Rangers 0-0 Celtic (aet, 2-4 pens): Shoot-out win marred by full-time chaos

James Tavernier and Djeidi Gassama’s penalty misses proved costly as Celtic progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory.

After a goalless 120 minutes at Ibrox, penalties were required, with Tavernier striking the crossbar with the first spot-kick before Gassama fired over Viljami Sinisalo’s net.

And that allowed Tomas Cvancara to convert the decisive strike from 12 yards out, though Celtic’s win was overshadowed by ugly scenes, as sections of both supporters poured onto the pitch following the conclusion of the match.

Daizen Maeda thought he had put Celtic ahead late in the first half, only for his header to be disallowed for offside.

Rangers piled on the pressure early in the second half, with Celtic surviving several goalmouth scrambles, with Youssef Chermiti – a scorer of two goals in last week’s derby – unable to turn home from close range.

Nicolas Raskin had an attempt cleared off the line and Tochi Chukwuani saw a shot blocked by Dane Murray as extra time was needed.

Rangers had the ball in the net in the 100th minute when Emmanuel Fernandez turned home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for handball following a VAR review.

Chermiti spurned a glorious opportunity as he fired wide from close range, as penalties were needed to decide who would reach the last four.

Rangers were the first to blink when Tavernier clipped the top of the crossbar, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain handing Celtic an advantage.

Celtic remained perfect from there as Gassama failed to hit the target, which handed Cvancara the opportunity to seal a huge win.

Hampden bound baby! #RANCEL | #ScottishCup | #CelticF pic.twitter.com/aklN3qfUvD

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 8, 2026

Data Debrief: Rangers all bark but no bite

Rangers’ hopes of a first Scottish Cup title since 2022 were dashed in the most dramatic of circumstances, though Danny Rohl will feel that his team were certainly worthy of getting past their rivals here.

That is because Rangers registered an expected goals (xG) total of 2.81 from their 24 shots, six of which were on target, compared to Celtic’s measly 0.02 from the only shot they attempted, with Auston Trusty key to the Hoops’ triumph.

Trusty finished the contest with team-high totals for aerial duels won (six) and clearances (14), touches (94) and accurate passes (56).