
DINGWALL, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Celtic manager Ange embraces Carl Starfelt during a cinch Premiership match between Ross County and Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, on April 02, 2023, in Dingwall, Scotland.(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic Beat Ross County with Late Spree to Go 18 Points Clear
In a thrilling encounter at the Global Energy Stadium, Celtic FC showcased their dominance in the Cinch Scottish Premiership with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ross County on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The win not only solidified Celtic’s position at the top of the league but also extended their lead to an impressive 18 points, further emphasizing their title credentials as the season progresses.
Match Overview

The match kicked off with both teams eager to make an impact. Celtic, under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, made three changes to their starting lineup, aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the league. Ross County, managed by Malky Mackay, sought to capitalize on their home advantage and secure crucial points in their battle for survival.
From the outset, Celtic displayed their attacking intent, with Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line. The Japanese forward was instrumental throughout the match, demonstrating his pace and clinical finishing ability. Ross County, on the other hand, aimed to frustrate the visitors with a solid defensive setup, hoping to hit them on the counter-attack.
First Half: A Tactical Battle
The first half was characterized by a tactical battle, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Celtic dominated possession, but Ross County’s defense held firm, making it difficult for the Hoops to create clear-cut chances. The home side’s goalkeeper, Ross Laidlaw, was called into action several times, making crucial saves to deny Celtic’s early attempts.
As the half progressed, Celtic began to find their rhythm. The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley started to control the game, dictating the tempo and creating opportunities for their forwards. However, Ross County’s defense, marshaled by the experienced duo of Jack Baldwin and Alex Iacovitti, remained resolute.
Despite Celtic’s dominance, it was Ross County who struck first. In the 35th minute, a well-worked counter-attack saw the Staggies take the lead. A swift move down the left flank culminated in a cross that found the head of striker Jordan White, who powered the ball past Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing an upset was on the cards.
Second Half: Celtic’s Response
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Celtic emerged from the break with renewed determination. Brendan Rodgers made tactical adjustments, urging his players to increase the intensity and push for an equalizer. The Hoops’ response was immediate, as they ramped up the pressure on Ross County’s defense.
In the 55th minute, Celtic finally found the breakthrough they were looking for. A corner kick taken by O’Riley was met by the head of defender Carl Starfelt, who directed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal ignited the Celtic supporters, who had traveled in numbers to support their team.
With the momentum now firmly in Celtic’s favor, they continued to press forward. Kyogo Furuhashi, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, was finally rewarded for his efforts in the 70th minute. A brilliant through ball from McGregor split the Ross County defense, allowing Furuhashi to race clear. The forward calmly slotted the ball past Laidlaw, giving Celtic a 2-1 lead.
Late Spree: Celtic’s Dominance
As the match entered its final stages, Ross County struggled to cope with Celtic’s attacking prowess. The visitors were relentless, and their third goal came just five minutes later. This time, it was Furuhashi again, who turned provider. After a clever one-two with O’Riley, he delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Liel Abada was waiting to tap in, extending Celtic’s lead to 3-1.
With the game effectively won, Celtic continued to push for more goals. The Staggies, visibly deflated, found it challenging to mount any meaningful response. In the dying moments of the match, Celtic added a fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory. Substitute Daizen Maeda, who had come on to inject fresh energy into the attack, found the net after a swift counter-attack, making it 4-1.
Post-Match Reactions
Following the match, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their resilience in coming from behind. “I’m proud of the players for the way they responded after going a goal down. We showed great character and quality to turn the game around,” he said. “Kyogo was exceptional today, and it’s great to see him back on the scoresheet.”
Ross County manager Malky Mackay, while disappointed with the result, praised his team’s effort. “We started well and took the lead, but we knew Celtic would come at us in the second half. We need to learn from this experience and ensure we can compete for the full 90 minutes,” he stated.
Implications for the Title Race
Celtic’s victory over Ross County has significant implications for the title race in the Scottish Premiership. With this win, they have established an 18-point lead over their closest rivals, making them strong favorites to retain their league title. The Hoops’ attacking prowess, combined with a solid defensive unit, has made them a formidable force this season.
As the season progresses, Celtic will look to maintain their momentum and continue their unbeaten run. The depth of their squad, coupled with the tactical acumen of Brendan Rodgers, positions them well for a successful campaign. Fans will be hopeful that this victory is just the beginning of a strong finish to the season.
Looking Ahead
For Ross County, the defeat serves as a wake-up call as they navigate the challenges of the Premiership. With crucial matches ahead, they must regroup and focus on securing points to avoid relegation. The Staggies have shown they can compete against top teams, but consistency will be key in their quest for survival.
As the league continues, all eyes will be on Celtic as they aim to extend their lead at the top. The Hoops’ next fixture will be crucial as they look to build on this victory and maintain their position as the dominant force in Scottish football.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Ross County was a testament to their quality and determination. Coming from behind to secure a comprehensive win not only highlights their resilience but also reinforces their status as title contenders. As the season unfolds, Celtic will be eager to continue their impressive form, while Ross County will need to regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead. The Scottish Premiership remains an exciting competition, and this match was a perfect example of the drama and unpredictability that football offers.
Celtic’s Dominance Over Ross County: A 4-1 Victory in the Cinch Scottish Premiership
In a compelling clash at the Global Energy Stadium, Celtic FC showcased their prowess in the Cinch Scottish Premiership with a decisive 4-1 victory over Ross County on Saturday, July 5, 2025. This win not only reinforced Celtic’s position at the top of the league but also extended their lead to an impressive 18 points, further solidifying their title ambitions as the season progresses.
Match Overview
The match commenced with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, made strategic changes to their lineup, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league. Ross County, under the management of Malky Mackay, sought to leverage their home advantage and secure vital points in their fight against relegation.
Celtic’s attacking intent was evident from the start, with Kyogo Furuhashi leading the line. The Japanese forward was a constant threat, demonstrating his speed and finishing ability. Conversely, Ross County aimed to frustrate the visitors with a solid defensive setup, looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

First Half: Tactical Maneuvering
The first half was marked by a tactical battle, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Celtic dominated possession, but Ross County’s defense held firm, making it challenging for the Hoops to create clear-cut chances. Ross Laidlaw, the home side’s goalkeeper, was called into action multiple times, making crucial saves to deny Celtic’s early attempts.
As the half progressed, Celtic began to find their rhythm. The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley started to control the game, dictating the tempo and creating opportunities for their forwards. However, Ross County’s defense, led by the experienced duo of Jack Baldwin and Alex Iacovitti, remained resolute.
Despite Celtic’s dominance, it was Ross County who struck first. In the 35th minute, a well-executed counter-attack saw the Staggies take the lead. A swift move down the left flank culminated in a cross that found the head of striker Jordan White, who powered the ball past Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing an upset was on the horizon.
Second Half: Celtic’s Resurgence
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Celtic emerged from the break with renewed determination. Brendan Rodgers made tactical adjustments, urging his players to increase the intensity and push for an equalizer. The Hoops’ response was immediate, as they ramped up the pressure on Ross County’s defense.
In the 55th minute, Celtic finally found the breakthrough they were looking for. A corner kick taken by O’Riley was met by the head of defender Carl Starfelt, who directed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. The goal ignited the Celtic supporters, who had traveled in numbers to support their team.
With the momentum now firmly in Celtic’s favor, they continued to press forward. Kyogo Furuhashi, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, was rewarded for his efforts in the 70th minute. A brilliant through ball from McGregor split the Ross County defense, allowing Furuhashi to race clear. The forward calmly slotted the ball past Laidlaw, giving Celtic a 2-1 lead.
Late Spree: Celtic’s Dominance
As the match entered its final stages, Ross County struggled to cope with Celtic’s attacking prowess. The visitors were relentless, and their third goal came just five minutes later. This time, it was Furuhashi again, who turned provider. After a clever one-two with O’Riley, he delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Liel Abada was waiting to tap in, extending Celtic’s lead to 3-1.
With the game effectively won, Celtic continued to push for more goals. The Staggies, visibly deflated, found it challenging to mount any meaningful response. In the dying moments of the match, Celtic added a fourth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory. Substitute Daizen Maeda, who had come on to inject fresh energy into the attack, found the net after a swift counter-attack, making it 4-1.
Post-Match Reactions
Following the match, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their resilience in coming from behind. “I’m proud of the players for the way they responded after going a goal down. We showed great character and quality to turn the game around,” he said. “Kyogo was exceptional today, and it’s great to see him back on the scoresheet.”
Ross County manager Malky Mackay, while disappointed with the result, praised his team’s effort. “We started well and took the lead, but we knew Celtic would come at us in the second half. We need to learn from this experience and ensure we can compete for the full 90 minutes,” he stated.
Implications for the Title Race
Celtic’s victory over Ross County has significant implications for the title race in the Scottish Premiership. With this win, they have established an 18-point lead over their closest rivals, making them strong favorites to retain their league title. The Hoops’ attacking prowess, combined with a solid defensive unit, has made them a formidable force this season.
As the season progresses, Celtic will look to maintain their momentum and continue their unbeaten run. The depth of their squad, coupled with the tactical acumen of Brendan Rodgers, positions them well for a successful campaign. Fans will be hopeful that this victory is just the beginning of a strong finish to the season.
Looking Ahead
For Ross County, the defeat serves as a wake-up call as they navigate the challenges of the Premiership. With crucial matches ahead, they must regroup and focus on securing points to avoid relegation. The Staggies have shown they can compete against top teams, but consistency will be key in their quest for survival.
As the league continues, all eyes will be on Celtic as they aim to extend their lead at the top. The Hoops’ next fixture will be crucial as they look to build on this victory and maintain their position as the dominant force in Scottish football.
In conclusion, Celtic’s 4-1 victory over Ross County was a testament to their quality and determination. Coming from behind to secure a comprehensive win not only highlights their resilience but also reinforces their status as title contenders. As the season unfolds, Celtic will be eager to continue their impressive form, while Ross County will need to regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead. The Scottish Premiership remains an exciting competition, and this match was a perfect example of the drama and unpredictability that football offers.
Tactical Analysis: Celtic’s Approach and Ross County’s Strategy
The match between Celtic and Ross County not only showcased the final scoreline but also highlighted the tactical approaches employed by both teams. Understanding these strategies provides deeper insights into the dynamics of the game and the factors that led to Celtic’s victory.
Celtic’s Tactical Setup
Celtic’s formation and tactical approach were pivotal in their success against Ross County. Brendan Rodgers opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed for fluid attacking play and solid midfield control.
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Midfield Dominance: The trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley played a crucial role in controlling the midfield. Their ability to retain possession and dictate the tempo of the game was instrumental in breaking down Ross County’s defensive setup.
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Wide Play: Celtic utilized the width of the pitch effectively, with wingers like Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi stretching the opposition defense. This created space for overlapping full-backs, allowing for more attacking options.
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Pressing Game: Celtic’s high pressing was evident throughout the match. They aimed to win the ball back quickly after losing possession, putting pressure on Ross County’s defenders and forcing errors.
Ross County’s Defensive Strategy
Ross County’s approach was primarily focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. Malky Mackay’s side set up in a compact formation, aiming to frustrate Celtic’s attacking players.
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Defensive Organization: The Staggies employed a 4-4-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure. The midfielders worked hard to track back and support the defense, making it difficult for Celtic to penetrate.
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Counter-Attacking Threat: Ross County looked to exploit Celtic’s attacking intent by launching quick counter-attacks. Their goal came from a well-executed break, showcasing their ability to transition from defense to attack rapidly.
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Set-Piece Focus: Ross County aimed to capitalize on set-piece opportunities, knowing that they could pose a threat from corners and free-kicks. Their goal from a cross highlighted their effectiveness in this area.
Key Moments and Turning Points
Several key moments in the match shifted the momentum in favor of Celtic, ultimately leading to their victory.
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Equalizing Goal: Celtic’s equalizer in the 55th minute was a turning point. It not only restored their confidence but also shifted the pressure back onto Ross County, who had to adapt to a more aggressive Celtic side.
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Furuhashi’s Impact: Kyogo Furuhashi’s performance was crucial. His ability to find space and create chances for himself and others was a constant threat. His first goal gave Celtic the lead, and his assist for Abada’s goal showcased his all-around attacking capabilities.
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Late Goals: The final moments of the match saw Celtic capitalize on Ross County’s fatigue and frustration. The late goals demonstrated Celtic’s relentless pursuit of victory and their ability to exploit defensive lapses.
Conclusion on Tactical Analysis
The tactical battle between Celtic and Ross County highlighted the contrasting styles of play and the effectiveness of Celtic’s approach. While Ross County showed resilience and the ability to take the lead, Celtic’s quality and tactical adjustments ultimately prevailed. As the season progresses, both teams will need to refine their strategies to achieve their respective goals, with Celtic aiming for the title and Ross County fighting for survival in the Premiership.
DINGWALL, SCOTLAND – APRIL 02: Celtic manager Ange embraces Carl Starfelt during a cinch Premiership match between Ross County and Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, on April 02, 2023, in Dingwall, Scotland.(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)DINGWALL, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 06: The Celtic team huddle during a cinch Premiership match between Ross County and Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, on August 06, 2022, in Dingwall, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)DINGWALL, SCOTLAND – APRIL 02: Ross County’s Gwion Edwards goes down injured before being taken off during a cinch Premiership match between Ross County and Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, on April 02, 2023, in Dingwall, Scotland.(Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

DINGWALL, SCOTLAND – APRIL 02: Ross County’s Simon Murray in action during a cinch Premiership match between Ross County and Celtic at the Global Energy Stadium, on April 02, 2023, in Dingwall, Scotland.(Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)