Celtic became the most successful club in Scotland with a Premier Sports Cup win against Rangers. Brendan Rodgers’ side had to battle throughout the game before the game was forced to penalties.
Celtic were the only team trying to play football as Rangers looked more interested in long balls and midfield scraps. Despite this, Rangers took the lead after Greg Taylor’s pass was intercepted with the Ibrox side taking full advantage.
Brendan decided to bring Liam Scales on at half time for Auston Trusty as Celtic looked to be more direct on the ball. Celtic were rewarded with two quick fire goals from Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda. The goals came minutes after CCV stopped a 4v1 Rangers attack to stop Rangers from doubling their lead.
.@CelticFC are level! 🍀
Greg Taylor's effort takes a massive deflection and finds the bottom corner of the Rangers' net 👀#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/zQ0giPTBgv
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
"Deadly Daizen Maeda!" 🎙️@CelticFC have turned this one around! 🍀#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/UCl5Wp06eY
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
A MASSIVE interception by Cameron Carter-Vickers! 👏
A great chance for Rangers to double their lead goes begging 🔵#PremierSportsCup pic.twitter.com/79mKgeu4sR
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
Rangers pulled back a goal after Kyogo stuck a leg out to divert Diomande’s limp effort beyond Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic were back ahead with minutes to go with Nicolas Kühn thinking he had won it. Unfortunately, Rangers pulled one back through Danilo and the game was destined for extra time.
Nicolas Kühn makes it 3-2 late on! 🍀@CelticFC in front again! 😱#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/iyhHfucscG
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
Extra time proved to be unable at determining a winner, meaning penalties were required. Celtic would feel as if they had been the better team but penalties can be a lottery.
Adam Idah, Arne Engels and Callum McGregor all scored their penalties with Celtic going second.
Yilmaz was denied by Schmeichel with an excellent stop down to the Dane’s left. Reo Hatate netted before Rangers scored, again. This allowed Daizen Maeda the chance to go to the Rangers end and net the winning spot kick. The Japanese internationalist made no mistake from the spot, sending Butland the wrong way and sparking wild celebrations.
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🏆🏆🏆🏆Our 119th trophy! pic.twitter.com/RsZlEbCCHG
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 15, 2024
The Rangers manager seemed fixated at full time with a penalty call that Rangers seem to have been done out of. Although, with six derbies and no wins, Clement is probably clutching at straws and seeking to deflect from his own shortcomings.
The moment @CelticFC won it! 🍀
A cup final for the ages won by Daizen Maeda in a penalty shootout 👏#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/pexJsMqacN
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
"The #PremierSportsCup winners are CELTIC!" 🍀🏆
Another special day at Hampden for the Hoops 👏 pic.twitter.com/nMRAnfzv2U
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024