CELTIC fans got an early Christmas present with a cup final victory over their biggest rivals as they triumphed in the League Cup after a penalty shoot-out at Hampden (above).
It was a match that swung this way and that, and Celtic fans will feel that there are certain things to be discussed—not least the ease witch which they coughed up three goals to their opponents—but that analysis will be left for another time. The important story was that Celtic came out on top once again when the chips were down—and Rangers went home with nothing but a lump of coal.
The cup final victory rounded the year nicely for Celtic and manager Brendan Rodgers, but all will be aware that the New Year starts with a bang with another Glasgow derby, this time at Ibrox, where Rangers boss Philippe Clement will go on the hunt again for his first victory in the fixture.
Much has been made of the apparent return to the form of Celtic’s sworn enemy in recent weeks, but there must surely be something in the train of thought that Celtic are now simply in their heads. Even after taking the lead in the match, and then puling level twice—including at the death, once Celtic thought they had snatched a late victory themselves—Rangers lacked the mental fortitude to turn the screw on what looked to be an out-of-sorts Celtic.
When the final showdown came, Rangers had the advantages—the kicks were taken into their own supporters and they were the first to strike, with the pressure on Celtic all the way.
None of that mattered though. Celtic are course and distance winners at Hampden. The Celtic players are as used to turning up there and winning as the fans are.
For Rangers, with a squad lacking that type of experience and confidence, the red-hot atmosphere of a penalty shootout was not the place for them. Goalkeeper Jack Butland was helpless to stop anything and Ridvan Yilmaz fluffed his lines in front of the imposing frame of Kasper Schmeichel.
Celtic meanwhile went five from five with their spot-kicks, leaving Schmeichel the honour of being the difference between the sides with his smart save.
These things matter beyond simply the match at hand, and Celtic will now go to Ibrox in the new year full of confidence and safe in the knowledge that the Rangers players must see them under their beds at night.
Winning feeling
“It was a really tense game and the players had to show a lot of heart and desire, and a lot of calmness and composure to get the win,” Rodgers said. “But it’s such an amazing feeling. I said before the game that, in finals, you don’t expect everything to go your own way and that was certainly the case in the game.
“We had some good spells, but we were very loose in the first half, and in fairness to Rangers they capitalised on it, especially for the first goal.
“We just needed to find a rhythm and get the ball moving, and we started the second-half really well. But the game goes all the way through to extra-time and then you have to show that mentality and patience and composure to score your penalties. And that’s twice now at Hampden we’ve been very good on the penalties.
“I’m absolutely delighted for everyone involved with Celtic to win and we’re really pleased.”
Full steam ahead
The victory kicked off the festive season in style for the Celtic support, having been put on pause for the majority until the important issue was settled. Who could have put on their Santa hat and ran through town before a derby cup final? With the trophy in the bag, it’s now full steam ahead for the Christmas preparations.
“Over the course of the night and the next couple of days, it’ll probably sink in more. Rodgers continued. “It’s probably more relief now, when you’re stood there. And I know the magnitude of this game—a Celtic-Rangers game.
“It’s so big and supporters all around the world would have been tuning in to watch it and all they want to see is their team win and pick up the trophy. And we’ve been able to do that.
“There are things for us to learn and pick out from the game where we can be much better, but overall we showed that heart and desire to finish the job. So it’s just real pride in the players and for the supporters. If it was about deserving a trophy, then they would have had it before the game but you have to earn it and it caps off a really good start to the season for us.
“We’ll play better than we did today, but finals can be like that at times but what you want to make sure is that you’re on the podium at the end, and we were on there, so I’m so happy for everyone and we can all enjoy the moment.”
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