McGregor and Teen Sensation Osmand Fire Celtic into League Cup Final After Old Firm Thriller
Captain Callum McGregor and teenage substitute Callum Osmand struck in extra time to send Celtic into the League Cup final, edging past a spirited but 10-man Rangers side in a breathless Old Firm clash at Hampden Park.
It was a night of drama, controversy and late twists. Celtic looked to be cruising when Johnny Kenny’s first-half header put them ahead, only for Rangers captain James Tavernier to haul his side level with an 89th-minute penalty. By then, Rangers were already down to ten men after Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston shortly before half-time.
This was Martin O’Neill’s 28th Old Firm encounter – but his first since 2005. Installed as Celtic manager earlier this week following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, O’Neill marked his return with a statement victory. His side will now face St Mirren in the final on 14 December.
The match also brought an abrupt end to Rangers’ recent resurgence under new head coach Danny Röhl, who had been aiming for a third consecutive win – something the club has yet to achieve this season. Despite being a man down, Röhl’s players showed remarkable fight, pushing Celtic all the way to extra time.
High Stakes, High Drama
Given the dull goalless draw when these sides last met, few expected what would unfold – 120 minutes of high-tempo football, contentious officiating and moments of brilliance.
Celtic thought they had taken an early lead when Nasser Djiga’s clearance bounced off team-mate Nico Raskin and into his own net, only for VAR to rule Daizen Maeda narrowly offside in the build-up.
Rangers could have gone ahead themselves through Youssef Chermiti, but their wastefulness proved costly when Kenny glanced a well-placed header into the far corner from a corner kick.
Any hopes of a smooth Celtic path were complicated when Aasgaard was shown a straight red for leaving his studs on Ralston’s thigh. Yet Celtic failed to make their numerical advantage count and were almost punished when defender Auston Trusty caught Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland in the head while challenging for a loose ball. Much to Rangers’ anger, the referee brandished only a yellow.
Late Equaliser, Extra-Time Heartbreak
Rangers rallied in the second half. Substitute Djeidi Gassama saw a powerful effort superbly saved by Liam Scales, but minutes later his shot struck an outstretched Ralston arm. Another tight call, another major talking point – and Tavernier converted the spot-kick with trademark composure.
End-to-end chances followed. James Forrest struck the underside of the crossbar for Celtic, while Rangers, even with ten men, threatened on the break.
But in extra time, Celtic’s captain stepped up. McGregor smashed home from the edge of the box, igniting the Celtic end of Hampden. Then came the moment of dreams for 18-year-old Osmand – coolly slotting home from close range to score his first senior goal and secure his club’s passage to the final.
A Final Beckons – and a Statement Made
For Celtic, this was a test of nerve under new management – and they passed it. For Rangers, it was a night of pride and frustration, their resilience overshadowed only by fine margins and a red card that changed the contest.
The stage is now set: Celtic versus St Mirren on 14 December. O’Neill is back, Celtic are still chasing silverware – and this Old Firm chapter will not soon be forgotten.
