Last time at Hampden, Celtic lifted the League Cup with a win against Hibs. Back in December 2021, Ange Postecoglou took his team to Hampden knowing that managerless Hibs stood between them and the first silverware of the season. Celtic dominated the first half but couldn’t make the breakthrough as compact Easter Road midfield kept things tight. Postecoglou’s team were once again the victim of an injury as David Turnbull was forced off.
The second half sparked into life as Paul Hanlon headered Hibs into the ascendency from a Martin Boyle corner. The Hibs skipper wrestled Carl Starfelt to bundle the ball beyond Joe Hart and Josip Juranovic.
Celtic’s reply was instant. Callum McGregor collected the ball from the restart and hit a pinpointed pass in behind Ryan Porteous allowing Kyogo to touch the ball down and flash the ball beyond Matt Macey. The game would open up after this with Celtic relying on Joe Hart to retain parity with Hibs. Chances would come to the Celts but they were spurned thanks to some last ditch Hibs defending.
Tom Rogic stood over a freekick and managed to spy a Kyogo darting run between the Hibs defenders. The Japanese forward, who is always so aware of his surroundings, was able to let the ball bounce once before sending a stunning lobbed effort into the net to win the Cup for Celtic.
Celtic survived a wave of late Hibs pressure thanks to the efforts of Hart and the defence but the trophy would be returning to Paradise after less than a year in Perth.
Hopefully Celtic will take another step towards the final with a win over Rangers on Sunday.
