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Bobo Balde was fit for today's game and slotted in to the centre of the defence alongside Mjallby and Crainie. Guppy took Thompson's place in midfield with Hartson and Larsson returning to their striking roles. A good strong run from Petrov right at the start of the game troubled Rangers. Larsson received the ball 20yds out and struck a right foot shot that went just over. In the third minute Konterman had a go from 25 yards but blasted it well over.
The game was fairly even in terms of possession but the Rangers defence seemed to be struggling a bit in the windy conditions. In the 13th minute, Celtic had a perfectly good goal chalked off for offside. A Larsson snap shot from inside the box had come off a defender. Hartson moved forward to touch it home. He was clearly well on-side when the ball was kicked. In the 17th minute Hartson got his head to a corner but put it well wide. Thoughts went back to the CIS cup semi-final when we missed early chances and ended on the losing side. Celtic took the lead in the 22nd minute. Petrov started a run as Larsson received a long ball. Larsson turned and with Amoruso in pursuit laid the ball in Petrov's path. Vidmar was left standing as Stan struck the ball through the legs of the advancing Klos and Rangers could do nothing as it trundled into the net. The Celtic fans were fired up and began to chant, "We've won the league again. Fly the flag." Ferguson was the first to go in the referee's book with a high tackle on Petrov. Shortly after Larsson tried a back-heel flick from a corner which went just over. The Celtic back three were playing well and when Flo looked to make room for a shot he was crowded out. Balde was alert to cut out a dangerous cross. As the half ended Rangers had a period of possession but posed no real threat. Rangers brought on Arveladze for Caniggia for the second half.
Lovenkrands threatened at the start of the half turning inside to shoot over.
Rangers hadn't been making any clear chances but on 58 minutes, Numan picked up the ball on the left and struck a superb left foot effort across Douglas and in at the far post. The crowd who had been virtually silent started to get behind the home team.
There was real danger from McCann when he managed to get in an angled shot from inside the box on the left but Douglas was alert and got down and smothered it. Celtic were under pressure and were prepared to keep 9 men behind the ball with only Larsson and Hartson in advanced positions. However a Larsson break down the right gave him the option of Hartson in the middle but the pass went past Hartson and the defender. Hartson had another great chance after Mjallby had powered forward. Hartson picked up the ball on the right with only the keeper to beat but Klos rushed out and the ball hit his legs and was cleared. Ferguson tested Douglas twice once with the right foot and once with the left but on both occasions the big keeper dived to push the ball for a corner.
In 85 minutes after a cross from the right the ball fell to Agathe in front of goal. He ignored the opportunity to hit it first time with his left and when he dragged it right to shoot their were bodies in the way and the ball deflected for a corner. Douglas still had some work to do, catching a dangerous Lovenkrands cross then saving at the second attempt at the feet of Arveladze. A great result for Celtic with a particularly good display from back three, with young Crainie not looking out of place. Balde was there when he was needed and he did not make any rash challenges - in fact I don't think he conceded a foul.
Larsson was very sharp up front with Petrov, Lambert and Lennon getting top marks too. Guppy produced a creditable performance until he was substituted by McNamara as Celts tightened up towards the end.
My man of the match is Robert Douglas. He handled the ball well from crosses, he made a number of fine saves and the shot that beat him was unstoppable. Teams to follow
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