Celtic Beat 10-Man Rangers in Extra Time to Reach League Cup Final

Celtic Triumph Over 10-Man Rangers in Extra-Time Old Firm Classic

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, thanks to crucial goals from captain Callum McGregor and teenager Callum Osmand.

In a fiery Old Firm semi-final under the temporary stewardship of Martin O’Neill, Celtic withstood a Rangers comeback — spurred by James Tavernier’s penalty and Thelo Aasgaard’s red card — to set up a final clash against St Mirren on 14 December.

Match Summary: Drama, Controversy & Quality

• Johnny Kenny opened the scoring for Celtic with a first-half glancing header.

• Rangers were reduced to 10 men after Thelo Aasgaard received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston.

• Despite being a man down, Rangers levelled through a Tavernier penalty, awarded for a controversial handball by Ralston.

• With the match tied 1-1 at full-time, McGregor thundered in a 20-yard strike early in extra time.

• Osmand sealed the win with a composed finish from close range — his first goal for Celtic.

Tactical Battle: O’Neill vs Rohl

Martin O’Neill, in his first Old Firm derby since 2005, got the best out of Celtic’s experienced core and rising youth. His side pressed high, dominated the wide areas, and created the better chances early.

Rangers boss Danny Rohl, seeking a third consecutive win, saw his game plan crumble with Aasgaard’s dismissal. Yet, to his credit, Rangers fought bravely with 10 men, looking the more dangerous in parts of the second half.

The match was a huge improvement from the 0-0 draw in their previous derby, delivering end-to-end action, near-misses, and high drama throughout.

Analysis: Celtic’s Young Stars Shine

• Johnny Kenny: The young striker has now scored three in two games, showing Celtic have new firepower up top.

• Callum Osmand: The teenager made an instant impact off the bench, marking his first senior goal on one of the biggest stages possible.

• Callum McGregor: Once again the leader, his long-range effort in extra time swung momentum fully in Celtic’s favour.

Post-Match Reactions

Martin O’Neill (Celtic interim manager):

“We were terrific and in command… but Rangers came back strong. Then Callum McGregor comes up with a phenomenal goal from a phenomenal player. He won us the game.”

Danny Rohl (Rangers head coach):

“Even with 10 men we showed spirit and bravery. We were not waiting, we pushed for the win. The equaliser was deserved, and there’s a lot we can take forward.”

What’s Next?

• Celtic: Travel to Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday, 17:45 GMT.

• Rangers: Host Roma on Thursday, 20:00 GMT in a key group stage clash.

• League Cup Final: Celtic face St Mirren on 14 December for the first silverware of the season.