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.
