The Independent
·15 December 2024
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·15 December 2024
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Celtic boss appears to be headbutted by Rangers coach after Old Firm derby
Daizen Maeda scored the decisive spot-kick as Celtic emerged 5-4 penalty shoot-out winners over Rangers after a Scottish League Cup final ended 3-3 after extra-time at Hampden Park.
Light Blues wide-man Nadim Baramin opened the scoring in the 41st minute after a mistake by Parkhead left-back Greg Taylor, who made amends in the 56th minute when his drive deflected in off Gers midfielder Nicolas Raskind, whose mistake cost Gers four minutes later as Maeda fired in a second for the Hoops.
The Ibrox side rallied and levelled in the 75th minute through Mohamed Diomande but when Nicolas Kuhn restored Celtic’s lead in the 87th minute the trophy looked Parkhead-bound, only for Gers substitute Danilo to level a minute later and take the game to extra-time.
After no more goals the game went to penalties and Hoops goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel gave Brendan Rodgers’ side the advantage by saving Ridvan Yilmaz’s effort before Maeda beat Jack Butland to take the trophy back to Parkhead.
Despite a valiant effort, it was another Celtic triumph and leaves Philippe Clement without a win in six Old Firm matches, while Celtic moved ahead on the historical trophy count - 119 to 118.
Brendan Rodgers hailed a classic Old Firm cup final at Hampden Park - but was glad his Celtic side emerged victors over Rangers in a 5-4 penalty shoot-out to lift the Scottish League Cup
Rodgers, with only one defeat in 20 Old Firm games in his two spells as Celtic boss, said: “I know the magnitude of this game. Celtic and Rangers worldwide, for both sets of supporters, and it means so much to people’s lives.
“I think it’s maybe, what, my 20th game? But I always treat it like the first and prepare that way. But as I said, it’s all about coming out on the other side. And the guys showed a big heart to come back from being behind in the game and then to obviously show that composure in the penalties.
“And the most important thing is being at the podium at the end and they achieved that. A great, great game to be involved in and obviously it’s one of those ones where you, like what you expect in a final, you never get it all your own way.”
A 3-3 thriller after extra time was settled by penalties as Celtic claimed the bragging rights
Jamie Braidwood15 December 2024 21:07
“Unbelievable pride. Relief to come through it because it’s about winning, not necessarily the performance. It’s so much pride to go and lift the trophy again,” says the Celtic skipper McGregor, now on his way to lifting the trophy.
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:27
Rangers’ fifth taker is goalkeeper Jack Butland and he absolutely has to score - no other options left! The ‘keeper steps up...and beats his fellow keeper, high and hard!
*CEL 4-4 RAN
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:21
Hatate for the fourth for Celtic to give them the lead... GOAL! Emphatic, battered in high to his left.
CEL 4-3 RAN
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:20
Yilmaz is up now and Schmeichel is in his face again as he looks to put the ball on the spot. Left-footed and low.. SAVED!! Schmeichel gets down to palm it away beside the post! A bit of a scuffed effort in the end in truth.
*CEL 3-3 RAN
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:19
Third penalty for Celtic and again needing to score to level matters, it’s Engels...short runup, right footed, beats Butland just about! GOAL.
CEL 3-3 RAN
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:18