The 2024 Scottish League Cup Final showcased the famed rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, once again capturing the attention of football fans across Scotland and beyond. The match, held on December 15 at Hampden Park, marked another chapter in the storied history of these two titans of Scottish football, both eager to claim the first major trophy of the season.
Celtic, under the strategic guidance of Brendan Rodgers, came to the final as the favorites, having dominated the Scottish Premiership and entered the match on the back of impressive performances, including an overwhelming 6-0 victory over Aberdeen to seal their spot. Meanwhile, Rangers, coached by Philippe Clement, secured their place with a narrower 2-1 victory over Motherwell. Despite Celtic's strong form, Rangers were buoyed by recent displays, including facing tougher European opposition.
This final would not only be about the trophy but also about bragging rights, as both clubs were tied with 188 major honors, making the winner the most decorated team in Scottish football—at least temporarily. "It’s been bonkers, again, as both teams continue to shock and awe!" noted one commentator, encapsulating the electric atmosphere leading up to the game.
The stage was set for the kickoff at 3:30 PM GMT, with both teams fielding formidable lineups. Celtic featured notable players like Kasper Schmeichel, Callum McGregor, and Kyogo Furuhashi, whereas Rangers relied on the strength of Jack Butland, James Tavernier, and Ianis Hagi. Both coaches had their strategies on full display as they prepped their squads.
The match commenced with fervor, both sides pushing for advantage. Rangers struck first with Nedim Bajrami scoring the opening goal at the 41st minute, converting after Schmeichel saved a shot from Hamza Igamane. The response from Celtic saw their determination shine through as they sought to regain control.
On the 56th minute, Celtic leveled the score with Greg Taylor’s shot, heavily deflected by the Rangers’ defense, which wrong-footed Butland. The equalizer revitalized Celtic, igniting their fans and pushing them forward. Just moments later, Daizen Maeda showcased his skill, scoring to make it 2-1. The Celtic contingent roared with delight as they took the lead.
Yet, the resilience of Rangers shone through; they equalized at 2-2 via Mohamed Diomande’s excellent finish after twisting and turning through the Celtic defense. It was clear this final was going to be one for the ages, as goals piled up and tensions ran high.
With the score tied at 3-3 by the final whistle of regulation, the match moved to extra time, with both coaches visibly engaged, instructing their teams on tactical approaches under pressure. Amid the flurry of yellow cards—referee John Beaton was noted for his strict management of the match—players faced exhaustion, yet pushed their limits for what was at stake.
With the thrilling back-and-forth momentum, Celtic seemed to have found a winner through Nicolas Kuhn, who netted what appeared to be the clincher late on. But Rangers responded instantaneously; 20 seconds after kickoff, Danilo, fresh on the pitch, powered home the equalizer, leaving fans and players stunned. The atmosphere was electric as the teams fought for the decisive goal amid mounting pressure.
Despite relentless defensive and offensive gambits from both sides—calls for penalties, near misses, and relentless tackles—the match drew to its heart-stopping conclusion, still level at 3-3. Fans and pundits alike were left seeking answers as the two teams prepared for another set of adrenaline-fueled minutes, unsure of what fate awaited them.
This final distinctly illustrated the fierce rivalry and passion embedded within Scottish football. Regardless of the end result, both clubs would carry the weight of their history forward, potentially impacting their future seasons. Each moment was steeped not only in competition but also the legacy, pride, and identity of their respective fans as Celtic and Rangers vied for supremacy.
