Celtic reached the Premier Sports Cup final after beating Rangers in extra time.
The Hoops started brightly and pinned the Rangers defence back before thinking they had taken the lead thanks to a bizarre own goal, but it was ruled out after an incredibly tight VAR call.
However, it didn’t take long for the defending champions to take the lead for a second time as Johnny Kenny’s bullet header from Arne Engels’ corner.
Rangers were then reduced to 10-men after a horror tackle from Thelo Asgaard on Anthony Ralston resulted in him being shown a straight red card.
Despite the man advantage, the Hoops had to withstand increasing pressure from the designated away side after the break.
There was controversy though as Rangers were awarded a penalty for an alleged handball on Anthony Ralston, despite replays showing his arm was in a natural position, allowing for James Tavernier to score from the spot.
In the end, the two sides couldn’t be separated in normal time, and had to go the full 120 minutes.
Celtic came out of the blocks after the pause in play and it was Callum McGregor who stepped up to make the difference with an outstanding strike before Callum Osmand scored his first professional goal to ensure the Hoops would be heading back to Hampden Park to face St Mirren in the final.
Below, 67 Hail Hail has rated the performance of every Celtic player from the win.
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Celtic player ratings vs Rangers
Kasper Schmeichel – 7
Brilliant in goal, especially when it came to collecting crosses. Had no chance of saving the penalty but made a massive save in extra-time to prevent Rangers from making it 2-2.
Anthony Ralston – 7
One of his best performances of the season. Won everything and wore his heart on his sleeve but was harshly done by the penalty call.
Auston Trusty – 8
May consider himself to be lucky to only walk away with a yellow card after the incident with Jack Butland but from a defensive perspective, he was a mountain at the back.
Liam Scales – 6
Rarely tested and nullified the threats of the Rangers attack for the majority of the game. Made a brilliant goal-saving challenge with 15 minutes to go that helped the Hoops get over the line.
Marcelo Saracchi – 7
Developed a really good understanding with Sebastian Tounekti and is always up for the fight.
Callum McGregor (C) – 8
A perfect captain’s performance after being allowed to dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park. Tenacious work rate and always kept things ticking over before scoring a screamer of a goal to win the game.
Arne Engels – 8
A wonderful set piece from the record signing. He has really improved in that aspect since O’Neill came in. Tried to break the lines with some lovely through balls too.
Benjamin Nygren – 6
Did well in patches and should’ve done better with one of his chances. Continued to link up well with Kenny.
Daizen Maeda – 7
Looked back to his best once again. Never stopped running and was a nightmare for Jayden Meghoma to deal with.
Johnny Kenny – 8
Fantastic display yet again after giving the Rangers backline no time to breathe. If Youssef Chermiti cost £8m, Kenny is worth double that and more based off today.
Sebastian Tounekti – 6
Electric in everything he did right up until his end product. Gave Nasser Djiga nightmares, but the winger will still come away feeling somewhat frustrated.
Substitutes
James Forrest – 7
Inches away from doubling Celtic’s lead but was denied by Butland’s deflection onto the woodwork. Had the Rangers full-back in all sorts of bother.
Reo Hatate – 6
Squandered a great chance in normal time but was an injection of energy that got the Hoops ruling the roost in midfield.
Callum Osmand – 8
The fresh legs helped and caused Rangers problems in defence. He should’ve scored in normal time but made up for it with the icing on the cake in the second half of extra-time. What a moment to score your first professional goal!
Kieran Tierney – 7
Some brilliant crosses and found so much space all afternoon on the left-hand side and brought some much-needed calmness to the back four while under pressure.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha – 6
Didn’t really have enough time to make a huge impact, but is now part of a confident side that will only help him feel more at home.
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