Celtic player ratings as Schmeichel and Maeda are the penalty heroes and flying Kuhn dazzles again
It was a nervy one for Celtic but they got it over the line in the end at Hampden
Triumphant Celtic are champions again as the Premier Sports Cup final with Rangers went all the way to penalties - but a perfect five spot-kicks did the business for the Hoops.
Brendan Rodgers' team were on the ropes early on and Nedim Bajrami made them pay for some sloppy play just before half-time. But the boss got a response he wanted at the break, Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda turning it around with a quickfire one-two punch ten minutes after the restart.
Mohamed Diomande levelled it from there and Nicolas Kuhn thought he'd won it in normal time - only for sub Danilo to strike 20 SECONDS later and tie a thrilling game up yet again. A tense extra-time period followed before Celtic stood up to be counted in the shootout. Daizen Maeda's clinical effort clinched it and brought the League Cup home to Parkhead. Here is how Record Sport rated the players...
Celtic player ratings
KASPER SCHMEICHEL - 7: Penalty hero with low save to left from Yilmaz. Could only parry Igamane strike into path of Bajrami at opener. Outstanding finger tip save from Diomande but no chance with second or third goals.
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON - 6: Not his usual driving force getting forward as found roadway blocked by Jefte and Hagi first half. Replaced by Ralston midway through second half.
CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS - 6: Normally Celtic’s Mr Cool but looked flustered here as Rangers got in about Hoops backline. Still produced huge block to deny Bajrami and couple of important headers.
AUSTON TRUSTY - 5: Had to look sharp first half as Rangers threw balls into the box but failed to re-emerge after half time due to knock.
GREG TAYLOR - 5: Sloppy pass led to Rangers’ opener and almost caught out again in second half. Looked to be off pace before deflected shot levelled matters.
CALLUM McGREGOR - 6: So often controls these firecrackers but struggled to impose himself as Bajrami cramped his style. Influence grew after break. Cool penalty finish.
PAULO BERNARDO - 6: Kept place ahead of Engels in only big call Rodgers faced. Brilliant ball sent Kuhn clear in first half but too slow shifting ball for most part. Subbed on 70.
REO HATATE - 6: Midfielder has been hit and miss lately and struggled to exert himself here as he lost engine room battle against Raskin and Diomande. Netted penalty.
DAIZEN MAEDA - 6: Has had Tavernier on toast in majority of recent derbies but lost first half battle only to turn up pace after break and produce quality finish for second goal. Netted winning spot kick.
KYOGO FURUHASHI - 5: Loves these occasions but snuffed out for most part with Gers defence giving up no space. Sprung up to force Butland save that eventually led to equaliser before being subbed.
NICOLAS KUHN - 7: Pace was a concern for Rangers early on until he took a sore one from Jefte. Picked himself up and kept driving at Gers defence and found space to hit third goal.
Subs
LIAM SCALES - 6: Replaced Trusty at half time and went close with header from free kick. Couldn’t be faulted.
ANTONY RALSTON - 5: On for Johnston midway through second half but allowed Danilo to get in front for header at third.
ARNE ENGELS - 4: Replaced Bernardo on 70 minutes and allowed Diamonde space to level. Produced cut back for third goal. Netted penalty.
ADAM IDAH - 3: Scottish Cup match winner was introduced with 15 minutes to go in place of Kyogo. Couldn’t reproduce those heroics but slotted home penalty.
JAMES FORREST - 2: On for Kuhn at half time in extra time but couldn’t produce late magic to win before penalties.
ALEX VALLE - 2: On for Taylor in extra time to freshen up left flank.