RANGERS did it the hard way at Hampden. In some regards, it was fitting of a season that has not been easy at any stage but one that could yet end with two pieces of silverware in the Trophy Room.
Just days after keeping their Europa League dreams alive with victory over Braga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side came from behind once again and clinched a famous Old Firm win.
Scott Arfield’s equaliser and a late own goal from Carl Starfelt gave the champions an extra-time triumph that was as dramatic as it was deserved.
Hearts now stand in the way of a first cup medal since 2009 after Rangers ended a hugely significant week on the ultimate high.
VAN BRONCKHORST SILENCES CRITICS WITH DREAM DOUBLE
Had Rangers been beaten on Thursday night and then followed up a Europa League elimination with a Scottish Cup exit, the pressure would have been firmly on Van Bronckhorst’s shoulders. Indeed, questions over his position would not have been unrealistic.
The Dutchman needed a big week. He and his players delivered in some style as he secured his first derby win as boss and moved to within 90 minutes of his first piece of silverware.
The Premiership title defence looks like ultimately ending unsuccessfully but the coming fixtures still offer plenty for Rangers to savour as they prepare for their semi-final with RB Leipzig and the showpiece finale against Hearts at Hampden.
A week that could have seen Rangers’ season snowball out of control has now breathed fresh life into the campaign and the feeling around the support and the squad has changed significantly. What a moment, what an occasion.
If Van Bronckhorst and his players can’t take huge belief and confidence from this brilliant double-header then they never will and Rangers must kick on from here.
One medal is more realistic than the other. Time will tell just what Rangers can achieve, though, as fans rightly dare to dream of what lies ahead.
PLAYERS DO BOSS PROUD WITH NEVER-SAY-DIE ATTITUDE
This was a phenomenal effort from Rangers. After the exertions and emotions of Thursday night, Van Bronckhorst’s side deserve huge credit for how they went about their business at Hampden.
Special mention must go to John Lundstram for the effort that he put in and the ovation that he received when he was replaced by Glen Kamara was well deserved. It was another excellent showing from a Scouser that has grown in stature and popularity in recent weeks.
Lundstram was a tireless runner, strong in the tackle and positionally disciplined as he controlled and patrolled the middle of the park. What a shift he put in and he would lead by example.
As a collective, Rangers cannot be faulted for their endeavours. Mistakes were made and aspects of their game could have been sharper but Van Bronckhorst had to be proud of the way his players equipped themselves just a couple of days after that thrilling Europa League encounter at Ibrox.
When the winner came, Rangers were well worthy of it. This was a victory that was hard-earned but thoroughly merited as the champions rose to the Old Firm occasion.
KEEPER CALL IS VINDICATED
Few fans would have had an issue with the outfield ten that Van Bronckhorst picked as he went with the same side – from defence to attack – that performed so impressively in the win over Braga on Thursday night. But the selection of Jon McLaughlin over Allan McGregor was a surprising one.
Fair play to Van Bronckhorst here, though, as his call paid off. And credit to McLaughlin as well. When he needed to perform for his manager, he produced an accomplished showing overall to play his part in a wonderful win.
If McLaughlin was in the side due to his supposed superior ability with the ball at his feet, the tactic didn’t pay off. On more than one occasion, Rangers played themselves into difficult attempting to build from the back and McLaughlin and the defence in front of him – and Connor Goldson in particular - didn't look comfortable under the Celtic press at times.
The keeper was unfortunate to see Taylor’s effort beat him, right enough. Had it not been for the deflection off Calvin Bassey, McLaughlin would have stood a chance of stopping the strike.
Overall, the keeper wasn’t tested enough by Celtic. Now Van Bronckhorst has another big call to make as Hearts await next month at Hampden.
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