GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 15: Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates with Kasper Schmeichel after winning the penalty shootout during the Premier Sports Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park, on December 15, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Celtic won the League Cup for the 22nd time today- it is doubtful if they have ever won the trophy in more dramatic circumstances
Trailing 1-0 at half-time the hoops twice went ahead during the second half but were pegged back each time to force the match into extra-time.
Despite dominating possession in the additional 30 minutes there weren’t many clear cut chances as the destiny of the trophy went to a penalty shoot out.
The first six were scored, Kasper Schmeichel saved from Ridvan Yilmaz with Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda netting either side of Jack Butland.
By the narrowest of margins, 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw Celtic were the victors with the League Cup back at Celtic Park alongside the SPFL Premiership trophy and the Scottish Cup.
Celtic barely got going in the match but an own goal from Nico Raskin and a brilliant finish from Maeda sent them ahead in the in the 60th minute.
The hoops always appeared fragile however, moments after a fingertip save from Mohamed Diomande, Schmeichel was beaten when a shot from the same player deflected off Kyogo Furuhashi into the net.
In the 86th minute Nicolas Kuhn looked to have won the trophy for Celtic but within 30 seconds of the restart Danilo headed home from close range to send the drama into extra-time.
There was no further scoring but when it came to penalties Adam Idah, Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Maede delivered as Celtic made it 20 domestic trophy wins out of the last 25.

I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate “the wangers” on winning the half time trophy..!!
Looking back, it appears the wanger support were thrilled too…
Congwats to wangers
day day to all on another beautiful Sunday
That’s a BELTER of an interview from Kojak screaming about VAR for an incident to be looked for an infringement that happened outside the penalty area but Kojak wants the penalty anyway.
He hasn’t seen it with his own eyes,but he has 100s of text messages confirming this for him.
Kojak now wants the ARSEHOLES in the press to do some serious digging into why that penalty wasn’t given,even though it doesn’t exist.
That’s the perfect SQUIRREL STORY and escape route for his failure,watch as the MINNIONS in the press do his dirty work for him.
Kasper took the Smicheal outta Yilmaz…
Kasper saved it with his big left paw…
Butland kept it goin a wee bit longer…
But little Daizen Media, he believed…
It’s not Christmas without silver…
All The Huns are kitted out in black…
And we just can’t help but wonder…
Should they open Beaton’s gifts and send them back !
Merry Christmas to every Celtic supporter out there…
Including any Grandmas that were ran over by a raindeer !!!