Celtic remain on course for a domestic Treble after overcoming Rangers 1-0 to reach the Scottish Cup final.
There wasn't much to separate the teams throughout but Celtic showed resilience to get the vital goal just before half-time and hold out for victory. That moment came as Rangers went to sleep and Daizen Maeda pounced on uncertainty in the Rangers defence to provide Jota with a simple finish to open the scoring.
The Hoops went into the break in the ascendancy and despite not really clicking into top gear, Ange Postecoglou's men showed a different aspect to their game as they battled hard and displayed resilience. Especially as James Tavernier struck the post while Fashion Sakala spurred a gilt-edged chance. The win now puts Celtic ever closer to claiming all three domestic trophies this season having already clinched the Viaplay Cup and requiring three points against Hearts next weekend to lift the Scottish Premiership title.
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Joe Hart - 7
A commanding performance between the sticks for the Hoops No1 Although at times his defenders didn't appear too pleased with the persistence to play it out from the back, with Rangers pressing high in the second half. He also got down low to prevent Scott Arfield equalising around the the hour mark which was one of the rare occasions he was tested.
Alistair Johnston - 7
Had a great chance down right-hand side around 25 minute mark. Constantly showed aggression and speed to get forward while remaining defensively astute. Took a nasty knock on the 50 minute mark which required an enforced alteration. Sad to see him sit out the match in crutches. Although it didn't stop him taking part in the celebrations following the full-time whistle.
Cameron Carter-Vickers - 8
Put his body on the line with a brave piece of defending to deny Fashion Sakala from close range at the start of the second half. Showed the warrior side to his game and really was impressive throughout. Given Viaplay man of the match and rightfully so.
Carl Starfelt - 7
Rock solid at the heart of the Hoops backline. Frustrated Alfredo Morelos throughout which is exactly what he would've wanted. Has a great understanding with his fellow defenders and even didn't mind marauding forward on occasion to try feed the perfect pass into midfield.
Greg Taylor - 7
Dug in and produced a very composed performance. Didn't get the opportunity to test himself further up the pitch as he has in recent weeks.
Matt O'Riley - 7
Quietly effective in the middle of the park. Showed bravery with his passing range and tried to take some responsibility alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.
Callum McGregor - 7
Struggled to really get a foothold of the game in the first half with Rangers asserting themselves in midfield. It wasn't the most influential showing from the Celtic captain however he done the simple stuff well and ensured that they didn't get overrun.
Reo Hatate - 7
Didn't look out of place despite returning from a short injury lay-off. Had an authority in his play and kept things ticking until replaced on 66 minutes.
Daizen Maeda - 8
An absolute workhorse within the Celtic side. Was constantly tracking back to retrieve the ball and pounced to play the vital cross for Jota's opener. Shown yellow for a barge on Todd Cantwell but never gave up for the entire duration of the clash and proved why his manager puts so much trust in him.
Kyogo Furuhashi - 7
Had large spells without seeing the ball but was always alert to carve out any opportunities and take advantage of any uncertainty in the Rangers backline. Rarely gave Connor Goldson or Ben Davies any time or space to travel out from the back.
Jota - 8
Got the crucial opening goal shortly before the break - his third of the season against Rangers. He swept in behind James Tavernier to nod the ball goal bound. Proved to be decisive.
Subs
Anthony Ralston - 6
Replaced Alistair Johnston early into the second half and the 24-year-old really embraced the game time after failing to rack up many minutes this campaign. He interchanged well with fellow sub Sead Haksabanovic down the right-hand side.
Aaron Mooy - 6
Made a vital interception to get Celtic on the counter-attack and looked to bring that energy to the side from the bench.
Tomoki Iwata - 5
Kept the Rangers midfield quiet and helped created space for his teammates.
Sead Haksabanovic - 5
A lot more effective than in his recent cameos. Looked to get involved at every attack.
Hyun-Gyu Oh - 5
A livewire off the Celtic bench. Made Allan McGregor miscue a clearance late on as Rangers chased an equaliser.
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