Celtic FC has lifted the Scottish League Cup title, overcoming rivals Rangers F.C. after a thrilling penalty shootout, which concluded 5-4 following a dramatic 3-3 draw at Hampden Park on December 15. The game saw highs and lows for both sides, embodying the fierce rivalry of the Old Firm Derby.
Rangers, under the management of Philippe Clément, struck first with Nedim Bajrami scoring just before half-time. His goal came at the 41st minute, catching Celtic's defense off-guard as he bundled the ball home from close range. But the second half brought relentless action as Celtic turned the tide. Greg Taylor found the equalizer for the Bhoys just eleven minutes post-half-time, scoring at the 56-minute mark off what appeared to be a deflected effort.
Celtic continued their momentum with Daizen Maeda adding another just four minutes later, pushing them to a 2-1 lead. Yet, the Rangers' response was immediate, as Mohamed Diomande leveled the score at 2-2 with a deflected shot of his own.
With the clock winding down, Celtic's Nicolas Kühn seemed to have sealed victory, scoring at the 87th minute to give them the lead once again. But the match had one last gasp as Rangers' Danilo scored only moments later, ensuring the game went to extra time after finishing 3-3.
Neither side could break the deadlock during the 30 minutes of extra time, leading the contest to penalties. Celtic's goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, emerged as the hero of the day. He made a pivotal save against Rangers' Ridvan Yilmaz, allowing Celtic to claim the title after Maeda netted the decisive penalty.
This victory marks Celtic's 22nd League Cup title, making them the second-most successful club in the tournament's history, trailing only Rangers, who have won it 28 times. Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, who has now secured 16 wins out of 20 encounters against Rangers, was visibly delighted post-match.
"It was such a tense game – the rivalry makes everything so much more intense, but our boys showed incredible character to come back and win it – especially through penalties, which is never easy," Rodgers expressed.
The match was not without its controversial moments. The kick-off was briefly delayed due to smoke flares being set off by fans, reminding everyone of the passionate atmosphere surrounding this historic fixture. Reports emerged of clashes between supporters before the match across Glasgow, highlighting the intense feelings this rivalry ignites.
The thrilling final served as both teams' early test of the 2024/25 season, with Celtic aiming to continue their strong form, having lost only once across all competitions so far. Rangers, on the other hand, were pushing for redemption after struggling through some rough patches.
Importantly, this match showcased not only the raw passion of Scottish football but also the quality of skill and strategy both teams brought to the field. With each team boasting talented players, supporters could truly witness the battle for supremacy.
Now, with the League Cup secured, Celtic will shift their focus toward their aspirations in the Scottish Premiership and beyond, as they seek to establish their dominance this season. The rivalry is far from over, with fans eagerly anticipating their next encounter, which promises to deliver yet more unforgettable football.
