Celtic Edge Rangers in Penalty Shootout to Claim 119th Major Trophy
Celtic made history on Saturday night by defeating archrivals Glasgow Rangers in a pulsating Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park. The victory, secured through a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw, propels Celtic to the position of the second most-decorated club in the world, boasting 119 major trophies.
Before the showdown, both Celtic and Rangers were tied with 118 titles, trailing only Egypt’s Al-Ahly, who lead the global standings with 124. The significance of this “least important trophy” was elevated as it became the tiebreaker in the historic rivalry between these two Scottish giants.
First Half: Rangers Strike First
The match began with an electric atmosphere, fueled by nearly 50,000 fans split between both clubs. It was Rangers who drew first blood in the 41st minute. Emir Bajrami capitalized on his own clever interception, finishing into an empty net after a quick counterattack to give Rangers a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Despite their dominance in possession during the first half, Celtic struggled to break down Rangers’ resolute defense. Brendan Rodgers’ team headed into the break looking for inspiration.
Second Half: Celtic Roars Back
Celtic emerged from the tunnel as a transformed side, displaying the energy and intensity that had been missing in the opening period. Within the span of five minutes, they turned the game on its head.
Greg Taylor scored the equalizer in the 56th minute with a powerful strike after a clever build-up. Just four minutes later, Daizen Maeda added to his impressive tally by converting a well-worked team move to give Celtic a 2-1 lead.
Rangers, however, were not ready to surrender. Mohammed Diomande restored parity in the 75th minute with a well-timed finish, sending their fans into raptures.
As the game entered its final minutes, they thought they had secured victory when Kuhn slotted home in the 87th minute to make it 3-2. Reporters began preparing their headlines for Celtic’s 119th title, but Rangers had other ideas.
Just a minute later, Danilo rose highest to head home past Kasper Schmeichel, bringing the score to 3-3 and sending the match into extra time.
Extra Time: Tension Mounts
The frenetic pace of regulation time gave way to a more subdued extra period, with fatigue setting in and both teams prioritizing caution. The quality of play diminished, and tensions boiled over as players from both sides clashed in heated exchanges.
The referee issued 10 yellow cards during the match, reflecting the growing intensity and desperation. Neither side managed to find a breakthrough in the 30 minutes of extra time, setting the stage for a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Celtic Holds Their Nerve
The penalty shootout encapsulated the drama of the night. Both teams converted their first four attempts with precision, keeping the contest finely poised.
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
However, the decisive moment came when Schmeichel guessed correctly to deny Rangers’ fifth penalty. With the chance to seal the win, Celtic’s Maeda stepped up and calmly slotted his spot-kick into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Celtic faithful.
Key Performances
- Daizen Maeda (Celtic): Instrumental with a goal during regulation time and the decisive penalty in the shootout.
- Kuhn (Celtic): Scored a late goal that nearly clinched the match in regular time and displayed composure throughout.
- Danilo (Rangers): Kept his team alive with a last-minute equalizer, showcasing his aerial prowess.
- Kasper Schmeichel (Celtic): Made the crucial save in the shootout to secure victory.
Historical Significance
The win not only cements Celtic’s dominance in Scotland but also elevates their status on the global stage. With 119 major trophies, they surpass Rangers in the all-time rankings and are now second only to Al-Ahly. The victory also underscores Brendan Rodgers’ impact in his second stint at the club, as he continues to guide Celtic to success in both domestic and international competitions.
“The #PremierSportsCup winners are CELTIC!”
Another special day at Hampden for the Hoops pic.twitter.com/nMRAnfzv2U
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 15, 2024
What’s Next?
Celtic will look to carry their momentum into their league campaign, aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Meanwhile, Rangers must regroup quickly to challenge for other honors this season, with Philippe Clement’s side eager to close the gap on their bitter rivals.
As both clubs look ahead, this match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling and significant encounters in their storied rivalry. Celtic’s triumph further solidifies their place in football history, while Rangers are left to reflect on what might have been.
The Old Firm rivalry continues to captivate the footballing world, and Saturday’s final added yet another unforgettable chapter to its legacy.
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