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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

7 unseen Rangers and Celtic moments from Joe Hart soaking up the support to Alfredo Morelos’ explosive motivation

It's the calm after the storm and Celtic have claimed the Viaplay Cup ahead of rivals Rangers.

Kyogo's double was the difference for the holders as they fended off a battling Rangers to retain the trophy. It was a nervy final at Hampden for supporters when Alfredo Morelos pulled one back, but in the end Ange Postecoglou kept the League Cup at Celtic Park. It was Michael Beale's first defeat since arriving at Ibrox, but it's the last one he would have wanted with the chance now gone to throw down the gauntlet to the Scottish Premiership leaders with a showpiece victory.

In the end it was the Celtic fans celebrating at the full-time whistle with Callum McGregor lifting another trophy during his Parkhead career. However, beyond the eye-catching moments there was still plenty going on at the national stadium during the blockbuster showdown. Record Sport takes a look at the moments that went under the radar amid the cup final cauldron.

Ange the calmest man in Hampden

Ahead of kick off nerves were jangling around the national stadium, but Postecoglou looked relaxed as he made his first steps into the dugout. The Celtic boss claimed his first piece of silverware in last season's League Cup, and it appeared to just be another day at the office for the boss as he swapped his suit jacket for his typical Celtic puffer jacket.

The noise was erupting all around him with the punters full of nerves, but the boss appeared to be the most relaxed man in the national stadium. He showed a steely focus to the punters and players pre-match.

Scott Arfield soaks up Hampden

The boyhood Rangers hero didn’t get any minutes at the national stadium, but he made sure to enjoy his minutes on the pitch pre-match as he soaked up the atmosphere before the first whistle. The veteran midfielder was the last Rangers player down the tunnel ahead of the team talk and looked ready for the game on the park.

Michael Beale opted to keep him on the bench as they looked for a late equaliser. The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer, could this be a sign of Arfield taking in every big moment he can before leaving Ibrox?

Morelos vs CCV

It was a mixed day for Alfredo Morelos as he showed flashes of what he is capable of for Rangers during his battle with Cameron Carter-Vickers, but was eventually replaced by Antonio Colak after giving his side a foothold in the game. You wouldn't expect Carter-Vickers to lose any ground in a battle given his impressive performances since arriving at Celtic Park. Indeed him being barged off the ball is a sight rarely – if ever – witnessed but that’s what happened on Sunday when Morelos showed his strength to outmuscle the centre-back during the clash. Carter-Vickers would have the last laugh, though, when he collected his winner’s medal, but the Colombian gave the USA international something to think about.

Morelos inspires the fight back?

With Kyogo putting Celtic two goals ahead and the celebratory tune of 'Just Can't Get Enough' being lapped up by the Celtic fans in the stands, Morelos looked to have had enough. While the Parkhead stars lapped up the second goal, Rangers striker was demanding the ball back to restart the game.

He can be seen asking the fourth official for the ball back with hands outstretched, demanding the game be restarted. He would then run off the pitch to grab the ball for himself and restart the blockbuster final.

The irked response appeared to stir something in himself and his teammates. Just eight minutes later Morelos would have his name on the scoresheet and Rangers a foothold in the game. The kick-out after being subbed off for Antonio Colak may have caught attention but his motivational moment went under the radar.

Beale's Sakala debrief

There is always plenty of talk in the build up to derby day in Glasgow, and this time around Fashion Sakala was at the centre of it. From referring to the their rivals as "the other mob" to declaring Rangers a better club than Celtic, the forward was at the centre of the pre-match debate.

While posing an attacking threat with his pace, he would be replaced by Scott Wright at Hampden before making a real mark on the game. He cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Celtic prepared to lift the trophy, but Michael Beale took a moment with the attacker.

The Celtic celebrations may have been ramping up, but Beale was spotted consoling Sakala and having a quiet word with the Zambian. Beale had a public post-match debrief but opted to have a quiet word with the forward to round off a week where has been at the centre of the conversation.

Fans and team as one

Ok we did see this but maybe the magnitude wasn’t grasped at the full-time whistle. Players and fans came together during the celebrations to embrace a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' while parading the trophy at the national stadium. Ange Postecoglou appears to have captured the imagination of supporters and created a real unity between the players and the fans who flood to the stands.

(PA)

Yes, it’s easier when the team is winning but the philosophy seems to have got everyone on the Australian's side – and more of these moments could be on the way this term.

Joe Hart in awe of the support

The goalkeeper has enjoyed his fair share of big moments. He has lifted every piece of silverware you can claim in England, and has been to a World Cup to represent his country.

Despite countless winners’ medals in his personal trophy cabinet, something about the fans inside Hampden seemed to move the 35-year-old at the full-time whistle. After the trophy was presented he was the last man off the park as he waved to the celebrating supporters.

He took an extra few moments before joining his teammates in their celebrations in the dressing room. He was spotted with his hands by his sides looking around Hampden at the Celtic diehards cheering him on.

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