Penalty shootout #25 for the Celts ended in huge success, by booking a Scottish Cup semi-final spot. And it ensured an 75% record against teams called Rangers…
Yesterday’s game at Ibrox means that the Bhoys have now – in competitive matches and friendlies – taken part in 25 penalty kick dramas, with 14 victories as part of this.
Penalties were introduced in football in 1970. Celtic’s first experience of this came in a 5-4 European Cup semi defeat to Inter Milan in 1972.
The first time the Bhoys cheered in a penalty shootout was in 1974. Celtic faced Rangers in the Drybrough Cup Final. Following a 2-2 draw, it ended 4-2 to Celts.
There were no more penalty shootouts against the original Rangers; the Bhoys next opposed an Ibrox side in such a contest in 2016. In the Scottish Cup semis, Celtic lost 5-4 – but given that the Light Blues went on to lose to Hibs in the final, it mattered not!
The next time Celtic and a Rangers were tied after normal time and extra time was 2024. This time it was a phenomenal League Cup Final encounter. Following a 3-3 draw, the two teams lined up for penalties – and the Celts again celebrated. Daizen Maeda’s goal sealed a 5-4 victory.
And now in 2026 there is another Celtic win against a Rangers team. The 0-0 draw at Ibrox was hard going at times, although in truth there were few clear cut chances at either end.
Tomas Cvancara stepped up to score the decisive kick, giving the Celts a 4-2 win. A brilliant day, despite the efforts of some Ibrox fans to cause trouble and violence.
Onwards to the semis. In the strangest of seasons, the Celts may yet claim at least one trophy, and possibly an entirely unexpected double. C’mon Celts.
Matthew Marr
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