The working theory among some was Rangers would give everything but ultimately lack the energy to get past Celtic.
That proved to be a fallacy as they roared into the Scottish Cup Final.
It was the league leaders who wilted on a warm Hampden afternoon, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst 's side outlasted them to secure a 2-1 win in extra time.
This was the second time in three days Rangers won beyond the 90 minutes after they defeated Braga to secure a semi final berth in the Europa League.
It proved a pulsating contest between Celtic and Rangers that wasn't short of high-profile incidents.
The world was watching once again as the manic action in Mount Florida was being reported on across the globe.
Record Sport looks at the best verdicts from a day to remember at the national stadium.
Goal (Italy)
There was plenty of praise that deserved to be dished out and the Italian media reckon van Bronckhorst's ability to recalibrate after succeeding Steven Gerrard deserves major kudos.
"The Gers the story is different, in Scotland they managed to keep up with Celtic despite the change on the bench during the current season. Steven Gerrard's farewell could have stopped them, but it didn't.
"Giovanni van Bronckhorst, in a very intelligent way, has been able to collect the legacy of the Englishman, leading his team to the Europa League semi-final after eliminating Borussia Dortmund, Red Star and Braga. A dream that continues, even despite Morelos' injury.
"The Rangers eliminate Celtic by accessing the Scottish Cup Final where the Hearts are waiting for them: the Hoops remain the championship favourites, for Van Bronckhorst's boys a cycle of decisive matches opens that can mark, in eternal terms, the season."
Interia (Poland)
Bobby Madden ain't finding much love for his display on these shores but Polish media have made a case for the defence for the man in the middle.
They reckon the whistle was up against it as they were surprised by the ferocity of the tackles on display.
"Who would have thought that the players would play so aggressively from the first whistle of the referee?
"The referee had a lot of work, the players focused on hunting the opponents' legs and probably that is why the fans did not see any goals."
Nettavisen (Norway)
Norwegian media prove there is always a local line as they remarked on the thrilling conclusion at the national stadium.
"Kristoffer Ajer's replacement in Celtic, Carl Starfelt, was unlucky when he slipped in the arch-rival's winning goal in his own cage 10 minutes into the second extra inning.
"The TV replay indicated Calvin Bassey was offside before he struck against Fashion Sakala, who was in a duel with Starfelt, but the goal was approved.
"The decision came after a period in which Rangers had pushed and created great chances. At the same time, Celtic also had their opportunities in a typical intense Glasgow derby that fluctuated a lot back and forth.
"Rangers get a hefty seasonal boost. The team is in the semi-finals of the Europa League and is chasing six points behind Celtic in the series with five games left."
Marca (Spain)
Tired? More like wired for Rangers as Span's leading sports publication praised the non-stop running from the Ibrox side.
"It has been a fantastic week for Rangers, with their progression into a Europa League semi-final confirmed then being followed up by a Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Celtic.
"Fatigue was not in the mind of a single Rangers player as they took on the Scottish champions-elect on Sunday afternoon, continuing the excellent run of form the team has been on since van Bronckhorst took over from Steven Gerrard.
"Celtic had already recorded two victories over Rangers this season, so it was a case of the Blues having to break a curse that has developed."
VI (Netherlands)
More praise for van Bronckhorst, as a report in his homeland noted the magnitude of securing a place in the last four of the Europa League before sinking Celtic.
"On Thursday there was still the wear and tear in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. In a swirling Ibrox Stadium, Rangers settled with Braga in extra time.
"Three days later, another clash with Celtic in the cup tournament awaited. For van Bronckhorst it was his third Old Firm as manager: he had lost the first two and Rangers also fell behind on Sunday."
Peoples Gazette (Nigeria)
A leading publication in Nigeria was keeping close tabs on the action with a trio of Super Eagles in Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun in action for Rangers.
"A boisterous atmosphere gave way to a frantic opening at Hampden Park.
"Celtic somehow survived Rangers twice hitting the woodwork in the 110th minute.
"James Tavernier smashed off the near post and Fashion Sakala diverted the rebound onto the top of the bar.
"But Rangers found time for a winner as Bassey’s left-wing cutback was diverted into his own net by Starfelt under pressure from Sakala.
"It ended Celtic’s Treble hopes and booked Rangers’ Cup final spot."
Sportbuzzer (Germany)
Rangers' successes both home and abroad are on the radar of many but there's a particularly keen eye on their form in Germany.
RB Leipzig lie in wait with the first leg of the semi final 10 days away.
"Glasgow Rangers continue to be in top form. In the Old Firm duel against city rivals Celtic Glasgow, the upcoming Europa League opponents RB Leipzig won 2-1 on Sunday and made it into the final of the Scottish Cup competition."
AS Diario (Spain)
The passion and joy that was on display at full time was noted by the leading Spanish outlet.
"Rangers, qualified for the Europa League semi-final by beating Portuguese side Braga, closed their fantastic week with another moment of joy, reaching the Scottish Cup final at the expense of their eternal rival, Celtic, who they beat in the extension (1-2).
"The team led by the Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst took revenge for the last Glasgow derbies and will be the one to fight for the title against Hearts, who also beat Hibernian 2-1, but at home, last cup runner-up year by falling in the final against St Johnstone."
