Rangers' chance of lifting silverware this season and winning a first trophy under Michael Beale is over.
A key moment at the end of the first half at Hampden proved to be the difference as Daizen Maeda and Jota punished a lack of concentration in the Light Blues defence to create the match winning moment at the national stadium. It also means Celtic are on the verge of a Treble with Inverness standing between them and the Scottish Cup. The League Cup is already in the trophy cabinet at Parkhead while one hand is on the Premiership crown with a potential title party as early as next week at Tynecastle.
It's back to the drawing board for Beale and his troops with a big summer of change set to happen. Between now and the end of the season big calls need to be made on a number of out of contract players including Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield while a number of new faces have already been linked with summer moves to Ibrox. Here's three things we learned from the Scottish Cup semi-final showdown at Hampden.
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Time will Till
Malik Tillman was forced off during the first-half at Hampden in a major blow to Rangers.
The USA international had started brightly and was working really hard off the ball and putting Celtic under pressure.
But he overstretched in a tackle on Greg Taylor on 35 minutes and it brought an end to his afternoon.
Viaplay Sport coverage hinted that it may be a hamstring issue.
It is unknown at this stage if it will end his season with just five games to play.
Play to the whistle
Rangers really shot themselves in the foot right before half-time.
Three or four players completely switched off in the build-up to the opener.
They seemed to be waiting on a whistle after a coming together between Nicolas Raskin and Jota instead of clearing the danger.
Daizen Maeda capitalised on the hesitation and delivered a stunning cross that Jota headed home beyond Allan McGregor.
Big summer of change
Michael Beale faces a huge summer as Rangers bid to turn the tide in Scotland.
Celtic are now on course for a domestic Treble with Inverness standing in their way in the Scottish Cup in June.
Ange Postecoglou bagged a double last year and a domestic clean sweep would give him five out of six in the trophy wins.
Many players are heading for the Ibrox exit door with plenty activity to come in the way.
A change is on the horizon, and for Beale he will need it to hit the ground instantly.
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