Rangers beat Celtic in Scottish Cup semi-final
Ange Postecoglou says Celtic’s Scottish Cup semi-final loss to Rangers will “fuel” the Hoops in their bid to seal premiership glory.
Celtic’s dreams of a domestic treble are over after a 2-1 loss in extra-time to arch-rivals Rangers at Hampden Park.
The Hoops were on target for a place in the Scottish Cup final when Greg Taylor gave them the lead in the 63rd minute.
Read Next
However, Rangers equalised 15 minutes later through substitute Scott Atfield.
With scores locked at 1-1 at the end of normal time, extra-time was required, with Rangers sealing a spot in the Cup decider against Hearts via an own goal from Celtic defender Carl Starfelt in the 114th minute.
“We are disappointed,” said Celtic manager Postecoglou, whose side won the Scottish League Cup final at the sane venue in December.
“It was, unfortunately, an opportunity we didn’t take today.
“It was a typical semi-final, very tight. Both teams had their moments and they took theirs in extra-time and unfortunately it decided the game.
“Both teams went at it but we just didn’t have enough to get it over the line.”
The former Socceroos coach said the loss would further motivate Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops lead second-placed Rangers by six points with five rounds of the season remaining.
“We’ve had a lot of challenges this season – this is another one. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves.” Postecoglou said.
‘We’ve got five games to be champions of this country and that doesn’t change after today.
“Our focus has to be that we make sure we use this disappointment to fuel what is going to happen in the next few games.”
Brisbane
