Celtic won the Scottish League Cup final on penalties after an entertaining 120-minute 3-3 draw with Rangers. Brendan Rodgers praised the perseverance of his team as they won their 199th overall and their 22nd in this competition. After Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial stop against Ridvan Yilmaz, Daizen Maeda scored the game-winning penalty.
Rodgers expressed his excitement over Celtic’s performance, citing their two goals early in the second half to erase a 1-0 disadvantage at the interval. “This game is fantastic to play. He said, “It’s what you expect in a final.” He recognized the significance of the game for both sets of fans and underlined his consistent preparation technique.
Rangers led at halftime, but Celtic’s incredible comeback changed the outcome of the game. “The ultimate goal was to stand victorious on the podium,” Rodgers stated, praising his team’s calmness and handling of penalties. “The guys showed big heart to come back from being behind in the game and then to show that composure in the penalties,” he commented.
Philippe Clement felt that Rangers’ chances of winning the title again were harmed by a vital penalty call. Rangers had twice equalized in regular time, but wasted an opportunity in extra time when Liam Scales fouled Vaclav Cerny near the penalty area. Clement was annoyed that VAR wasn’t used.
“Football can be amazing fun, but it can be very cruel,” Clement stated following the match. He felt that his team should have received more recognition for their numerous chances and comeback attempts. He was inundated with remarks on the controversial penalty incident that involved Cerny, and he thought that losing the penalty shootout was a gamble.
When a reporter was asked if anyone had witnessed the occurrence, they confirmed it on the line. To which Clement said, “So, it’s a penalty then.” He reiterated his belief that this moment was critical in determining the outcome of the match.
Because of their intense rivalry, Rangers and Celtic provided fans with another thrilling game. Both teams showed incredible skill and commitment throughout, but Celtic won under pressure. This victory demonstrates their ability to perform when it matters most and adds another chapter to their remarkable history.
