The Scottish League Cup delivered another thrilling round of action as Rangers and Celtic showcased their dominance, while underdogs Spartans and Falkirk pulled off stunning upsets to secure their spots in the quarter-finals. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key matches and what lies ahead in the competition.
Rangers Bounce Back with Convincing Win
Philippe Clement’s Rangers put their Champions League disappointment behind them with a solid 2-0 victory over St Johnstone at Hampden Park. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring with a spectacular strike, showcasing his technical brilliance before smashing the ball into the net. VAR confirmed the goal, much to the frustration of St Johnstone manager Craig Levein.
Ross McCausland sealed the win with a late goal in stoppage time, ensuring Rangers’ smooth progression to the next round. The victory was a much-needed boost for the Gers, who are determined to reclaim their status as Scotland’s top club.
Celtic Continue Their Winning Streak
Celtic maintained their strong form with a 3-1 triumph over Hibernian at Celtic Park. Stand-in striker Daizen Maeda was the star of the show, netting two early goals to put Brendan Rodgers’ side in control. Mykola Kuharevich pulled one back for Hibs before halftime, but Nicolas Kuhn restored Celtic’s two-goal cushion after capitalizing on a defensive error.
Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s composure in securing another crucial victory.
Hibs head coach David Gray admitted his side must improve defensively if they are to challenge the Old Firm this season.
Shock Results: Spartans and Falkirk Stun Premiership Sides
The biggest surprises of the round came from The Spartans and Falkirk, who both eliminated higher-tier opponents.
- The Spartans secured a historic 1-0 win over Ross County, with Blair Henderson’s looping header sending the League Two side into their first-ever quarter-final.
- Falkirk stunned Hearts with a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Ethan Ross and Dylan Tait. The Championship side outplayed their Premiership opponents, proving that cup magic is alive and well.
Quarter-Final Draw: Exciting Matchups Ahead
The draw for the next round has set up some mouthwatering clashes:
- Motherwell vs Dundee United
- Aberdeen vs The Spartans
- Rangers vs Dundee
- Celtic vs Falkirk
With Rangers and Celtic avoiding each other, fans can expect thrilling encounters as the competition heats up. Falkirk and Spartans will look to continue their fairytale runs, while the Old Firm remain favorites to lift the trophy.
Where to Follow the Action on Mcw
For the latest updates, expert analysis, and live coverage of the Scottish League Cup, stay tuned to Mcw. Whether you’re tracking Rangers’ resurgence, Celtic’s dominance, or the underdogs’ heroic runs, we’ve got you covered with in-depth insights and breaking news.
Who do you think will lift the Scottish League Cup this season? Share your predictions in the comments below!
