Scott Brown of Celtic lifts the Betfred Cup following victory in the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on December 08, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images)
Home » Google News » “Give Forster a statue”: Several Celtic fans on cloud nine after beating Rangers in the cup final + Match report

“Give Forster a statue”: Several Celtic fans on cloud nine after beating Rangers in the cup final + Match report

by

Celtic FC vs Rangers report: Celtic FC match report

Celtic beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday, thanks to a second-half goal from defender Christopher Jullien. Neil Lennon’s side have a lot to thank Fraser Forster for, who put in a colossal display between the sticks.

Rangers thought they had taken the lead just before the 15-minute mark when Ryan Jack fired a fierce shot at goal from 25 yards. Forster was equal to the shot, producing a terrific diving save to push his 30-yard strike over the crossbar.

The Celtic shot-stopper was fortunate not to see his net bulge when he allowed an Alfredo Morelos strike to wriggle through him, but he twice made smart near-post blocks to deny the same player as Rangers enjoyed domination in the first 45 minutes.

Lennon sent on Michael Johnston at half-time to try and change things, but it was still all Rangers at the start of the second period, as Morelos’ shot went across the face of the goal. The Celtic boss finally sent Odsonne Edouard just before the hour mark to get some impetus in the attack and the move paid off.

Joe Aribo of Rangers FC battles for possession with Johnny Hayes of Celtic during the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on December 08, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images)
Joe Aribo of Rangers FC battles for possession with Johnny Hayes of Celtic during the Betfred Cup Final between Rangers FC and Celtic FC at Hampden Park on December 08, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images)

Edouard’s first involvement was to win a free-kick out wide on the left and from there, Celtic took the most undeserved of leads. Jullien came out of nowhere from a marginally offside position to send a side-foot volley home, sending the Celtic fans into ecstasy.

Within minutes, however, there was drama at the other end as Morelos was hauled down by Jeremie Frimpong, who was shown a straight red card by the referee. Morelos stepped up to try and get his team level but he was again denied by the incredible Forster in goal.

Celtic, despite being a man down, almost doubled their lead five minutes later when Mikey Johnston went clean through on goal. But he put his effort wide when he went one on one against Allan McGregor.

Rangers threw the kitchen sink and could have had a dramatic late equaliser when Morelos found himself in a great opportunity. But the Colombian put his effort wide as Celtic held on to win the Scottish League Cup.

More Celtic News:

Ecstatic with the win in the Scottish League Cup final against Rangers, here’s how some Celtic fans reacted.