Gustaf Lagerbielke, currently on loan at FC Twente, found himself in the unlikeliest of positions on Wednesday night: celebrating an equaliser at Old Trafford alongside none other than former Rangers striker Sam Lammers.
The moment came as a surprise to those who’ve followed Scottish football, with the two players – once on opposite sides of one of the fiercest rivalries in football – now joining forces for the Dutch side.
Lagerbielke has had a tough time in Glasgow, struggling to nail down a regular spot in Brendan Rodgers’ defence. With opportunities limited, the Swedish defender was sent on loan to Twente to get more game time. On Wednesday, he came on as a late substitute in the second half of their UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United.
As Lagerbielke warmed up m, Twente were chasing the game after going a goal down. In the 68th minute, however, Lammers – who had an equally frustrating spell at Ibrox – found the back of the net with a great strike to level the score. What followed was a surreal moment: Lagerbielke, embracing the former Rangers player in celebration, a scene nobody could have imagined last season.
Last season, they were bitter rivals in the Scottish Premiership, both failing to make their mark in the intense atmosphere of the Glasgow Derby, although Gustaf did play in the first derby of last season at Ibrox where Celtic won. Now, at Twente, they’re teammates hoping to revive their careers together.
Lammers, who also struggled to settle at Rangers before moving to the Eredivisie, showed a glimpse of his potential with his equaliser at Old Trafford, and Lagerbielke will hope his own fortunes take a similar upward trajectory.
The duo’s unexpected success at Old Trafford could be a big moment for both players, as they seek to rebuild confidence away from the Scottish spotlight. With Twente continuing to fight in the Europa League, Lagerbielke will be keen to use this experience to prove his worth – whether that’s for a return to Celtic or securing his future elsewhere.
For now, though, the image of former foes elated together at Old Trafford will stand to serve how quickly enemies can become friends in football.
