Celtic took the next step in their quest to win the treble this afternoon, defeating Rangers in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash at Hampden Park.
It was a hardly fought contest between the pair, although Ange Postecolgou's side deserved the victory. They created the better of the scoring opportunities, although they did have a helping hand from the opposition with the game's only goal.
Rangers completely fell asleep during the passage of play, allowing Daizen Maeda to pounce on the loose ball and provide the cross for Jota to steer home the header.
"IT'S JOTA!" 🍀@CelticFC catch Rangers sleeping and they strike first in the #ScottishCup semi-final 👀#TheRaceTo8 pic.twitter.com/qLBp5YBAQ5
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 30, 2023
This would prove to be the only goal of the game.
Rangers did push for an equaliser in the second half, although Celtic defended well. In the end, they managed to advance to their first final in this competition since 2020.
Chris Sutton hammers Alfredo Morelos after Rangers loss to Celtic
This will certainly be a disappointing afternoon for Rangers, who have lost out on their final opportunity to win silverware this season. A number of their biggest names failed to show up on the day, most notably Alfredo Morelos.
The Colombian was anonymous for most of the game, making very little impact in attack. When he was substituted in the final ten minutes, both Chris Sutton and Ally McCoist said they were surprised that he wasn't taken off earlier while on commentary duties for Viaplay.
Ianis Hagi comes on for Alfredo Morelos as Rangers search for an equaliser 🔄🔵
"You need your big players to turn up. Morelos has certainly not turned up today. That's for sure." 🗣️#TheRaceTo8 | #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/d4uWoOGmcq— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 30, 2023
Sutton: I'm surprised it's taken that long.
McCoist: Yeah I'm surprised it's taken that long. Very disappointing. You need your big players to turn up. Morelos has certainly not turned up today, that's for sure.
Chris Sutton doubled down on his stance after the game.
He labelled Morelos' conduct over the last year as a 'disgrace' and said that Rangers will be better off if he leaves as expected at the end of the season.
"They're carrying players like Morelos who has been a disgrace for a season now." 👀@chris_sutton73 gives his reaction to the Scottish Cup Semi-Final win for Celtic 🗣️#TheRaceTo8 | #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/nu3HCzesTB
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) April 30, 2023
I enjoyed it. I thought Celtic had to really work for it. I have to say, in the first half I thought Rangers really stifled Celtic and stopped them from getting into a flow.
It was catastrophic defending just before halftime, a brilliant ball from Maeda and Jota scores. In the second half Rangers gave it a go.
I think the difference is that Rangers really lack a cutting edge. They are carrying players like Morelos, who has been a disgrace for a season now. They are better off without him, the sooner he gets out of the club the better.
Ryan Kent wasn't effective, whether that was an injury he came off with or whatever.
At this moment in time, you look at Celtic's forward players and their midfield, they are stronger in every department.
At the back they were very resilient, I thought they defended brilliantly. They weren't at their very best, but they did enough to win the game.
Alfredo Morelos' contract is set to expire at the end of the season and it has been anticipated that he will leave the club on a free contract this summer.
Judging by his performance in recent months, that could be the best solution for all involved.
SEE ALSO: Graeme Souness Clashes With Redknapp & Keane Over Harry Kane Criticism
