Dramatic Conclusion to the Match

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The decisive moment came when Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz became the only player to miss a penalty. His shot was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, leaving Celtic the chance for triumph. Daizen Maeda confidently converted the final penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations among the "green and white" supporters and players.

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Key Moments of the Game

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Here are the main events of this thrilling encounter:

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First Half:

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1. - Rangers took the lead through Nedim Bajrami, who scored on a rebound after Schmeichel’s save.
2. - By halftime, it seemed that the "Blues" were in control.

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Second Half:

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1. - Celtic turned the game around in just four minutes: Greg Taylor equalized, and then Daizen Maeda capitalized on a defensive error by Rangers.
2. - Rangers responded with a stunning goal from Mohamed Diomande, followed by Danilo’s equalizer in the final minutes after a brilliant cross from Vaclav Cerny.‍

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‍Extra Time:

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1. - Both teams appeared fatigued, and the play was marked by mistakes. The best chance was missed by Arne Engels, who failed to control a pass from Reo Hatate.

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Penalty Shootout:

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1. - Celtic players (Idah, McGregor, Engels, Hatate, and Maeda) were flawless in their attempts.
2. - Schmeichel was the hero, saving Yilmaz’s shot.

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Coaches’ Reactions

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Rangers head coach Philippe Clement expressed his frustration, particularly over a controversial incident in extra time. The team believed they deserved a penalty for Liam Scales’ challenge on Vaclav Cerny, but the referee awarded only a free kick.

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“That was a crucial mistake,” Clement said. “VAR didn’t intervene, and that’s strange. We deserved more.”

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Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, was satisfied: “It was a fantastic game. The most important thing is that we’re on the podium with the trophy. My players showed character and composure.”

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Off-Field Incidents

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The final was marred by disturbances. In Glasgow city center, clashes between ultras forced Christmas shoppers to flee. The match’s start was delayed due to a pyrotechnic display, and some Rangers fans breached barriers after the first goal. Celtic supporters also broke safety protocols, flooding the track after the decisive penalty.

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What’s Next?

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For Celtic, this victory is a significant step toward a potential domestic treble. The team is already focused on competing for the league title and the Scottish Cup. Rangers, despite the loss, showed resilience and will continue striving for success under Clement’s leadership.

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This match once again demonstrated why the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is considered a unique phenomenon in world football.