It was a familiar story in the Scottish League Cup final at the weekend. Celtic won, the Rangers lost and another trophy was added to the cabinet at Parkhead. It was a closer game than anybody could have expected. It ended 3-3 after 120-plus minutes of action with the Ibrox club coming back from behind on two occasions. But ultimately, they did not have enough in the tank to get past the finish line.
Jack Butland had a nightmare in the Scottish Cup final last season. And this Hampden Park outing from the English goalkeeper was not particularly better either.
Butland conceded three goals and then could not save any of the penalties. Now, he has explained why the Rangers players decided to stay back and watch Celtic lift the trophy.
As reported by the Daily Record, Butland said about the Rangers' decision to do so:
"I wanted to see it. Maybe it's trying to wish it into existence for us and just understand.
“I don't think it would have made it feel any better if I had walked in prior to that. But it's just something a few of us wanted to do, wanted to see it, wanted to feel that hurt. Yeah, try and put it away and make sure we win the next one."
Celtic fans will laugh at Jack Butland's comments
Well, it would be safe to say that Rangers players have had plenty of opportunities to witness Celtic lift trophies in recent years. And that has not resulted in them doing any better against the Hoops.
Of course, there are plenty of Rangers fans taking heart from the fact that their side took Celtic to the wire this time. But then, one could argue that they could not win against a team that was nowhere near its best.
This might have been the Rangers' best chance to get a win against Celtic and they failed to do so. Next time around, it might get a lot tougher for them.
There are lessons to be learnt for Celtic as well. They will know that they were not up to the mark at Hampden Park at the weekend. And while it is important to celebrate the success, there is a long season left to be played and a clear need to get better.