It’s incredible that McGregor has never lost a cup final, but “today was very close,” he said. The captain breathed a sigh of relief, but he was also sincere.
“The performance wasn’t great, so we had to try harder. We had to control our nerves. Even if you’re not perfect, you can still win. Get involved. Find something extra.”
Pyro, predictably, reappeared and the start of the match was delayed, with the ultras raising two more fingers at their own clubs and the football authorities, who were practically begging them to behave. More fees pending from SPFL? Let’s see.
When the action started, it was head to toe. The Rangers were physical and uncompromising.
In the maelstrom, Taylor lost his head and played a square ball, which was a bad idea and poorly executed anyway, which was the catalyst for the opening.
The omens were good for Rangers. Only four teams that have scored first in the last 49 League Cup finals have failed to win the trophy. However, the statistics do not take into account Celtic’s growing self-confidence.
They were in trouble – no space, no control, few opportunities – but they found a way out. Celtic’s mental strength is astonishing. They weren’t even close to the best results, and yet they still have another title under their belt.
The shootout came and with it Rangers’ memories of the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville. So Aaron Ramsey. Now Yilmaz.
Schmeichel did his job. There was a lot of fun in the way he tried to put off some of Rangers’ penalty takers. Ianis Hagi responded with mocking words after he kicked the Dane.
Ultimately, this odyssey came down to Yilmaz vs. Schmeichel and Maeda vs. Butland. Celtic won by a hair or a mile, it doesn’t really matter.
A different kind of victory than before, but the same good feeling in one locker room and probably the same silence and despair in the other. Sports drama at its best.
