The first silverware of the Scottish season was on the line as the Old Firm rivals collide in the Scottish League Cup final and it was Celtic FC who ended up taking the trophy – but only after a tremendous battle which saw the match finish 3-3 and a penalty shootout needed to separate them from Rangers FC.
It was the Gers who took the lead before half time, Nedim Bajrami finishing after an initial shot was saved, but the second half exploded into life as Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda scored within a few minutes of each other to put Celtic ahead in quickfire fashion. Mohammed Diomande got Rangers back on level terms after a corner, but Celtic thought they’d won it five minutes from time when the excellent Nikolas Kuhn made it 3-2 – only for Danilo to immediately equalise and send the final to extra time.
No further goals followed so the shootout was required, and while Celtic were perfect with their five, Ridvan Yilmaz saw his saved by Kasper Schmeichel and Maeda was left to bury the final one to seal a trophy triumph for the green and white hoops.
Follow all of the latest from the Scottish League Cup final in our live blog below:
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET) – Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
After a delay as the fans were crowding around the pitch, we’re finally going to see Celtic get their trophy, after Rangers take their runner-up medals.
Another trophy lift for McGregor and the domestic treble is still on for Brendan Rodgers’ team!
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:36
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET) – Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:29
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET) – Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
“Unbelievable pride. Relief to come through it because it’s about winning, not necessarily the performance. It’s so much pride to go and lift the trophy again,” says the Celtic skipper McGregor, now on his way to lifting the trophy.
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:27
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET) – Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
An incredible match, it comes to an end via a penalty shootout – and Celtic’s were perfect. That was the tiny, small difference between the two teams today.
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:26
Penalties – Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET)
Final penalty for Celtic and Daezen Maeda can win the League Cup for his team if he scores…GOAL!!!!!!!!!!
Rolled in coolly and Celtic have won it!
Celtic win the Scottish League Cup, 5-4 on penalties
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:21
Penalties – Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET)
Rangers’ fifth taker is goalkeeper Jack Butland and he absolutely has to score – no other options left! The ‘keeper steps up…and beats his fellow keeper, high and hard!
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:21
Penalties – Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET)
Hatate for the fourth for Celtic to give them the lead… GOAL! Emphatic, battered in high to his left.
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:20
Penalties – Celtic 3-3 Rangers (FT, AET)
Yilmaz is up now and Schmeichel is in his face again as he looks to put the ball on the spot. Left-footed and low.. SAVED!! Schmeichel gets down to palm it away beside the post! A bit of a scuffed effort in the end in truth.
Karl Matchett15 December 2024 18:19
