Czech Mate: Cvancara delivers endgame killer blow | OneFootball

Before the game, the aim was to get through to the Scottish Cup semi-final and, right at the end of the game, Tomas Cvancara’s aim was true.

After 120 minutes without a goal from either side, the Hoops were spot on with their penalty kicks as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Auston Trusty and Reo Hatate all netted from 12 yards leaving the big Czech to tie matters up after Rangers had missed two of theirs.

And tie up matters he did by slotting the ball low to Jack Butland’s right-hand side while the keeper flew the other way and Celtic’s 4-2 lead on spot-kicks couldn’t be equalled.

The big striker said after the game: “I feel happy that we got through to the semi-final.

“Obviously it was a difficult game, but sometimes it’s not about how beautifully we play, but it’s about who is the winner in the end.

“It’s not in doubt that we didn’t create a lot of chances, maybe we can play a little bit faster in the counter attacks.

“But, as I said, I’m just happy that we showed we have very good character.

“And even though we didn’t play the nicest football, we still keep winning and this is most important, not just for the title race but also for the cup games.”

And on his walk up to take the all-important penalty, he said: “To be honest, I just knew that it would be a big pressure. This can happen so you have to be ready for that moment.

“So, I was just clearing the head and thinking about doing the maximum to focus on the penalty.”

Fixtures

Rangers Vs. Celtic - Sun, Mar 8th 2026, 13:00 Final score: 0 - 0 Match Report