Adam Idah’s dramatic last-minute strike earned Celtic a 1-0 win over Rangers in the 150th anniversary Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
Gers striker Cyriel Dessers missed a couple of chances in a goalless first half before replacement Abdallah Sima had the ball in the net in the 59th minute, only for referee Nick Walsh to rule it out for a foul on Hoops keeper Joe Hart.
The Light Blues, energised by pacey substitutes, looked the more likely to get the breakthrough but when Ibrox keeper Jack Butland spilled a long-distance drive, substitute Idah, on loan from Norwich, swooped to knock in the winner.
Celtic won their third successive cinch Premiership title last week with the help of 10 points from 12 against their city rivals and while this was the first time Rangers had been the better side over 90 minutes, the Parkhead outfit still found a way to win and increase Brendan Rodgers’ remarkable record against Rangers – just one defeat in 18 Old Firm games in his two spells as Celtic boss, leaving Philippe Clement to ponder on how he changes things next season.
Here are the player ratings for those involved:
5. Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic creaked at times but there is very little panic when Carter-Vickers is stationed at the back. He made a couple of timely interventions and kept the rest of the backline in check. A veritable leader and helped carry his team through some sticky situations. 7 Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
6. Liam Scales
What a season this man has had. Like Carter-Vickers, was largely able to quell Rangers' moments of pressure and went on a lung-bursting run forward in the first half to emphasise his soaring confidence levels. Looks more and more the part in this Celtic team right now. 7 Photo: Andrew Milligan
7. Leon Balogun
Was an injury fear prior to the match. The Nigerian played very well, keeping Kyogo Furuhashi quiet alongside his partner Ben Davies. Out of contract next month, it remains to be seen if he will be granted another deal. Still looks like he has something to give Rangers. 6 Photo: Andrew Milligan
8. Ben Davies
Looked so far out of the picture at one point this term, but put in a largely assured performance alongside Leon Balogun. Had one scare when the ball crashed off his hand in the penalty box, but there was no VAR intervention. A solid day's work. 6 Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group