It’s just over three years since Celtic and Rangers last met in the League Cup final at Hampden and they’ll do battle in Glasgow’s south side again for the same trophy this weekend.
It’s now called the Viaplay Cup, but it remains the first piece of silverware available to win during the campaign. It might be seen as the least important of the three up for grabs, but it’s importance shouldn’t be underplayed on Sunday. Ange Postecoglou kicked off his Celtic success by winning against Hibs last year, while Michael Beale has the opportunity to claim his first honour, not just as Ibrox boss, but his first as a manager in his own right after helping Steven Gerrard to the Premiership title in 2021. Beale was on the Light Blues’ bench in 2019 when they somehow managed not to win the Old Firm showdown. Rangers dominated their rivals but couldn’t find the net, even against ten men.
A mad four minutes saw Christopher Jullien put the Hoops in front on the hour mark with a controversial winner - the Frenchman was later shown to be in an offside position - before Jeremie Frimpong saw red after conceding a spot kick three minutes later. Alfredo Morelos stepped up, but saw his spot-kick saved by Fraser Forster, who was inspired on the afternoon as Neil Lennon's men held on to claim the bragging rights and the silverware. It was a sore one for the blue half of the city, who were left wondering what might and perhaps should have been.
