Rangers player ratings as Raskin and Diomande bundles of energy but Yilmaz penalty sinner at Hampden
Rangers lost their grip on the Premier Sports Cup on penalties after an incredible derby showdown at Hampden.
It was an all-time classic at the national stadium with the Ibrox side taking the lead through Nedim Bajrami shortly before half-time. A turnaround from the men in green and white looked to have left Gers on the deck, but after Daizen Maeda put Celtic in front, Mohamed Diomande levelled things up with 15 minutes to go.
Nicolas Kuhn thought he'd won it on 87 minutes but Philippe Clement's team were in no mood to die down, super sub Danilo equalising again within 20 seconds of the restart. The 90 minutes ended 3-3 with no further goals in extra-time meaning it would be spot-kicks to decide who would leave Mount Florida as League Cup winners and it was Ridvan Yilmaz who was the unfortunate taker with Kasper Schmeichel saving his effort from 12-yards as Celtic captured the first piece of silverware on offer this campaign.
READ MORE: Celtic player ratings as Schmeichel and Maeda are the penalty heroes and flying Kuhn dazzles again
Rangers player ratings
JACK BUTLAND - Huge double save early on to deny Kuhn and Hatate. Wrong footed by deflection at equaliser and no chance with goals. Surprise penalty scorer. 6
JAMES TAVERNIER - Huge call from Clement but skipper was right up for battle with nemesis Maeda. Mixed bag going forward but stood up to challenge and slammed home penalty. 6
ROBIN PROPPER - Seen as weak link ahead of kick off due to pace but Dutchman held ground beside Balogun then Sterling. 6
LEON BALOGUN - Huge afternoon replacing injured John Souttar and looked comfortable first half but caught out by Maeda’s pace at second goal. Subbed midway through second half. 6
JEFTE - Left back got forward first half and clattered Kuhn for a first half booking as Rangers left nothing to chance. Hooked for Yilmaz after an hour. 6
NICOLAS RASKIN - Wee bundle of energy was everywhere, clean into tackles and good use of ball as he kept Hatate and Bernardo quiet. Unfortunate with deflection at equaliser but poor header led to Celtic’s second goal. 7
MOHAMED DIOMANDE - Starting to form proper midfield partnership with Raskin. Energy was crucial and incredible flicked finish for second goal before limping off in extra time. 7
IANIS HAGI - Back in after sitting out Spurs tie and quality on ball gave Celtic plenty to think about cutting in off left. Couple of early sniffs at goal. Netted spot kick. 6
NEDIM BAJRAMI - Intercepted Taylor pass and applied finishing touch for opening goal. Kept McGregor occupied and driving runs helped get side up park. Missed big chance second half. 7
VACLAV CERNY - Kept Taylor pegged back first half without getting a sniff of goal. Second half piledriver saved by Schmeichel and produced cross for Danilo equaliser. 6
HAMZA IGAMANE - Given nod to lead line and looked to have lost chance at opener before drawing save from Schmeichel for Bajrami to tap home opener. Fluffed second half chance. 6
SUBS
RIDVAN YILMAZ - Replaced Jefte after second goal and produced fresh energy on left flank but fluffed penalty. 4
DUJON STERLING - Replaced Balogun on 67 and shored up backline. 4
DANILO - On in 85 minutes for Bajrami at 2-2 and three minutes ;after was heading home to make it 3-3 as game went bonkers. Cool penalty finish. 6
CYRIEL DESSERS - Replaced Igamane in first half extra time and worked hard. 2
CONNOR BARRON - Gave the knackered Diomande a break at half time in extra time to shore up midfield. 2
KIERAN DOWELL - Extra time replacement for Cerny. 2
