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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Celtic fans aim title dig at Rangers following Scottish Cup victory

Celtic fans could not resist a cheeky pop at their rivals Rangers as they were victorious in the Scottish Cup semi-final yesterday.

A single goal from Jota was enough to win it for Ange Postecoglou's side who are now on course for a record-breaking treble.

The Hoops will come within one of matching Rangers' all-time trophy haul if they complete a treble this season, and fans alluded to trophy numbers at full-time.

A banner read: "10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and more. 114 trophies and soon to be more."

Celtic's League Cup win earlier this season took their total trophies haul to 114 in their 135-year-history...three behind Rangers' 117.

The Parkhead outfit have also won 52 league titles, 40 Scottish Cups and famously, a European Cup in 1967.

They are now only narrowly behind Rangers and the gap will be reduced to just one if Ange Postecoglou's side completes a treble this season.

Rangers have won 55 top-flight titles, 34 Scottish Cups, 27 League Cup and the 1972 European Cup-Winners Cup in their 151 years of history.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou pointed to his side’s improved big-game mentality as a key factor in them going at least one stage further than last season.

The Premiership leaders set up the chance to win a treble when they beat Rangers 1-0 at Hampden on Sunday to secure a Scottish Cup final date against Inverness.

Celtic have now gone six derby games unbeaten since losing 2-1 after extra-time against Rangers in last year’s Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Postecoglou said: “Twelve months ago, when we lost here, it was another tight game, but I thought last year Rangers were a very good team and they had that resilience in them. That’s why they got to a European final.

“They did what they needed to do to get the job done on the day.

“That’s been our evolution as a team this year. It’s not easy to develop that because you need time and you need to be put in that situation as often as possible. But this group has really learned quickly that when you get to these big games, the games of consequence, you have to do what’s required.

“That’s what we did and I think we have been doing it all year.

“It’s where the team is at in terms of their progression. They understand that in the big games you need to show every facet of your game and that’s what we did.”

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