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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

Rangers 0 Celtic 1 as Jota delivers, Maeda work rate and Treble chance - three things we learned

Celtic marched into a Scottish Cup Final meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle after Jota's first-half strike ensured a 1-0 win over Rangers at Hampden Park.

It was a cagey opening period as the pair looked for a breakthrough in front of 48,839 at the national stadium. And that came just before the break as Daizen Maeda took full advantage of their opponents going to sleep by teeing up Jota for the games decisive goal.

The second half brought more to and fro from both sides. Fashion Sakala spurred a huge chance for Rangers to level after James Tavernier's audacious effort cannoned off the post. However a buoyant effort from Ange Postecoglou's men ensure the Treble is still on, with a chance to lift the Scottish Premiership title next weekend against Hearts and having already lifted the Viaplay Cup against Rangers in February.

READ MORE: Patrick Roberts hits stunner in huge Sunderland moment as ex-Celtic boss Tony Mowbray suffers injury

Playing until the whistle

The 'we never stop' mantra that Ange Postecoglou has engrained in his players was evident when Celtic took advantage of a catalogue of Rangers errors to score the first goal.

Firstly, Daizen Maeda pounced on uncertainty among the Light Blues defence. Then Borna Barisic allowed Maeda to play the ball into the back post, where Jota capitalises on James Tavernier being caught ball watching and sent the Hoops faithful into bedlam.

It was ultimately school boy defending from Rangers but those of green and white persuasion won't mind.

Treble looming

Ange Postecoglou's record at Celtic is remarkable. From taking a team that was low on confidence after Rangers winning the league less than two years' ago to looking on course to claiming a clean sweep of Scottish football honours.

They are one game away from Scottish Cup glory and will be very strong favourites to defeat Inverness CT on June 3. They are have to win one more game from their final five league ties to retain the title.

The big test will be what they can do next season in the Champions League after a disappointing effort this campaign.

Strong defensive foundation

Celtic had conceded in each of their last three games against Rangers and it had become an Achilles heel as such during big showpiece games.

But the Hoops defensive unit was outstanding throughout this clash. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt won everything that was thrown at them and even weren't afraid to put their bodies where it hurt.

Albeit, they had to ride their luck at times as Rangers spurred a host of chances. However, it's a sign of everyone playing for each other and ultimately an indication of where they are compared to their city counterparts, who looked very shaky at the back.

READ NEXT:

- Kieran Dowell 'passes' Rangers medical with three-year deal 'agreed' for Ibrox free transfer

- Neil Lennon in Todd Cantwell swipe as he tells Rangers midfielder to 'focus on winning games' ahead of Celtic showdown

- Michael Beale under scrutiny as Neil Lennon reckons there will be 'no coming back' if Rangers lose at Hampden

- Rangers 'set' to revisit Morgan Whittaker transfer with Michael Beale ready to launch fresh move

- Rangers 'fight off' Arsenal, Spurs and Newcastle interest to tie down highly-rated duo on pro deals

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