Match

How Celtic stunned Rangers at Ibrox without a single shot on target

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Celtic reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup after beating Rangers on penalties, but also without mustering a single shot on target across 120 minutes of football.

The Hoops won 4-2 on penalties after weathering the storm at Ibrox, particularly towards the end of the game.

Even though Martin O’Neill’s men didn’t give Jack Butland a huge test, they were able to get over the line and secure an all-important victory.

Who was your Celtic man of the match against Rangers?

Celtic’s defensive resilience triumphed over attacking intent

Goals have been an issue for Celtic this season so instead of trying to bag a hatful, they decided to shore up at the back.

Auston Trusty had one of his best games for the club as he returned to the starting XI, playing alongside Benjamin Arthur and Dane Murray.

Tomas Cvancara of Celtic celebrates scoring the team's fourth and winning penalty
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

Playing Liam Scales at left-back provided more defensive cover and enabled Julian Araujo to make his forward-thinking runs more frequently.

Reo Hatate’s role also changed due to Callum McGregor’s absence and we saw a rare side of him as he swapped his technical ability for grit and determination by breaking up the play and battling the likes of Nicolas Raskin.

Celtic saved their shooting boots for when it mattered

While they were unsuccessful in hitting the target in 120 minutes, the Bhoys did it when it mattered in the shootout.

Celtic have an excellent record against Rangers when it comes to penalties and converted all four of their spot-kicks from 12 yards.

Who scored the better goal against Rangers? 🤔

Was it Larsson's chip in 2000, or Nakamura's 40-yard screamer in 2008? Tell us below ⏬

Henrik Larsson celebrates his goal against Rangers in 2000, Shunsuke Nakamura celebrates his goal against Rangers in 2008
Credit: Getty Images/ Stu Forster /Allsport/AMA/Corbis

James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama both missed when the pressure was on and that ultimately proved to be the difference.

That may not work every week, though, and there will be hopes from everyone that the semi-final will be a smoother ride.