This was a Premier Sports Cup Final that had just about everything.
For the neutral it would have been exhilarating. For Celtic fans it was exhausting.
Conceding a goal in the first-half to Nedim Bajrami, the Hoops looked slack. They looked slow and they were sloppy.
After the break, though – and presumably a Brendan Rodgers rocket in the changing room – there were FIVE goals in the second-half and a full-time score of 3-3 before extra-time.
Greg Taylor who sold the jerseys for the Gers opener – redeemed himself with a deflected leveller before Daizen Maeda nicked in to score just three minutes later to turn the game on its head.
Mohamed Diomande then equalised with a deflected effort of his own before man of the match, Nicolas Kuhn, thought he’d won the game with a few minutes to go when he swept home an Arne Engels cut-back.
It was a ludicrous 20 SECONDS, though, after Gers’ kick-off from the goal as sub Danilo found himself in between Cameron Carter-Vickers and Anthony Ralston with a header to level proceedings again.
An extra 30 minutes came and went following the frenetic 90 and it was a penalty shootout that won the day for Celtic after what was a shattering finale.
67 Hail Hail rates how Celtic’s stars got on in the game…
Celtic player ratings vs Rangers in Premier Sports Cup Final
Kasper Schmeichel – 8
Kept out Hamza Igamane before Nedim Bajrami scored their first. The second-half saw the Dane make two phenomenal saves and he’ll have been furious at the defence for conceding so quickly after a stunning stop to keep out Diomande. Had no chance with any goal. Saved in the shootout!
Alistair Johnston – 6
Wasn’t his best game for the club as some of his passing choices were poor down the right-flank. Did, however, link up with Kuhn down the line for a few big moments after the break.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
Prevented a second Rangers goal with an incredible block despite it being FOUR on one in his rival’s favour. Won battles in the air most of the afternoon except with Danilo how found himself in between the defence to score. Made some crucial interceptions.
Auston Trusty – 6
Didn’t have much to do at the back and won a lot of aerial duels but was forced off at half-time, presumably with an injury.
Greg Taylor – 6
Was majorly at fault for the Rangers opener as he gifted possession away from well inside his own half. Also gave the ball away in the second-half and should have been punished, honestly. Redeemed himself with the Celtic equaliser.
Callum McGregor – 6
Celtic’s metronome always looked to get the ball moving forward but Rangers’ players had clearly identified the captain as a danger from back to front, so they looked to clamp him early in the engine room. Still managed to bring the attackers into the game and showed his legs can put in a shift for the full whack. Scored in the shootout.
Paulo Bernardo – 6
Put himself about as he often does and was industrious but didn’t do enough to impact the game on the front foot and was subbed.
Reo Hatate – 7
Was rather slack, lackadaisical even in the first-45 but he came alive, as most of his teammates did, after the break. Improved significantly and was one of the more calm players in the midfield as the final wore on. Netted in the shootout.
Daizen Maeda – 7
Just when Rangers looked tired in the second-half after conceding to Taylor, Celtic’s energy source intercepted a Nico Raskin pass to nick in and score from a marvellous first touch out the air. Kept James Tavernier and even Leon Balogun on their toes all day. Scored the shootout winner.
Nicolas Kuhn – 9
Started slow and missed a gilt-edge chance in the first-half but he turned the second-half almost single-handedly with his direct running and pace. Helped tee up the second goal and provided Kyogo with a massive chance that was saved. Was a constant menace and a danger for Gers’ defence to contend with and was rewarded with his goal.
Kyogo – 5
Missed a big chance at 0-0 which was expertly saved by the feet of Butland but that would eventually lead to the corner for the leveller. Other than that moment, it was quite a quiet day for the Japanese international.
Liam Scales (sub) – 5
Replaced Auston Trusty at the break and did okay. Maybe lucky after giving the ball away inside the Celtic half which might’ve led to a goal. Actually, lucky more than once including just outside the area in extra-time.
Arne Engels (sub) – 5
All he had to do was put the ball on a plate for Kuhn and he did. So heavy with a poor touch when he would’ve been one on one with Butland. Scored his penalty.
Anthony Ralston (sub) – 4
Was asked to do the Johnston role but getting forward isn’t really his strong suit. Defensively he was fine for the most part but his crossing up the other end let him down a bit.
Adam Idah (sub) – 4
Brought on for Kyogo but offered about as little as his attacking teammate. Took the first spot-kick in the shootout for Celtic and scored under immense pressure.
Alex Valle (sub) – 5
Had some interesting moments in extra-time after coming on for Taylor. Has a good relationship with Maeda and he got forward with some crossing opportunities late.
James Forrest (sub) – 3
Offered direct running and some energy late on.
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