Reo Hatate has spoken about the last meeting between Celtic and Rangers as we lead up to the game at Ibrox at the beginning of April. With Celtic three points ahead, Ange Postecoglou’s side can look back to the resounding 3-0 win at the beginning of February when they showed that they were the most dangerous team in the country.
On an incredible night at Paradise, Japanese Internationalist Reo Hatate shone brightly. Hatate was named Man of the Match after the Japanese midfielder contributed two goals and an assist over the course of the evening.
Speaking to the Celtic View, Hatate reflected on the game that announced his arrival in Glasgow’s East End.
“It was difficult to communicate because of so much noise, this is why I would look carefully at my team-mates to try and read their movements, what they were doing and thinking and it was the same for them.
“I felt the passion of the supporters, and it was higher than any other game I’ve played. This was more than just a derby, it was a game for first or second place, so it meant even more to everyone.
“Both goals were very nice for me, especially the second. It was pretty much my style because I controlled the ball and I finished the way I always like to.
“So this is symbolic of who I am.”

🎥 Unique Angle 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙪𝙩 – Part 2 🍀
𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗻 🔊
Raw & unedited, just like the 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 Paradise atmosphere – thanks for your world class support Celts.#CELRAN | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG | #RollWithIt pic.twitter.com/YTBBFSsXKB
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 3, 2022
Brilliantly, Paradise was plunged into darkness as the anthem was belted out and the players entered the huddle and the Rangers players were forced to watch. The visitors were clearly spooked and that was evident as Celtic blew them away.
It was a fast start and the Celtic midfield, led by skipper CalMac, dominated and helped the team get forward. Although, Reo Hatate stood out. His first goal came after a cleared corner fell to his feet at the edge of the area, a drive that was moving away from Allan McGregor evaded bodies in the box before nestling in the corner. His second came from a lovely move down Celtic’s right hand side, neat interplay allowed Liel Abada to play his teammate in at the edge of the area, allowing Hatate to bend the ball around Goldson and into McGregor’s near post.
Hatate assisted thereafter when he found the touchline on the left and delivered a delightful ball into the mix, which Abada ran onto – leaving Barisic on his knees. Celtic did their business early, Giakoumakis was denied on a few occasions by McGregor but the goals allowed Celtic to sit off and soak up the pressure.
David Potter’s new book, Willie Fernie – Putting on The Style will be out shortly on Celtic Star Books and you can pre-order below…
