As the smoke cleared from the fireworks on a cold and dreary Sunday at Hampden, no one realised Celtic and Rangers were about to serve up high-quality drama.
Celtic won the League Cup on penalties after a thrilling six-goal match that stretched to extra time.
That’s the first piece of silverware towards another probable Treble campaign and another trophy for Brendan Rodgers.
Ally McCoist reflected on the Celtic triumph, where Daizen Maeda scored the winning penalty kick, while fans were still celebrating.
Ally McCoist hails ‘great’ League Cup final as Celtic defeat Rangers.
McCoist was correct when he said it was a ‘extremely fantastic’ fight from start to finish, and it was nothing short of a ‘classic’.
Not only did they score six goals, but each of them came from a different player, and extra time, surprisingly, produced no goals.
McCoist praised the ‘great atmosphere’ of the Premiership game and expressed his desire for away fans to be let back in (talkSPORT, 16/12/24 @ 6:10 am).
“What a game, what a game of football,” McCoist exclaimed. “It was totally exhilarating from beginning to end. It was truly a classic.
“Obviously saddened by the outcome, but what a game of football. The vibe of the place. If there was ever an advertisement to entice away supporters back into the league, it was yesterday. The stadium was split 50–50. Excellent environment. “They served us a classic.”“Obviously disappointed with the result, but what a game of football. The atmosphere in the place. If there ever was an advert to get away fans back in the league, that was it yesterday. The stadium split 50-50. Brilliant atmosphere. They served us up a classic.”
Celtic and Rangers gap
As McCoist was talking about the quality of the match and his displeasure, the conversation shifted to how Rangers performed.
Even the most diehard Celtic fans will agree that Rangers performed admirably; in fact, they possibly could not have provided more.
But Jeff Stelling argued that Rangers fans’must be encouraged’ since he believes ‘the gap has shrunk’.
McCoist appeared to concur with such deluded remarks, as they continued on talkSPORT.
“The Rangers did not walk away with a trophy,” stated Stelling. “But their fans must be encouraged that the gap has closed.”
McCoist replied, “Absolutely, Jeff. Clearly, you want to win this. This goes without saying. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in recent games. The Spurs game and the game from yesterday. Yes, it’s quite clear. As upset as I will be, I have to add that the recent improvement in form has been very encouraging.
Celtic leads the league by 11 points and is on track to go to the Champions League knockout stage.
Even when the Rangers were at their best. They still lost. But, if Philippe Clement’s side believes the distance is ‘reducing’ after these ‘encouraging’ few weeks, everyone at Celtic hopes he remains!
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