Celtic Clinch Epic League Cup Final with Nail-Biting Penalty Drama Against Rangers
Celtic triumphed in a pulsating Scottish League Cup final, edging Rangers on penalties after a breathless 3-3 draw that encapsulated everything fans love—and loathe—about Old Firm derbies. The defining moment came in the shootout when Kasper Schmeichel saved Ridvan Yilmaz’s effort. While Jack Butland briefly kept Rangers’ hopes alive by converting his penalty, Daizen Maeda delivered the decisive blow to secure the trophy for Celtic. This win not only extends manager Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten record at Hampden but also propels Celtic past Rangers in the all-time silverware count—a feat last achieved in the 1930s. But statistics alone don’t capture the drama of this unforgettable final. Rangers Strike First Rangers brought the intensity of their midweek clash with Tottenham into this match, and it showed. They pressed Celtic relentlessly, forcing Greg Taylor into a costly error late in the first half. Nedim Bajrami capitalised on the mistake, collecting a loose ball and setting up Hamza Igamane. Schmeichel could only parry Igamane’s shot, leaving Bajrami to tap in from close range. At that point, Rangers seemed to have cracked Celtic’s composure, carrying a deserved lead into half-time. A Chaotic Second Half Celtic, as they so often do, found a way back. Greg Taylor redeemed himself early in the second half when his deflected strike levelled the score. Minutes later, Daizen Maeda punished Nicolas Raskin’s careless header, firing Celtic ahead. The pendulum swung yet again when Mohamed Diomande turned sharply to equalise for Rangers, igniting a frantic back-and-forth battle. Nicolas Kuhn appeared to have sealed the win for Celtic with a late strike, only for Danilo to rise to the occasion moments later, heading in a superb Vaclav Cerny cross to force extra time. Extra Time and Penalties With Rangers fatigued from their European exploits, Celtic dominated extra time but failed to break through a resilient Ibrox defence. A contentious penalty shout—when Liam Scales tugged Vaclav Cerny—was waved away, leaving the outcome to penalties. Celtic held their nerve in the shootout, with Schmeichel the hero and Yilmaz the unfortunate villain. Celtic’s Winning Mentality Despite being far from their best, Celtic showcased the grit and resilience that defines champions. Brendan Rodgers hailed his team’s determination, stating, “We deserved to win the trophy, but you have to go and earn it.” Rangers’ Heartbreak For Philippe Clement and his side, the result was a bitter pill. “Football can be cruel, and this was a cruel one,” Clement admitted. “My team deserved more today.” Rangers fans can take heart from their team’s performance, which displayed tactical nous and mental strength. However, falling short will sting, especially given the growing gap at the top of the Premiership table. Final Thoughts This was a final for the ages, a spectacle of grit, drama, and no shortage of controversy. Celtic march on, their trophy cabinet a little heavier, while Rangers are left to rue missed opportunities and wonder what might have been. For fans of both sides, the match will be remembered not just for its result but for the sheer chaos and excitement that defines this iconic rivalry.
Wróbel produces stunning hat-trick as Glasgow City leapfrog Rangers to top table
Venue: Petershill Park Date: 15/12/24 Time: 12:10 Glasgow City 3 N. Wróbel (’41 ’56 ’65) Rangers 0 Natalia Wróbel was the star of a dominant display from Glasgow City with a hat-trick to dispatch Rangers. A first defeat of the season sees Jo Potter’s side lose their spot as SWPL leaders. City’s first half dominance was rewarded in the 41st minute when Rangers’ Jenna Fife and Leah Eddie’s miscommunication outside the box saw Wróbel pounce on the defensive howler first, chipping the ball into the net to break the deadlock. A powerful finish allowed Wróbel double the lead and her tally just ten minutes into the second half when Katie Hill attempted to clear the danger in the Rangers box but couldn’t get enough on the ball, leaving the goal at the City forward’s mercy. The hat-trick was completed just nine minutes later as Rangers were once again unable to properly get the ball out of the box before the Poland international put paid the game over. The teams looked evenly matched in the opening exchanges but the home side began to exert dominance, Wróbel coming close with a curling shot from outside the box that could not find its way on target. City began to push higher up the pitch and chances to take the lead soon followed with Nicole Kozlova’s flying ball across the face of goal only missing a head to open the scoring. Rangers facing intense pressure managed a chance of their own, Jodi McLeary’s cross deflected by Katie Wilkinson on target but it was comfortably dealt with by keeper Lee Gibson. Limited to a few chances by their dominant hosts, Rio Hardy was unable to test the keeper with a rare opportunity early in the second half. Fife produced a stunning save to deny City’s Wróbel from doubling her lead minutes later, the forward relentless in pursuit of further goals. The hosts were agonisingly close to adding a fourth but for another point blank save from Gibson to deny Brenna Lovera. Both sides were separated by a mere point before kick-off but by the time the whistle brought this fixture to an end, they looked miles apart. What the managers said: Glasgow City boss Leanne Ross: [On going top of the table] “That was the objective for the day in terms of bouncing back from what we felt was a disappointing result on Wednesday. “It’s always a real battle between the two teams, we’re close in terms of the qualities that we have but I think today, in the conditions, we battled a little bit more and our quality came out a little bit more than Rangers did today. “Really pleased for [Natalia Wróbel], she had a couple of opportunities during the week. […] We spoke about after the game and I just said if she keeps putting herself in those positions and keeps working as hard as she can, her qualities will bring her the goals and she’s proven that today.” Line-ups: Glasgow City: L. Gibson, A. Muir (L. Evans ’68), K. Smit, S. van Diemen, C. Warrington, N. Wrobel (K. Lockwood), H. Lauder (c) (M. Fulton ’86), A. Gambone, N. Kozlova, B. Lovera (L. Forrest ’86). E. Whelan Substitutes: A. Easdon, J. Love, M. Fulton, K. Lockwood, W. Forsblom, A. Anderson, L. Evans, M. Foley, L. Forrest. Rangers: J. Fife, N. Docherty, L. Eddie (L. Rafferty ’72), K. Hill, J. McLeary (L. Arnot ’46), K. MacLean, O. McLoughlin (C. Devlin ’46), C. Cornet, B. Hay (M. McAulay ’65), R. Hardy, K. Wilkinson (K. Howat ’65) Substitutes: V. Esson, L. Rafferty, T. Middag, C. Devlin, K. Howat, M. McAulay, L. Arnot, S. Ewens, C. Lafaix. Referee: Alex Shepherd