A high-profile Scottish Cup semifinal between two century old rivals was the biggest occasion at Scotland on Sunday afternoon when Celtic and Rangers locked horns at Hampden Park.
The Old Firm derby ended all square last time in Scottish Premiership, however, the game this afternoon needed a result as the winner will face Aberdeen in the cup final on 27th May.
Celtic have already secured a double this season ( Scottish League Cup and Premiership) and a win against the arch rivals would have taken them closer to a treble winning campaign.
The Gers, on the other hand, were eyeing a revenge as they were knocked out from the League Cup semis last year by the Hoops who eventually went on winning the title.
However, they failed big time once more as Pedro Caixinha’s men suffered a 2-0 defeat against Celtic and Brendan Rodgers steps closer to a treble in his first season in charge.
Below are the Celtic players rated from their outing against Rangers.
Craig Gordon: 8
The Celtic custodian had a great outing as he pulled off a few decisive saves and helped his side to retain a clean-sheet.
Mikael Lustig: 7.5
Lustig had an impressive afternoon as he kept on making forward runs and switching the game from right to left. Whipped in a few decent crosses as well.
Dedryck Boyata: 7
Made his presence known in Celtic defense with his physicality and posed aerial threats from set-pieces in Rangers’ box.
Jozo Simunovic: 6
Pulled off a few important blocks, tackles and interceptions. Did well to contain Miller and Waghorn on most occasions. Worn out in closing minutes and struggled against pacy McKay.
Kieran Tierney: 5.5
Tierney was not as functional as Lustig was from the right hand flank. Mostly concentrated on his defensive duties and helped his attackers at times.
Callum McGregor: 8
Had a formidable outing as he took control of the midfield since kick-off. Kept on making tireless box-to-box and earned his side an early lead slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
Did well to link up with fellow attackers with his long balls and through passes. Was taken off to be replaced by Tom Rogic in the second half.
Scott Brown: 7
The skipper had a solid display as he kept on screening his defence and impressed in a combative role. Helped his side to keep possession in midfield.
Patrick Roberts: 7.5
The pacy winger troubled down the right hand flank and kept Rangers’ rookie left-back Myles Beerman on his toes. Linked up well with Armstrong and Griffiths. Was taken off to be replaced by James Forrest in the closing minutes.
Stuart Armstrong: 7.5
Another impressing outing for the midfielder as he impressed with his shooting skills and channel runs.
Scott Sinclair: 7
The Englishman doubled the lead from the spot-kick and also kept Rangers back-line on toes with his dribbling skills.
Moussa Dembele: 6.5
Set the first goal up for Celtic with a cut-back to Callum McGregor. Was forced to leave the pitch with an injury and replaced by Leigh Griffiths after an hour mark.
Substitutes:
Leigh Griffiths: 7
The Scottish international had an impressive outing as he won his side a spot-kick in the second half and also tested the Gers custodian Wes Foderingham in a number of occasions.
Tom Rogic: 6.5
Came in place of McGregor. Was unlucky as his effort from 20-yards came off the post in closing minutes.
James Forrest: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
