Celtic winger Jota has previewed his much-anticipated return to the Glasgow Derby, as he prepares for his first Glasgow Derby since re-joining the Hoops in January.
Jota’s Previous Success in Glasgow Derbies
During his previous stint at Celtic, Jota made quite the mark in Glasgow Derbies, scoring four goals against Rangers. His first came in a 1–1 draw at Celtic Park on May 1, 2022, where he opened the scoring for the Hoops. The following season, Jota was instrumental in some memorable games, netting three crucial goals in the 2022–23 campaign.
His first goal of the 2022–23 season against Rangers came in a 4–0 demolition of the Ibrox side at Celtic Park on September 3, 2022, with the superstar from Portugal producing a stunning chip that left Rangers keeper John McLaughlin with no chance. Later that season, Jota scored the winning goal in a thrilling 3–2 victory at Celtic Park on April 8, 2023, before grabbing the only goal in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on April 30, 2023, sending the Hoops to the final.
Jota’s Excitement Ahead of the Derby
Looking ahead to his first Glasgow Derby since rejoining Celtic, Jota shared his excitement ahead of the match, speaking to Celtic TV. “It’s something different. It’s a very special feeling. It’s something that every player should feel once in their lifetime. Luckily for us and luckily for me, I’ve had the opportunity to play a lot of them and I still want to play many more. I’m just excited about it,” Jota explained.
The Portuguese winger continued, discussing his mindset ahead of the fixture: “I feel like every game is a different game, but we tend to focus on ourselves. It’s not because it’s going to be a big rival that we are going to think differently or do different stuff. No, we have our philosophy. We have our aim for the game. We know exactly what to do.”
Looking Ahead to the Derby
With Jota’s return to the squad and his previous experience in these high-pressure games, Celtic fans will be hoping for another memorable performance in this fiercely contested fixture. The winger’s ability to rise to the occasion and make an impact in Glasgow derbies has already been proven, and with the added motivation of playing for Celtic once more, supporters are confident he’ll play a key role in helping the Hoops secure another victory.
As Jota gears up for his first Glasgow Derby since his return, one thing is clear – he’s ready to continue to add to his legacy in these unforgettable games. Here’s hoping for another classic Jota goal to remember in a derby win on Sunday.
