Rangers comeback ends Ange's treble dream
Celtic's Carl Starfelt put through his own net deep into extra-time as Rangers came from behind to beat Old Firm rival 2-1 in a frantic Scottish Cup semi-final.
Ange Postecoglou's team looked set for a third successive Old Firm derby win when Greg Taylor fired home an opener shortly after the hour, but a stunning Rangers turnaround denied Celtic that feat, and means the Glasgow giants have won two derbies apiece in all competitions this season.
Taylor fired a low finish beyond Jon McLaughlin to hand Celtic the lead, before substitute Scott Arfield bent home a brilliant leveller to force extra-time.
With a penalty shootout on the horizon, Starfelt deflected Calvin Bassey's left-wing cross past Joe Hart to send Rangers to a 53rd Scottish Cup final, where Hearts lie in wait after overcoming Hibernian on Saturday.
A boisterous atmosphere gave way to a frantic opening at Hampden Park, with Ryan Kent firing over under pressure and Jota heading on to the roof of the net at the other end.
John Lundstram curled against the post as Rangers enjoyed the better of the first half, but the threat faded somewhat after Aaron Ramsey was injured shortly before the break.
Postecoglou's side improved after half-time and took the lead after 63 minutes, Taylor spinning on Callum McGregor's inventive shot free-kick before firing into the bottom-right corner.
The Hoops went close to a quick-fire second five minutes later when Cameron Carter-Vickers crashed a left-footed shot against the crossbar from a corner.
They were made to pay for that missed opportunity after 78 minutes with Arfield latching onto Kemar Roofe's heavy touch to curl home just four minutes after coming on.
Celtic somehow survived Rangers twice hitting the woodwork in the 110th minute, James Tavernier smashing off the near post and Fashion Sakala diverting the rebound on to 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, ending Celtic's treble hopes and booking Rangers' cup final spot.
Rangers has not lifted either of Scotland's two domestic cups since winning the Scottish League Cup in 2011, and Celtic has won the Scottish Cup on six occasions since the Ibrox outfit last did so in 2009.
Rangers' extra-time win means it will appear in May's showpiece event for the 53rd time, where it will look to lift a first domestic cup in more than a decade.
Meanwhile, Celtic went into this game looking to keep hopes of a fifth domestic treble in six seasons alive, after winning the Scottish League Cup in December and establishing a six-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men will be delighted with ending the Hoops' dreams of another domestic clean sweep, and could yet win two trophies themselves as they remain in the hunt for the UEFA Europa League.Celtic continues its bid to regain the Scottish title at Ross County next Monday (AEST), with Rangers travelling to Motherwell on the same day, looking to capitalise on any slip-up from the leader.
