The historic rivalry of the Old Firm took center stage at Hampden Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as Celtic FC Women edged past Rangers in a tense, nerve-shredding 1–0 victory to hoist the Scottish Women's Football (SWF) Scottish Cup.
In a match defined by tactical grit, fierce tackles, and immense defensive resilience from both sides, it took a dramatic moment in the dying embers of the game to separate the Glasgow giants. If you missed the action, here is the full breakdown of the highlights from an unforgettable afternoon in Mount Florida.
Match Highlights: Agony and Ecstasy at Hampden
For over 80 minutes, the final was a masterclass in defensive organization. Rangers' high press frequently disrupted Celtic's build-up play, while Celtic's backline held firm against a barrage of set-pieces.
The Goalkeeping Heroics: Both keepers were in inspired form. Celtic's No. 1 pulled off a spectacular fingertip save to deny a roaring Rangers volley in the 34th minute, keeping the scoreline deadlocked heading into the interval.
The Breakthrough (87'): Just as the crowd of over 15,000 braced themselves for the exhaustion of extra time, the definitive moment arrived. Celtic executed a quick short-corner routine, and a pinpoint cross found Chloe Craig soaring above the defense. Her powerful header took a slight deflection, completely wrong-footing the goalkeeper and hitting the back of the net to spark absolute pandemonium in the green-and-white end.Key Match Statistics
| Category | Rangers | Celtic |
| Score | 0 | 1 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Total Shots | 9 | 11 |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 4 |
| Match-Winner | — | Chloe Craig (87') |
Tactical Review: Sadiku’s Game-Changing Adjustments
The tactical chess match between Celtic boss Elena Sadiku and the Rangers dugout was a fascinating watch. Realizing that her midfield was being overrun in the first half, Sadiku made two crucial substitutions at the hour mark, introducing fresh legs to reclaim possession and exploit the wide areas.
The tactical shift allowed Celtic to peg Rangers back in their own defensive third for the final 15 minutes, ultimately creating the pressure cook environment that led to the match-winning corner.
Glasgow is Green and White
Cup finals between these two bitter rivals are rarely beautiful spectacles; they are battles of attrition. While Rangers fought valiantly and arguably had the better chances in the first half, Celtic displayed the elite clinical edge and patience required of true champions. Lifting the Scottish Cup at Hampden puts a magnificent exclamation point on their 2025/26 campaign.
