Celtic Triumph in Extra-Time Thriller to Reach Scottish League Cup Final.
Celtic booked their place in the Scottish League Cup final after a pulsating 3–1 extra-time victory over 10-man Rangers at Hampden Park — a win that marked Martin O’Neill’s triumphant return to Old Firm management after two decades away.
With O’Neill back in the Celtic dugout alongside Shaun Maloney following Brendan Rodgers’ departure, the Hoops came out firing. Johnny Kenny opened the scoring after 25 minutes, heading home from an Arne Engels corner as Celtic dominated the first half. Rangers’ woes deepened soon after when Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston, leaving Danny Rohl’s side to battle on with ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Rangers clawed back into the contest. In the 81st minute, captain James Tavernier coolly converted from the spot after Ralston was penalized for handball, dragging his side level and forcing extra time in front of a roaring Hampden crowd.
But Celtic’s leadership shone through when it mattered most. Just three minutes into extra time, skipper Callum McGregor fired home from distance, his strike slipping through the hands of goalkeeper Jack Butland. Fifteen minutes later, teenage substitute Callum Osmand — on for Kenny — sealed the win, turning in Kieran Tierney’s cross to send the Celtic end into delirium and notch his first goal for the club.
Rangers had their moments — Djeidi Gassama threatened with pace, and Tavernier’s late surge nearly flipped the narrative — but Celtic’s composure and depth proved decisive.
The final whistle brought relief and euphoria in equal measure for Celtic fans, as O’Neill’s return yielded an instant dose of Old Firm glory. The victory sets up a December 14 final clash with St Mirren, with Celtic now chasing yet another piece of silverware to crown a season of dramatic resurgence.
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