Celtic have triumphed in a thrilling 2024 Scottish League Cup final, securing a 5-4 victory over the Rangers after a dramatic penalty shootout. The match, which had everything from last-minute drama to unforgettable goals, was decided by the cool composure of the Hoops, who lifted the trophy after a gripping battle that ended 3-3 after extra time. The final was a true testament to Celtic’s resilience and quality, with Maeda stepping up in the decisive moment to seal the win from the penalty spot.
The match began with Celtic dominating possession and playing the more fluent football, but Rangers took the lead against the run of play. Bajrami’s late first-half goal was a blow for Celtic, who had looked the more dangerous side. The Hoops had chances to break the deadlock, notably through Maeda and Hatate, but could not find a way past Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland. Then, in the dying moments of the first half, a mistake from Greg Taylor allowed Bajrami to intercept and counter, squaring the ball for Igamane to take a shot. Schmeichel made the initial save, but Bajrami was quick to pounce on the rebound, giving Rangers the lead just four minutes before the break.
A Stirring Second Half Fightback
Celtic came out for the second half determined to equalise, and their persistence paid off early. Just 10 minutes after the restart, Celtic equalised through Greg Taylor, whose deflected shot found its way past Butland to make it 1-1. A few minutes later, Celtic took the lead as Maeda punished a mistake. Maeda latched onto a misjudged clearance and slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give Celtic a 2-1 lead.
But Rangers were not finished, and with just 15 minutes left in normal time, they found the equaliser. Diomande bundled in a scrappy goal from close range, tying the match at 2-2. The tension ramped up as both teams pushed for the winner, and just as the final whistle loomed, Kuhn scored in the 87th minute to put Celtic ahead 3-2. However, in a dramatic twist, Rangers responded just a minute later when Danilo powered a header past Kasper Schmeichel to make it 3-3.
Extra Time and Penalties: A Test of Nerves
With no further goals in extra time, the match was destined for penalties. The shootout was a true test of nerve, with both teams showing composure under pressure. Tavernier opened the scoring for Rangers, and Celtic responded with Idah calmly equalising. Hagi put Rangers back in front, but Celtic’s captain, Callum McGregor, hammered his penalty home to make it 2-2.
Danilo, who had scored the header that sent the match into penalties, stepped up with confidence, slotting his penalty in perfectly to put Rangers 3-2 ahead.
Arne Engels then fired a well-taken penalty, just past the outstretched fingertips of Butland, to make it 3-3 in the shootout and keep Celtic in the game.
The tension rose as Rangers’ Yilmaz approached the spot, but Schmeichel guessed correctly and made a vital save, denying Yilmaz’s attempt to keep the shootout level at 3-3.
Reo Hatate then put Celtic back in front with a perfect penalty, sending his effort high and into the corner to make it 4-3.
The drama continued as Butland stepped up to take a penalty, putting all the pressure on himself. With a composed strike, he beat Schmeichel to level the shootout at 4-4.
As the shootout unfolded, Maeda, who had been instrumental throughout the game, stepped up to take the decisive penalty. With a coolness befitting the occasion, he slotted the ball into the bottom corner past Butland, who had guessed the wrong way. The score stood at 5-4, and Celtic had sealed their victory.
A Final for the Ages
This League Cup final will go down as one of the most memorable in recent years. After 120 minutes of intense action, with both teams battling to the very end, Celtic showed their class and composure when it mattered most. The penalty shootout was a fitting conclusion to a contest full of passion and drama, and the Hoops’ victory adds another trophy to their impressive collection.
Celtic fans will now savour this victory as the Hoops have once again demonstrated their mental toughness and ability under pressure. The manner in which they fought back from 1-0 down to clinch the win will be remembered as a symbol of the team’s strength and determination.
With this victory, Celtic have once again proven why they remain Scotland’s top club.
Celtic have now overtaken the Rangers, who can no longer lay claim to being “the world’s most successful club.”
The Hoops now boast 54 league titles, 42 Scottish Cups, 22 Scottish League Cups, and their iconic European Cup from 1967.
