and expectations.
“Of course, it’s always good to score in a derby,” the forward said.
“This is what I work for.”
Asked about confidence following his double, Chermiti embraced the scrutiny that comes with playing for Rangers.
“If you want to be a big player, you have to play for the big clubs and have big pressure,” he said.
“So that’s normal.”
While Chermiti’s goals provided the decisive moments, Butland’s composure and authority ensured Rangers remained in the contest long enough to capitalise.
His message after full-time was clear: progress is being made, but nothing has been completed yet.
“It’s a really positive result,” he said.
“But there are big weeks and big games to come, and we need to continue the good form.”
For Rangers, the victory at Parkhead was built on resilience at the back, clarity at half-time, and ruthlessness in the final third - with Butland’s performance setting the tone long before the goals arrived.