Celtic booked their place in the Scottish League Cup final with a dramatic 3-1 win over Rangers courtesy of goals from Johnny Kenny, Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand.
Celtic started the brighter of the two sides and had a freak own goal from Nico Raskin ruled out for offside in the build-up early on.
That was no matter though as Celtic soon had the lead anyway, with Kenny diverting a lovely near-post header past Jack Butland for the lead, and it got worse for Danny Rohl’s side as Thelo Aasgaard was given a straight red for a high challenge on Anthony Ralston.
Rohl’s side grew into the game in the second half though, and got their reward late on when Ralston’s arm blocked Djeidi Gassama’s goal-bound effort and James Tavernier converted from the spot to take the game to extra-time.
It was always going to be a tough test for the 10 men of Rangers as the game dragged on, with Callum McGregor beating Butland from distance to regain the lead, and though both sides missed golden chances, Celtic wrapped it up as teenager Callum Osmand tapped in Kieran Tierney’s cross to take his side into the League Cup final.
The Premier Sports Cup action is live on Premier Sports - follow the updates from Hampden in our live blog, below
Celtic v Rangers: Scottish League Cup updates
- FULL TIME! Celtic beat Rangers in extra time to reach Scottish League Cup final
- 110' GOAL! Osmand taps in Tierney cross to seal it [CEL 3-1 RAN]
- 93' GOAL! Callum McGregor stunner restores Celtic lead in extra time [CEL 2-1 RAN]
- 80' GOAL! Tavernier penalty draws 10-man Rangers level after handball [CEL 1-1 RAN]
- 38' RED CARD! Rangers down to 10 as Thelo Aasgaard sent off [CEL 1-0 RAN]
- 25' GOAL! This one does count as Kenny heads in opener [CEL 1-0 RAN]
Callum Osmand settles epic League Cup semi-final as Celtic beat Rangers in extra time
18:15 , Chris WilsonCallum McGregor and substitute Callum Osmand scored in extra-time as Celtic emerged victors in an epic Scottish League Cup semi-final against 10-man Rangers at Hampden Park.
With former Hoops boss Martin O'Neill back in the dugout as interim manager after taking over from Brendan Rodgers last Monday - along with Shaun Maloney - Celtic took the lead through Johnny Kenny after 25 minutes and then Gers midfielder Thelo Aasgaard was shown a straight red card by referee Nick Walsh for a reckless challenge on Anthony Ralston.
The Ibrox side, with new head coach Danny Rohl taking charge of his first Old Firm game, fought back in the second half with captain James Tavernier levelling from the spot in the 81st minute to take the game to extra-time.
Callum Osmand settles epic League Cup semi-final as Celtic beat Rangers in extra time
Watch: Osmand's winner
18:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s that final goal from Callum Osmand then!-
Callum Osmand with the goal that will surely seal it! 🔥
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) November 2, 2025
Not a bad way to get your first @CelticFC goal! 🍀#PremierSportsCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/GzpEehhy5i
Tavernier reacts
17:50 , Chris Wilson“We put a lot of effort into the game. With 10 men we knew that we’d have to dig deep. Even coming in at half-time we felt we could get ourselves back in the game,” says Rangers captain James Tavernier.
“We tried to limit chances, we get the penalty, get ourselves back into it, rode the waves of attack
“In extra-time we believed that we could win the game, but we just lacked that clinical edge in both boxes today. We created good chances, and we weren’t clinical enough.
“We need to be a little bit more streetwise as well, but no excuses, we fell short, but [there are] positives.
“He’s said with Thelo’s [red card], it’s the force of how he’s gone into the challenge, he’s not really seen Ralston come for the ball, but with Jack [Butland] diving on the floor, he’s already got the ball and he gets kicked in the head, no matter what the intent is, it’s still intent, and you can’t kick a goalkeeper in the head,” he says on the potential red for Trusty.
“It’s disappointing but it’s up to us to react to moments, I thought we reacted quite well, but it’s the small margins in these games,” he adds.
Premier Sports Cup final
17:40 , Chris WilsonThe final will take place on 14 December at Hampden Park then.
Celtic will be looking to win a 23rd League Cup in Glasgow, having won last year in a dramatic shootout against Rangers.
St Mirren have won the cup once, in 2012/13.
Rohl reacts
17:32 , Chris Wilson"We showed a lot of spirit and resilience," says Rangers head coach Danny Rohl to BBC Scotland.
"We really thought we could beat them, even with 10 men. We were not sitting back and waiting, we were brave in the second half and I thought the equaliser was deserved.
"It was important to see the reaction after the red card and it was outstanding.
"We have to talk about what we can improve but there are many positives to take forward."
"It's not my job to speak about decisions on the pitch. I just focus on my team,” he adds regarding the question of whether Celtic could themselves have seen two red cards.
More from O'Neill
17:25 , Chris Wilson“I’ve come in, we’ve got a couple of young players and serial winners in there, and the backroom staff for me were terrific,” adds O’Neill, saying that he didn’t enjoy the game “for one minute”.
“If we had not won the game and gone to penalties, he might have been on the treatment table,” he jokes regarding Osmond’s missed chance before scoring.
“He’s sharp, he’s got plenty of confidence!” he adds.
“I don’t even know when the final is,” he jokes when asked whether he might be in the role then.
“I think the club will probably be making inroad into getting someone in.
“Today, no,” he replies when asked whether he might stay!
O'Neill: 'Delighted to have won'
17:20 , Chris WilsonInterim Celtic boss Martin O’Neill is the latest to speak to Premier Sports, and he
“I was 73 on Monday, I’m 94 now,” he jokes.
“Delighted to have won the game, thought we played splendidly when 11 v 11. Rangers had a good spell 10 v 11 where they controlled the game for a while, but we missed some great chances and if we had taken them...well [anyway], we won, and that was it,” he sighs in relief.
“It was end-to-end, but there was part of me that enjoyed that. But listen, it’s the way they go, and sometimes when I thought we’d have a break, Kasper [Schmeichel] tosses it out!”
Osmand: 'No words to describe today'
17:15 , Chris WilsonGoalscorer Callum Osmand says that “there are no words” to describe the feeling today.
“It’s one of those moments that just don’t happen! I’m so grateful, it’s an amazing feeling, there’s nothing better.
“You get those points, but they build you as a player, those moments where I’m not in the squad, it’s painful, but they create you as a player and prepared me for these moments, and I just have to take it, so really happy.
On O’Neill, he says: “From day one he spoke to me, asaid he thinks really highly of me, and that gives you the boost you need. He’s given me the confidence, the trust, that’s all you need.
“It only takes one person to push you on and hopefully this is just the start for me, but I’ve got to keep pushing on.
“Like I said, no words to describe today, there’s nothing that can top this other than scoring in the final!” he adds.
Trusty: 'Every game is a chance'
17:08 , Chris Wilson“He [O’Neill] wants me to play my game, do my thing,” says Auston Trusty.
“I’m making up for lost time, I got injured, but I had great guys around me so I can thrive. Every game is a chance,” he adds.
McGregor reacts
17:03 , Chris WilsonCeltic captain Callum McGregor calls the result “huge” as he says he’s “really proud” after “a difficult week”.
“From me, a massive thank you to the players,” he adds.
“I found myself in a bit of space and just hit it, if you don’t shoot you don’t score,” he explains on the goal.
“Once we got the goal we settled ourselves and played, and Osmand got the [final] goal in the end.
“We’re in another final and we have to earn the right to play when we get there as well, so it’s nit job done by any stretch,” he adds.
Scottish League Cup final
16:50 , Chris WilsonThe final will be played on 14 December at Hampden Park as Celtic meet St Mirren, who beat Motherwell 4-1 yesterday.
FULL-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:45 , Chris WilsonA hugely entertaining match at Hampden but in the end it is Celtic who book a place in the League Cup final.
Celtic were playing better even before the red, but was always an uphill task for Rangers after the sending off and while they did brilliantly to take the game to extra-time, Celtic dominated as the game went on and fully deserve the win.
There are sources of encouragement for Danny Rohl but it is Martin O’Neill’s side who go home happy this weekend!
FULL-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:42 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:35 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and Martin O’Neill has secured a place in the League Cup final for Celtic!
They’ll face St Mirren in the first final of the season in December.
Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:33 , Chris Wilson120 +2 mins
Hatate finds Balikwisha in the box and the Celtic forward wins a corner.
Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:33 , Chris Wilson120 mins
Just two minutes of added time at Hampden, and most Rangers fans have left already here.
Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:31 , Chris Wilson118 mins
Tierney’s latest cross takes a touch off Cornelius and there are muted shouts for a penalty, but Celtic have this one wrapped up already.
Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:28 , Chris Wilson114 mins
Almost controversy as Gassama latches on to a drop-ball that Celtic had looked to knock back to Schmeichel, but the young Frenchman can't make anything of it anyway.
Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:24 , Chris Wilson111 mins
Maeda makes way for Michel Ange Balikwisha as the game gets back underway.
Moments later, Osmand is booked before narrowly missing out on setting up a chance for 4-1 at the other end.
GOAL! Celtic 3-1 Rangers
16:22 , Chris Wilson110 mins
GOAL! That should be that! Celtic have wrapped it up.
The ball is swept wide to Tierney on the left and and he fires in a low diagonal ball across the box that Osmand flies in to divert from close range!
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:20 , Chris Wilson107 mins
A Rangers free-kick ends with Tavernier taking down Osmand near his own box, and it’ll be Celtic who can create a chance here.
They almost do too, as McGregor slides a ball in to Hatate before the offside flag goes up.
KICK-OFF! Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:18 , Chris WilsonBack underway in the final period of this semi-final.
Can Celtic hold onto the lead this time or are we headed for penalties at Hampden?
HALF-TIME! Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:15 , Chris WilsonJust the one minute of added time in the first half of extra-time as Hatate appeals for a penalty after being brought down.
Nothing doing though, and we head into the extra-time break with Celtic back in the lead!
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:13 , Chris Wilson104 mins
Yet another chance for Celtic! This one falls to Osmand as he hits a shot from close range on the spin, and Butland makes the save as Tavernier clears before Maeda can score the tap-in.
Moments later, Souttar is booked for a cynical challenge on Osmand.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:10 , Chris Wilson101 mins
A half-chance for Rangers this time as the ball runs free for Miovski in the Celtic box but Schmeichel dives at his feet to claw it away.
Rangers make another change as Joe Rockwell comes in for Djiga.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:09 , Chris Wilson99 mins
SAVE! What a chance for Gassama!
Miovski threads through a brilliant through ball and the youngster shrugs off the challenge from Trusty but he can’t squeeze the finish past Schmeichel from point-blank range!
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:06 , Chris Wilson96 mins
SAVE! This is a good save from Butland though!
The ball flies in from Tierney and Osmond’s diving header is heading into the far corner, but Butland gets across to get a fingertip to it and divert it wide!
GOAL! Celtic 2-1 Rangers
16:03 , Chris Wilson93 mins
GOAL! Barely a chance for anything to happen in extra-time but Celtic are ahead.
It’s passed to McGregor just on the outside of the ‘D’ and he hits a lovely strike.
It’s flying pretty close to Butland but it somehow beats him, flying just outside of his reach to give Celtic the lead!
He should have done better but Celtic fans won't care!
KICK-OFF! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:59 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Hampden Park!
Rangers bring on Antman for Raskin, while Max Aarons also replaced Meghoma towards the end of normal time.
FULL-TIME! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:54 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
Time for a final chance? Engels swings in a cross to Tierney at the far post and the defender gets the shot away but it’s deflected wide!
No time to take the corner and the ref blows the whistle to take it to extra-time!
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:52 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
What a chance for Hatate! Forrest cushions a pass back to the midfielder in the box but he blazes it wide!
All 10 Rangers players were pinned into their own box but they have a chance to launch an attack now.
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:51 , Chris Wilson90 mins
We’ll have four minutes of added time here as Celtic look for a winner.
They have a huge chance too as Raskin just about manages to clear from near his own line!
A reminder that we’re heading to extra-time.
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:49 , Chris Wilson88 mins
It’s Celtic who are piling on the pressure again as Souttar heads behind Forrest’s cross, before Tierney’s cross is also headed clear by Cornelius.
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:45 , Chris Wilson85 mins
CLOSE! What a chance for Osmand!
it all comes from a lovely move from Forrest, who puts it between the legs of his marker to create the space before threading in an inch-perfect through ball to Osmand, who is one-v-one with Butland.
The youngster shapes to find the far post but can’t find the curl and Butland saves!
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:43 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Some good work from Moore and Miovski to win a corner for Rangers.
Nothing comes of it, though Ralston wastes possession again for a nervy Celtic.
Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:41 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Controversy there over whether that was even a penalty, considering that the ball hit Ralston as he was falling and looked to be tucking his arm in (rather than it being in an unnatural position).
At the same time, Rangers players were asking why that wasn't a second booking for Ralston if it was indeed a penalty!
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
15:40 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Tavernier steps up to take it and he rifles it low and into the bottom-left corner, beating the dive of Schmeichel!
All level again, and it was a superb spot-kick.
PENALTY! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:39 , Chris Wilson79 mins
PENALTY TO RANGERS! Late drama at Hampden Park!
The ball comes to Gassama on the edge of the box and he skips past a challenge before firing in a goal-bound shot that Ralston blocks with his arm as he dives down!
The referee points to the spot and it’s given! VAR clears it too and Rangers have a golden chance here.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:37 , Chris Wilson77 mins
What a challenge this is from Scales!
Gassama latches onto the ball forward and races through on goal, but Scales is tracking back and puts in a perfectly timed sliding challenge to divert the ball away for a corner!
Before the corner is taken, Kieran Tierney comes on for Saracchi.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:35 , Chris Wilson75 mins
More subs for Celtic as Hatate and Osmond come on for Nygren and Nygren.
Rangers also make two changes, as Miovski and Moore replace and Chermiti.
And the chances keep on coming for Celtic!
This one comes as Forrest cuts back to Hatate in the box, but his shot is straight at Butland.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:33 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Rangers aren’t out of this yet and while it’s still Celtic who are having the best chances, they haven’t been able to wrap this one up yet.
Rangers are struggling in possession though, only really able to mount a promising attack when they catch Celtic on the counter.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:31 , Chris Wilson70 mins
OFF THE BAR! Another great chance and Rangers just about stay in it!
Celtic sweep forward again and the ball from the left comes in towards Forrest.
The Celtic man rifles an effort from around six yards and it beats Butland but rattles back in off the underside of the bar!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:28 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Another chance for Celtic but this one is a little more difficult, with Nygren hooking over after the cross from Saracchi.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:26 , Chris Wilson67 mins
A first chance for Celtic as Tounekti comes off for James Forrest as Tavernier prepares to deliver the free-kick.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:25 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Plenty of yellows now as Engels is the latest to cynically stop Gassama leading a Rangers counter. Some of those midfielders have to be careful now!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:24 , Chris Wilson64 mins
CLOSE! What a save from Butland!
It’s a double save really, with the first a superb stop to react and dive low to prevent Nygren’s low header from about four yards.
The second is easier, palming away a shot at the near post.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:22 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Almost an opening for Celtic as Maeda wins the ball off Djiga near halfway, but Taverbnier is there to cover.
McGregor is now carded for a late challenge to stop Raskin on the counter.
O’Neill remains nervous on the sideline! He knows his side have to make the most of this golden opportunity.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:17 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Half a chance for Rangers as Diomande’s shot is blocked but the rebound bounces to Chermiti, who sees his half-volley palmed away by Schmeichel.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:16 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Scrappy play from both sides at the moment and Martin O’Neill does look a little concerned, even though Rangers are still creating precious little.
We have another booking for a high challenge as Maeda connects with Diomande as the latter won the ball, though it was only a kick to the area just under the shoulder. Again, no malice at all.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:13 , Chris Wilson53 mins
Celtic causing themselves some problems here as they fail to clear, but Chermiti can’t get a clean shot away.
At the other end, Engels goes close as he curls an effort wide of the far post from around 20 yards.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:11 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Panic at the back for Rangers as Kenny is sent through from the long ball.
The Rangers defenders recover but Souttar knocks it towards his own goal, forcing Butland to make a save!
Rangers recover for now and even go on the attack, with Ralston now booked for a late challenge.
Tavernier delivers a long throw but nothing comes of it.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:07 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Celtic have dominated the opening stages of this half too, with Tounekti now unlucky as he tries to squeeze in a cross from within the box.
KICK-OFF! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:05 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Hampden Park!
Danilo has made way for Djeidi Gassama for Rangers.
HALF-TIME! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
15:02 , Chris WilsonAs mentioned before, it’s been an intriguing half of football between two sides who have had a chaotic few days and weeks.
Celtic started the brighter of the two though and they find themselves with a deserved lead, and though Rangers have had some good chances, they now face an uphill battle to stay in the League Cup this afternoon.
All to play for in the next 45 minutes, and we’ll be back underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:50 , Chris WilsonThat is indeed the final action of the half and the referee brings the first half to an end.
An entertaining match for the neutral and Celtic go in with a lead that they certainly deserve.
Rangers have a mountain to climb at Hampden!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:49 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
The corner is likely the final action of an entertaining first half here.
Engels swings it in and Tounekti wins the loose ball, heading it back into the box before Butland just about manages to take it away from Trusty.
The Celtic man is booked for a late challenge that clips the head of the ‘keeper, and he is arguably lucky to escape a red himself!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Some real intensity to Celtic’s play now, and they definitely smell blood here.
Two minutes added on as Maeda gets a little too intense and concedes a free-kick, though the ball in is straight to Schmeichel.
He starts the counter and it ends with Tounekti skipping past one challenge before winning a corner.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:44 , Chris Wilson42 mins
CLOSE! A mix-up from celtic and they might feel they should be two ahead!
Ralston fires in a pass to Nygren near the edge of the box and he takes it down into the area.
His touch takes him into the same path as Kenny, who is probably better placed to take the shot, and the Irishman decides to hit it and fires wide from close range!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Celtic were really starting to impose themselves before that red and you get the sense Rangers could begin to struggle here.
They need to make it to half-time without conceding at the very least.
RED CARD! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:41 , Chris Wilson38 mins
RED CARD! More controversy as Thelo Aasgaard receives a straight red!
He takes the ball back to goal and flicks it over his head, spinning around as he races to retrieve the loose ball.
He charges in for the 50/50 and flies in studs up on Ralston, making high contact with the Celtic man’s thigh, and the referee doesn’t hesitate to bring out the red.
Aasgaard can’t complain, as shown by the replay, though there was little malice in that one.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:38 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Great work from Engels after he nips in to win a free-kick moments after his initial corner was cleared.
The Belgian steps up to swing it in from around 20 yards out on the wing.
He opts to swing it in to the corridor between Butland and his defenders but it goes straight the ‘keeper.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:37 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Almost another opening for Celtic as Kenny narrowly misses out on squeezing a through ball to Tounekti with the pair having gone two-v-two with the final line of the Rangers defence.
It’s certainly O’Neill’s side who are having the best chances over the lat couple of minutes, with Tounekti now winning a corner.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:34 , Chris Wilson31 mins
A great chance for Rangers just then as Danilo produced a superb through ball on the turn to release Raskin. He’s through against Schmeichel but the ‘keeper closes the angle well and makes a good save at the near post.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:30 , Chris Wilson28 mins
CLOSE! More good play from Celtic.
They move up the pitch quickly and ship it wide to Kenny.
He sees the run of Maeda down the middle but chooses to go alone, getting a little bit of luck with a ricochet before Kenny forces Butland into a good save.
The build-up to that corner saw Cornelius booked for a challenge on Kenny too.
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
14:27 , Chris Wilson25 mins
GOAL! This one will count!
Celtic win a corner and Engels puts in an excellent delivery.
Kenny arrives at the near post and holds off Meghoma before flicking in a superb header that nestles in at the far corner!
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:24 , Chris Wilson22 mins
CLOSE! What a chance for Rangers too!
The game has settled again after that disallowed goal and Rangers go onto the attack looking to rub salt in the wound.
Diomande picks up the ball near the box and fires in a brilliant early cross to Chermiti in the space, but he can’t direct it on target when one-v-one with Schmeichel!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:22 , Chris Wilson19 mins
DISALLOWED GOAL! Celtic think they have a bizarre opening goal but it’s ruled out!
They won a free-kick right a few yards from the box and they took it quickly, with Nygren passing it on to Maeda. He tries to cut it back but Djida makes the clearance against his teammate Raskin, and it flies into his own net!
However, Maeda was centimetres offside in the build-up.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:19 , Chris Wilson19 mins
CLOSE! The best opening of the game so far falls to Celtic.
They win the ball close to the Rangers box and it’s slipped into the path of Maeda, who is 1-v-1 but fires straight at Butland.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:19 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Nygren is irritated here as Tounekti’s cross goes straight to Butland.
However, once again Rangers are unable to keep the ball for too long and it’s back at the other end with Schmeichel.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:17 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Celtic better in possession so far, knocking the ball around in their half, though Rangers do seem well-drilled when not on the ball.
There aren't a lot of openings for O’Neil’s side.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:14 , Chris Wilson13 mins
First shot on target but it’s a tame one as Aasgaard tests Schmeichel from distance.
Maeda does well once again on the right wing to win a cheap free-kick off Meghoma, and it’s a decent chance for Celtic to swing a cross in.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:12 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Much better from Rangers as Meghoma carries towards the box unchallenged before clipping in a cross that Tavernier heads wide.
At the other end, the Rangers captain does well to hook away a cross at his own back post.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:11 , Chris Wilson10 mins
A very sloppy couple of minutes in which the ball has changed hands what seems like a dozen times.
No chances for either side yet but Maeda does well to win a corner before Engels’ cross comes back to Tounekti in the box, though the Tunisian sees his effort fly over.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:07 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Safe to say Rangers have started in a nervous manner here!
They’ve given possession away too easily on several occasions and notably at the back, where a couple of openings have broken down for Celtic due to offside.
Butland is the latest to clear long and straight out of play.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:06 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Celtic starting to impose themselves in possession now.
They have the first half-chance of the game as Djiga misreads the long ball before Kenny sees his cross turned behind.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Neither side able to keep possession in the early stages, with nobody trying anything too silly early on.
KICK-OFF! Celtic 0-0 Rangers
14:00 , Chris WilsonUnderway at Hampden Park! These two old rivals face off for a place in the Scottish League Cup final with both new managers having the chance to earn a brilliant result early into their tenures.
Celtic v Rangers: How to watch Scottish League Cup
13:57 , Chris WilsonPremier Sports has the rights to show the Scottish League Cup, which can be accessed via Sky, Virgin or Amazon Prime platforms. Subscribers can also watch Premier Sports online.
Celtic v Rangers: Scottish League Cup updates
13:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are in the tunnel at Hampden Park, and we’ll be underway soon!
Celtic v Rangers: Scottish League Cup updates
13:50 , Chris Wilson
League Cup head-to-head
13:45 , Chris WilsonThere have been 52 Old Firm derbies in the League Cup, with Celtic boasting a narrow winning record in this one.
They have won 25 League Cup fixtures compared to Rangers’ 24, while three have ended as draws.
O'Neil speaks of 'nervousness'
13:40 , Chris WilsonReturning Celtic boss Martin O’Neil said that these games bring about “a nervousness for about 72 hours before. If you got the result, there was a great relief. That's what the great Walter Smith used to say about it, it was relief more than anything else".
He said he would settle for a "lousy 1-0 victory" after having "heard a lot of good things" about Danny Rohl.
“A lot of the players at Sheffield Wednesday were very complimentary about him", he explained, adding that he thinks Rangers be confident after a "big win" over Hibs at Easter Road.
Head-to-head
13:30 , Chris WilsonThough different sources differ in the stats, it is thought that these two sides have met in competitive matches 447 times in the past, dating back to 1890.
In that time, Celtic have won 170 matches while Rangers have won 171, with 106 ending as draws!
Scottish League Cup
13:20 , Chris WilsonThe first semi-final of the season was played out yesterday, as Saint Mirren booked their place in the first final of 2025/26 with a commanding 4-1 win over Motherwell.
That means that the winner of today’s match will play St Mirren in the League Cup final on 14 December at Hampden.
Connor Barron sees ‘real lift’ in Rangers dressing room going into Celtic clash
13:10 , Chris WilsonConnor Barron believes revitalised Rangers have started banishing the early-season gloom in time for their Premier Sports Cup semi-final showdown with Celtic on Sunday.
Gers have spent most of the campaign engulfed by acrimony following a disastrous start under previous boss Russell Martin.
But spirits around Ibrox have been raised over the past few days after new manager Danny Rohl presided over back-to-back William HillPremiership wins against Kilmarnock and Hibernian.
Connor Barron sees ‘real lift’ in Rangers dressing room going into Celtic clash
Team news
13:05 , Chris WilsonRangers boss Danny Rohl has made three changes to the side that beat Hibs last week.
In defence, Max Aarons makes way for James Tavernier at right-back.
In midfield, Connor Barron is replaced by Mohamed Diomande, while Thelo Aasgaard comes in for Mikey Moore in attack.
Team news
12:59 , Chris WilsonMartin O’Neil has made just one change to the side who beat Falkirk 4-0 last time out.
It is an attacking change too, as James Forrest is replaced by Daezen Maeda, with Nygren moving into midfield.
Line-ups
12:54 , Chris WilsonRangers XI: Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Chermiti, Danilo.
Subs: Kelly, Aarons, Fernandez, Rothwell, Antman, Moore, Gassama, Curtis, Miovski.
🆕 This afternoon's side to take on Celtic in the @PremSportsTV Cup Semi-Final.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 2, 2025
📲 Team News | https://t.co/HSw5hlnkTh pic.twitter.com/KUXQjvKvwx
Line-ups
12:47 , Chris WilsonCeltic XI: Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi; McGregor, Nygren, Engels; Tounekti, Maeda, Kenny.
Subs: Sinisalo, Balikwisha, Yang, Mc Cowan, Osmand, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney.
Our #CELRAN XI is locked in 🔐
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 2, 2025
⁰#PremierSportsCup | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/MfWS3BOsZF
Team news
12:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Connor Barron is suspended while Rabbi Matondo and Dujon Sterling remain unavailable due to injuries. Danilo is expected to be back after he was withdrawn at half-time against Hibs and Thelo Aasgaard could return to the line-up.
Daizen Maeda and Kieran Tierney are set to be available after recovering from knocks, but Cameron Carter-Vickers is now unavailable due to injury and Alistair Johnson and Kelechi Iheanacho have joined Jota on the sidelines as well.
Previous meetings
12:30 , Chris WilsonThe last two Old Firm matches have ended in draws, with the dire 0-0 in August the first one to take place in 2025/26.
That one won’t live long in the memory, nor will the 1-1 in the league on 4 May.
The last side to win this derby was in fact Rangers, who ran out 3-2 winners at Celtic Park in March.
Martin O’Neill reveals he was given only ‘10 minutes’ to decide on Celtic return
12:20 , Chris WilsonMartin O’Neill says he was give “10 minutes to make his mind up” on if he would return to Celtic after Brendan Rodgers’ sudden resignation on Monday night.
Over two decades on from his first stint as Hoops manager, the 73-year-old takes charge on an interim basis alongside former player Shaun Maloney.
Describing his current feelings as a “nervous excitement”, his first assignment will be against Falkirk on Wednesday before renewing Old Firm hostilities with Rangers on Sunday in a pivotal League Cup semi-final.
Martin O’Neill reveals he was given only ‘10 minutes’ to decide on Celtic return
Form guide
12:05 , Chris WilsonCeltic WLWLW
The 3-1 loss to Hearts proved Rodgers’ last game in charge and Martin O’Neil started his second tenure at the helm with a 4-0 win over Falkirk.
Rangers DDLWW
Rohl has had more time in charge and though his tenure began with a dispiriting 3-0 loss to Brann in the Europa League, he has since won back-to-back league matches over Kilmarnock and Hibs.
Danny Rohl explains how Rangers are now ‘ready’ to take down Celtic in Old Firm derby
11:50 , Chris WilsonAfter a whirlwind first week in the job, Rangers boss Danny Rohl has revealed why he now believes his side are ready to get the best of bitter rivals Celtic in the Old Firm derby this weekend.
Rohl’s first game in charge, just 48 hours after taking the job, was a dispiriting 3-0 loss to Brann in the Europa League but he has since masterminded back-to-back wins in the Scottish Premiership – downing Kilmarnock 3-1 at the weekend before showing resilience to beat Hibernian 1-0 on Wednesday evening.
That Hibs triumph was Rangers’s first clean sheet away from home since December 2024, although they did rely on a late Jack Butland penalty save from Jamie McGrath to preserve it.
Danny Rohl explains how Rangers are now ‘ready’ to take down Celtic in Old Firm derby
Celtic thrash Falkirk as Martin O’Neill celebrates winning return
11:35 , Chris WilsonThe report from O’Neil’s first game back in the Celtic hotseat:
Martin O'Neill celebrated his Celtic homecoming with a thumping 4-0 win over Falkirk at Parkhead.
The 73-year-old former Hoops manager was installed along with ex-Celtic player Shaun Maloney as the interim management team following the stunning resignation of Brendan Rodgers on Monday night.
Celtic fans continued their protest against Dermot Desmond, the club's major shareholder, and the board outside the stadium before the game due, in part, to a perceived poor summer transfer window.
The influential Desmond sat in the directors' box and watched fellow Irishman Johnny Kenny shoot Celtic into the lead after half an hour and then head in a second 10 minutes later before goals from midfielder Benjamin Nygren and wide-man Sebastian Tounekti in the second half increased the fun factor.
Celtic thrash Falkirk as Martin O’Neill celebrates winning return
Brendan Rodgers talked himself into trouble and Celtic chaos could lead to the unthinkable
11:25 , Chris WilsonOn the loudest nights at Celtic Park, the sound of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is as stirring and defiant as its cousins at Anfield and the Westfalenstadion.
But for Brendan Rodgers, the noise and fallout following his shock resignation from the Scottish champions will leave the 52-year-old walking a lonely path as he packs his bags and departs Lennoxtown for the second time. A stunning, explosive statement from the Celtic majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, accused Rodgers of acting in a “divisive, misleading, and self-serving” manner that “contributed to a toxic atmosphere” around the club, torching all ties to a manager who had won 11 trophies across his two spells in Glasgow.
Rodgers talked himself into trouble and Celtic chaos could lead to the unthinkable
When is Celtic v Rangers?
11:17 , Chris WilsonThe Scottish League Cup semi-final will kick-off at 2pm GMT on Sunday 2 November at Hampden Park.
How can I watch it?
Premier Sports has the rights to show the Scottish League Cup, which can be accessed via Sky, Virgin or Amazon Prime platforms. Subscribers can also watch Premier Sports online. Details are here.
Predicted line-ups
11:11 , Chris WilsonRangers XI: Butland; Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius; Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma; Danilo, Aasgaard; Chermiti
Celtic XI: Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Forrest, Maeda, Tounekti
What is the team news?
11:06 , Chris WilsonConnor Barron is suspended while Rabbi Matondo and Dujon Sterling remain unavailable due to injuries. Danilo is expected to be back after he was withdrawn at half-time against Hibs and Thelo Aasgaard could return to the line-up.
Daizen Maeda and Kieran Tierney are set to be available after recovering from knocks, but Cameron Carter-Vickers is now unavailable due to injury and Alistair Johnson and Kelechi Iheanacho have joined Jota on the sidelines as well.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
