Celtic Defeat Rangers To Reach Scottish League Cup Final | OneFootball

By Callum McFadden at Hampden Park

Holders Celtic booked their place in the Scottish League Cup final after a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Rangers in a pulsating Old Firm semi-final at Hampden Park.

It was a dramatic and emotional return to this famous fixture for Martin O’Neill, who masterminded victory in his first Old Firm encounter since 2005 after stepping in as interim manager following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation earlier in the week.

The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, with both sides showing attacking intent. Celtic thought they had struck first when Nasser Djiga’s shot deflected off Nico Raskin and looped into the net, but Daizen Maeda was judged to be narrowly offside after a lengthy VAR check. Rangers then missed a glorious chance through Youssef Chermiti, and that wastefulness proved costly as Johnny Kenny rose to meet a corner and glanced a fine header beyond Jack Butland to give Celtic the lead midway through the first half.

Rangers’ task became significantly harder just before the interval when Thelo Aasgaard was shown a straight red card for a dangerous high challenge on Anthony Ralston. The dismissal left Danny Rohl’s side with ten men for the entire second half, but the Ibrox outfit responded admirably after the break. Despite their disadvantage, they pressed forward with courage and intensity, forcing Celtic onto the back foot for long spells.

Celtic were nearly punished when Auston Trusty caught Butland as the goalkeeper dived for a loose ball, escaping with only a booking to Rangers’ frustration. The pressure finally told late in normal time when Djeidi Gassama’s shot struck Ralston’s arm inside the box, and referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot. James Tavernier made no mistake from twelve yards, rifling home to level the match and take it to extra time, a remarkable feat given Rangers’ numerical disadvantage.

Extra time began at a frantic pace, and it was Celtic’s captain who seized the moment. Callum McGregor powered forward and unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that flew past Butland to restore the lead. The goal settled Celtic nerves and allowed them to reassert control, and moments later, teenage substitute Callum Osmand made himself a hero. The 19-year-old reacted quickest inside the area to turn home his first goal for the club, sparking wild celebrations among the Celtic supporters.

Rangers battled valiantly until the end, showing character and spirit even as fatigue set in, but the damage was done.

For Rohl, it was a painful first taste of the Old Firm rivalry after two straight domestic wins, yet he will take heart from his team’s resilience.

O’Neill, meanwhile, rolled back the years on the touchline, orchestrating his side with the same intensity and passion that defined his first spell in charge two decades ago.

The result means Celtic will return to Hampden Park on December 14 to face St Mirren in the League Cup final as they aim to retain their crown.