Celtic 3-1 Rangers (aet) PLAYER RATINGS: Who stepped up when it was really needed? Which defender was lucky not to be sent off? How did the managers make a difference?
Celtic dug deep to see off Rangers in a thrilling, incident-packed Premier Sports Cup semi-final that went all the way to extra time at Hampden Park.
Led by interim manager Martin O'Neill, who is back at the club after Brendan Rodgers' resignation, they eventually overcame a brave Rangers side who played most of the game with 10 men.
When Johnny Kenny gave Celtic the lead, and Rangers' Thelo Aasgaard was sent off for a high tackle on Anthony Ralston, it looked as though O'Neill's side would go through comfortably.
But Rangers manager Danny Rohl kept two men up front and his team's stirring response was rewarded with James Tavernier's penalty equaliser.
It took an extra time rocket by Callum McGregor to restore Celtic's lead before substitute Callum Osmand settled the outcome.
Rangers will be aggrieved that Auston Trusty was only booked for catching Jack Butland's face with his boot, but it is Celtic who take their place in the final against St Mirren on December 14.
Paul Forsyth assesses the individual performances in what was a memorable derby.
Celtic defender Auston Trusty's strong performance rewarded the manager's faith in him
Captain Callum McGregor celebrates putting Celtic ahead with a powerful shot in extra-time
Rangers keeper Jack Butland ended up on the losing side despite making a string of fine saves
CELTIC (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel - 7
Came up with big saves in big moments. Spread his body to deny Raskin and stuck out a foot to frustrate Gassama.
Anthony Ralston - 7
An incident-packed day. Victim of Aasgaard’s red-card tackle, his late handball earned Rangers a penalty.
Auston Trusty - 8
Strong, sharp and stepped in nicely when needed. Lucky not to be sent off for catching Butland’s face with his boot.
Liam Scales - 7
Strong and resolute. Produced a match-winning tackle when the counter-attacking Gassama homed in on goal.
Marcelo Saracchi - 7
Made lots of headway into Rangers’ weakest department, bursting down the left when the 10 men tired.
Arne Engels - 7
On point with his set-piece deliveries. His corner set up Kenny’s goal and a bending shot slipped by the far post.
Callum McGregor - 7
Played the captain’s role when it was needed most. The sheer power of his match-winning shot was too much for Butland.
Benjamin Nygren - 7
Unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet, especially when his flashing header was saved on the line.
Daizen Maeda - 7
Much more like his old self, tirelessly harassing and pressing opponents, although his goal threat was limited.
Johnny Kenny - 7
Rose briliantly to crank his neck round and direct a powerful header high into the net. Denied a second by Butland.
Sebastian Tounekti - 6
Got into good positions but never quite delivered the telling ball. Wastefully struck an early shot over the bar.
SUBSTITUTES: Forrest (Tounekti, 66), Hatate (Nygren, 71), Osmand (Kenny, 71), Tierney (Saracchi, 78), Balikwisha (Maeda 110). Not used: Sinisalo, Yang, McCowan, Murray.
Martin O’Neill - 7
Inspired the intensity that has been missing. Richly rewarded for showing faith in Trusty, Engels and Osmand.
RANGERS (3-4-3)
Jack Butland - 7
Made a string of fine saves, the pick of which denied Nygren, only to let McGregor’s rocket slip through his hands.
Nasser Djiga - 5
Badly positioned and rash on the ball in a poor first half, but he stood up to be counted after the interval.
John Souttar - 7
Stretched to the limit at the the heart of his team’s back three. Almost beat Butland with a heavy passback.
Derek Cornelius - 7
Probably the best of Rangers’ defenders. Put his body on the line and met the challenge of Celtic’s numerical advantage.
James Tavernier - 7
Gave his all, firstly at wing-back and eventually in centre midfield. Struck a textbook penalty low past Schmeichel.
Mohamed Diomande - 6
Strong and clever with the vision to see a pass. Set up a glorious chance for Chermiti with his ball in behind.
Nicolas Raskin - 7
Tried his heart out. Spared an own goal by VAR, he should have equalised, but Schmeichel was out quickly to block.
Jayden Meghoma - 6
Playing as neither a defender nor a winger, his uncertainty contributed to a tough first half. Better after the break.
Youssef Chermiti - 5
Another frustrating day for the expensive striker who rarely scores. Missed two easy chances from close range.
Danilo - 5
Never got the scoring chance he needed. Found himself tracking back before being sacrificed at the interval.
Thelo Aasgaard - 4
Made little impact until late in the first half when his ill-timed, high lunge at Ralston earned him a red card.
SUBSTITUTES: Gassama (Danilo, 46), Moore (Diomande, 71), Miovski (Chermiti, 71), Aarons (Meghoma, 93), Antman (Raskin, 90), Rothwell (Djiga) 102. Not used: Kelly, Fernandez, Curtis.
Danny Rohl - 7
Bravely kept two up front when his team were reduced to 10 men. His positivity rubbed off on the players.
Referee: Nick Walsh - 5
Attendance - 49,446
