Celtic 1-0 Rangers: The Hoops win the Scottish Cup and complete a double thanks to a late goal from Adam Idah.

 

In a dramatic conclusion to the Scottish Cup final, Celtic edged past Rangers 1-0 thanks to a late strike by Adam Idah, securing the Hoops' triumph and completing a memorable domestic double. The match, held at Hampden Park, was a tense and fiercely contested affair, epitomizing the intensity of the Old Firm rivalry.

First Half: Tactical Stalemate

The first half saw both teams display disciplined defensive performances, nullifying each other's attacking threats. Celtic, under the stewardship of their astute manager, set up in a compact 4-3-3 formation, looking to control the midfield and exploit any gaps in the Rangers' defense. Rangers, on the other hand, opted for a pragmatic approach, with a 4-2-3-1 setup aimed at stifling Celtic's creative outlets.

Despite the high stakes, clear-cut chances were at a premium in the opening 45 minutes. Celtic's Kyogo Furuhashi was lively upfront, testing Rangers' goalkeeper with a couple of speculative efforts, while Rangers' Alfredo Morelos had a header saved by Joe Hart, who was in fine form.

Second Half: Momentum Shifts

The second half began with Rangers showing more intent, pressing higher up the pitch and creating a few half-chances. Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo were instrumental in driving forward, but Celtic's defense, marshaled by Cameron Carter-Vickers, stood firm.

Celtic gradually regained control as the half progressed, with Callum McGregor and Matt O'Riley orchestrating play from midfield. Their persistent pressure finally began to tell, with the Hoops forcing Rangers deeper into their own half.

Adam Idah's Heroics

As the clock ticked down, extra time seemed inevitable. However, in the 87th minute, Celtic found their breakthrough. Substitute Adam Idah, who had been brought on to add fresh legs to the attack, latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Reo Hatate. Idah's composure was evident as he coolly slotted the ball past the onrushing Allan McGregor, sending the Celtic supporters into raptures.

Tactical Masterclass

Celtic's manager deserves immense credit for his tactical acumen. His decision to introduce Idah proved to be a masterstroke, as the young forward's pace and movement unsettled a tiring Rangers defense. The substitution highlighted the manager's keen sense of timing and his ability to influence the game from the touchline.

Defensive Resilience

While Idah will grab the headlines for his decisive goal, Celtic's defensive resilience was equally crucial. Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt formed a formidable partnership at the back, repelling Rangers' attacks with authority. Joe Hart's experience and leadership were also pivotal, as he made several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Post-Match Reactions

After the match, Celtic's manager praised his team's determination and resilience. "This group has shown incredible spirit throughout the season," he said. For our perseverance, Adam's aim was a worthy reward. Completing the double is a fantastic achievement, and I'm proud of every single player."

Rangers' manager, while disappointed, acknowledged the quality of the contest. "It was a tough game, and we gave it our all," he remarked. "Credit to Celtic for their performance. We'll regroup and come back stronger."

Looking Ahead

The victory marks Celtic's continued dominance in Scottish football, adding the Scottish Cup to their Premiership title. The double is a testament to the team's consistency and quality over the course of the season.

For Rangers, the focus will now shift to rebuilding and preparing for the next campaign. Despite the disappointment, they have shown enough quality to suggest that they will remain strong contenders in the future.

Conclusion

Adam Idah's late heroics will be remembered as a defining moment in Celtic's illustrious history. The Hoops' ability to perform under pressure and their tactical flexibility were key factors in their success. As the celebrations continue in the green and white half of Glasgow, the 2023-2024 season will be fondly remembered by Celtic fans as a year of triumph and glory.