Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has admitted he feared taking a penalty in the Premier Sports Cup final a few weeks ago.
After an enthralling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes, the electric Hampden showdown went to spot-kicks, from which the Bhoys eventually emerged victorious.
As Ridvan Yilmaz missed, Brendan Rodgers’ men hit five perfect penalties, with Adam Idah, Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda all scoring from 12 yards.
Hatate, who netted the Bhoys’ crucial fourth of the shootout, has since revealed his initial fear when stepping up to the spot.
Indeed, the midfielder had severe cramps in his left leg, and when he last took a spot-kick in a cup final, he missed.
That was back in 2019 for one of Japan’s youth sides, and any disturbing flashbacks were swiftly banished at Hampden that fateful Sunday: “I hadn’t taken a penalty in a shootout since Toulon in 2019, when my shot was saved by the Brazil goalkeeper in the final,” he said (The Scottish Sun).
“I wasn’t really thinking about that this time, but having played 120 minutes, I had cramps before taking the penalty.
“I swung my leg before it and felt something strange in my adductor muscles and calf. Just to be sure, I swung it again and found nothing, so I headed to the penalty spot with relief.
“I thought about being extra cautious and checking again, but I didn’t want to cramp up my ankle. I thought, ‘This is my last play’, and I took the shot with all my might.
“The fourth Rangers player had missed, so I knew if I scored, the stadium would explode with emotion.
“I thought it was an effective action to connect in a good way with Daizen Maeda, who was taking the fifth penalty. I felt cramp again after he scored but then I was able to join in the celebrations.”
Hatate’s penalty was one of the most crucial of the shootout. It was just after Kasper Schmeichel heroically denied Yilmaz, so almighty pressure was on the 27-year-old to make the Celts’ advantage count.
He did just that and is firmly in contention to start again in the Glasgow derby today. The Hoops travel to Ibrox for the first time this season later this afternoon, eager to move 17 points ahead of their fierce city rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
