Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton praised Viljami Sinisalo while also raising concerns about Celtic’s attack after the Hoops knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup on penalties at Ibrox.
The tie finished goalless after 120 minutes before Tomas Cvancara stepped forward to score the winning penalty. The strike sent Celtic into the semi-finals and sparked loud celebrations in the Broomloan Stand, where thousands of travelling supporters had gathered.
It was not a match built on attacking football from Celtic. Rangers carried much of the pressure throughout the game and repeatedly pushed men forward, forcing Celtic to defend deep for long stretches.
Crosses kept arriving into the six-yard box and several shots were blocked inside the penalty area. Auston Trusty threw himself into tackles while Liam Scales dealt with deliveries from wide areas. Behind them, Sinisalo produced a composed performance that kept the score level.
Sutton reflected on the match shortly after the final whistle and his comments centred on the contrast between Celtic’s defensive work and their lack of attacking threat.
On the game…Sinisalo has in a short space of time cemented the number 1 jersey. Fair play to him👏Celtic defended their box superbly but are a shambles in terms of the creativity in the final third. I suppose it doesn’t matter today but to win the league things have to change🍀
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) March 8, 2026
Sinisalo’s display stood out across the afternoon. Rangers tried to stretch Celtic with early balls into the box and cutbacks from wide positions, yet the goalkeeper stayed calm and handled the pressure well. One moment early in the second half saw him rush out to stop Chermiti after a defensive slip.
Further forward, Celtic struggled to create clear openings. Daizen Maeda did head the ball into the net during the first half, but the goal was ruled out after VAR judged Scales to be offside in the build-up.
The game eventually reached penalties. Celtic’s players stepped forward with confidence and finished their kicks cleanly. Rangers missed their chance, and Cvancara’s final strike ended the contest.
Sutton praised the resilience that carried Celtic through the tie. His warning about creativity, though, points toward the next challenge waiting in the league run-in.
Did fine today at tha death star playin in auld co sevco/Inverness swally style.
Most of tha Hoopz playerz operated oawn won’t be back until tha finals played in late May.
Everywan else needz tae dae a double shift.
Been runnin oawn fumez since January. Noo signinz ur startin tae play ok?
Celtic need unstoppable, dangerous goalscorez, in tha front line noo.
Noo in a month!¡!!!!!!