The matches between Glasgow’s big two in recent seasons have not lived up to the name of the rivalry, with the previous old firm encounter ending in a goalless draw in a game that lacked any intensity or any moments of brilliance or class.
This game however, lived up to the excitement and then some! It saw the old firm managerial debut of Rangers Head Coach Danny Rohl as well as the shock return of Martin O’Neil after a near seven-year absence from management on the back of Brendan Rodgers’ bombshell departure.
And added to the mix, the reward for winning – a Premier Cup final appearance against St Mirren who had already secured their place the day before.
Celtic had an early stronghold in the match with Johnny Kenny firing Celtic ahead from a corner shortly after Celtic had Nico Raskin’s own goal ruled out for offside in the build-up.
Kenny’s goal was a sublime header which was attacked at the front post getting on the end of a lethal Arne Engel’s cross leaving Rangers shot stopper Jack Butland with little no chance of preventing Celtic from taking an early lead.
Celtic finished the half strong, shifting the ball much quicker than their support had become accustomed to and gaining a further advantage when Rangers’ midfielder Thelo Asgard horribly mistimed an aerial ball resulting in his boot clashing with Celtic’s Anthony Ralston high up on his leg with his studs showing.
The referee decided that the challenge endangered the safety of his opponent ejecting the Norwegian international from the match.
As the end of first half loomed, Rangers’ keeper – Jack Butland was caught in the head with the boot of Celtic defender Austin Trusty and to the shock and dismay of the blues’ support – Celtic’s American defender was only brandished with a yellow card which sparked uproar from the Ibrox side’s support.
Danny Rohl refused to comment on the matter in his post-match conference saying: “It was not my decision to make , it was the referee’s”.
The second half of the match saw the ten men of Rangers begin to take control of the match, getting more possession of the ball, and put more pressure on Celtic’s defence. It eventually paid off when a shot that appeared to be heading goal bound was stopped by Anthony Ralston as he fell to the ground, hitting his arm – referee Nick Walsh pointed to the spot and James Tavernier levelled the match going into the final third.
The remainder of the 90 was a tense affair with both sides creating more than enough chances to take the victory but both goalkeepers being on top form saving numerous one on ones and taking the match into extra time.
Just three minutes into extra time – Kieran Tierney’s cross was cleared to the edge of the Rangers’ box before Austin Trusty laid the ball into Celtic skipper Callum McGregor who hit a thunderous shot, flying past Butland and putting the Hoops ahead with twenty-seven minutes to go.
The second half of extra time saw Celtic extend their lead – a low driven Kieran Tierney cross was met by Celtic substitute Callum Osmond who had made a well-timed run into the six yard box, scoring the goal that sealed victory for Celtic.
In the post-match interview, Martin O’Neil praised his side’s resilience from taking control of the game following their opponent’s equaliser but also showed his scepticism as to whether he will be still be in the dug-out, come the final.
Danny Rohl was left disappointed with the final result but was optimistic about his team’s future games believing he saw an incredible effort from his players.
