Viaplay Cup Final
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Hampden Park

CELTIC… 2
(Kyogo 43 & 56)

RANGERS… 1
(Morelos 64)

Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side retained the League Cup with a hard-fought but well-deserved 2-1 victory over Rangers.

And just like last season’s triumph, Kyogo was once again the Hampden hero as he scored both of Celtic’s goals.

It was the cup holders who dominated the early exchanges, with Jota threatening down the right flank, although there were no chances to show for the possession.

Indeed, it was Rangers who produced the first shot of the game but John Lundstram’s effort was blocked before it could trouble Joe Hart.

Five minutes later, a great passage of football from Celtic saw Aaron Mooy pick out Jota, but his cross was gathered by the keeper.

On 21 minutes, Kyogo latched on to a through ball over the top of the Rangers defence but he stumbled as the keeper came out to block him and then Jota’s low shot from the edge of the area was parried away.

Just after the half-hour mark, Cameron Carter-Vickers came to Celtic’s rescue, sliding it at the near post to steer a James Tavernier cross out for a corner.

With eight minutes of the first-half remaining, Kyogo came close with an effort from the edge of the area after Jota had did well to cut in from the right and skip past a couple of challenges.

And on 42 minutes, he came even closer when he headed just over from an Alistair Johnston cross, but the Japanese striker was not to be denied, and just 60 seconds later he put the Hoops ahead.

A slick passage of passing saw the ball slotted into the path of Greg Taylor whose low cross evaded Daizen Maeda but was slotted home by Kyogo from six yards out for his 23rd goal of the season, giving Celtic a 1-0 half-time lead.

Kyogo is Celtic's Hampden goal hero again as Hoops win League Cup final