Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic have defeated Michael Beale’ Rangers 2-1 in the Viaplay Scottish League Cup Final.
The Old Firm at Hampden
It was a cold February day at Hampden Park as Scottish Football’s Arch-Rivals took to the pitch for 90 minutes that Glasgow will not soon forget. The first half kicked off in the pyro smoke filled air with Celtic in control, their signature domination of possession early in the match frustrated their cross town rivals. However the Rangers defense held and they went on the counter attack. Celtic had a close call in the 31st minute when a cross from Rangers forward Ryan Kent in the box was deflected clear at the last second by Celtic Centre-Back Cameron Carter-Vickers. After that close call the tide began shift and Celtic’s striker Kyogo Furuhashi began to turn the heat up on their opponents. Kyogo had several shots on goal in the waning minutes of the first half. At the start of the 45th minute the Rangers defense left Greg Taylor open on the left side allowing him to set up a cross to Daizen Maeda who tapped the ball into Kyogo’s path to slot away the first goal for the Bhoys-in-Green.
Shortly after the second half went underway Kyogo would repeat his earlier success when Reo Hatate’s cross to the middle of the penalty area would see his countryman slide the ball into the net. While Celtic had a 2-0 lead it wasn’t comfortable by any means, the Rangers offense began to turn up the pressure. A Greg Taylor handball on the left side of the penalty area would have the Rangers awarded a free kick. This set piece would result in a scramble that allowed Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos to put the Blues on the scoresheet.
In typical Old Firm fashion both teams were on the receiving end of a number of hard tackles and fouls. The first half was relatively tame but as the minutes ticked on, the bookings began, most notably in the 83rd minute when Celtic Winger Liel Abada was booked for simulation when he took a dive at the edge of the Rangers penalty area. A yellow card which he didn’t protest. As the game moved closer to its conclusion Celtic’s defense held and the pressure began to mount. At the start of stoppage time a series of fouls and subsequent dissent resulted in five separate yellows before the final whistle. Final Score Celtic 2-1 Rangers
Lad of the Match: Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic #8)
One down… Two to go…
With the Viaplay Cup secured, Celtic have now added the first of three pieces of domestic silverware up for grabs this year to their trophy room.
Celtic have continued their domination of the Premiership this season, only conceding one match early on to St Mirren. With the lads from Parkhead nine points ahead they have some breathing room for the time being. They are scheduled to face Rangers two more times in league matches this season. If Celtic can continue to dominate any other opposition then the league title should be well within their grasp.
The Scottish Cup is the final piece of Ange Postecoglou’s Treble puzzle, with Celtic due to play Hearts in the quarter-final on 11 March it’s vital they stay focused. As all longtime fans know, in knockout football anything can happen.