Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst refused to throw in the title race towel after defeat to Celtic – but admits the 2-1 home defeat is a huge setback for the champions.
The home side led early on through Aaron Ramsey but it took all of four minutes for their rivals to get back level with Tom Rogic on target.
And minutes from half-time Cameron Carter-Vickers blasted home from a set-piece before he and Carl Starfelt withstood relentless pressure in the second 45 to get a massive derby victory over the line.
Gers hero Kris Boyd reckons that result signals the end of the title race in Scotland as Ange Postecoglou motors towards the Premiership crown in his first season as Celtic manager.
Van Bronckhorst disagreed but he was downbeat speaking to Sky Sports after the match.
He said: "We are two teams fighting for the championship and when you lose against your direct opponent for the race it's difficult.
"It's not over but this result makes it more difficult for us."
The Dutch boss reckons his side started the match far better and should have at least levelled in the second half.
But they just couldn't find a way past Joe Hart with the Hoops keeper relatively untested despite the dominance, bar a brilliant stop to deny Fashion Sakala.
Van Bronckhorst added: "It's very tough, of course, because we wanted to win this game.
"We started really well and when you lose it's a big disappointment.
"We started well, scored an early goal and it gives you confidence to get in the game.
"But the 1-1 was of course a big blow, because we were playing so well and the first attack they have, they score.
"So that was tough to take and the second goal we had against us.
"Second half, we tried to push and had chances, I think we played almost the whole second half in their half.
"You always know in transition moments they will be dangerous but we also created some good chances to get the equaliser. In the end we failed."
