With Chris Sutton injured, Martin O'Neill opted to play Larsson up-front himself, with Stephen Pearson and Stan Petrov giving him attacking support. Surprisingly, Joos Valgaeren started the game, leaving John Kennedy on the bench.
The atmosphere was electric inside Celtic Park and as expected, Rangers came out to try and kick us off the park. Rangers challenges were flying in everywhere but referee Hugh Dallas seemed not to notice! Stephen Hughes should have been booked, before Alan Thompson and Commando Ricksen had a confrontation which resulted in a quiet word.
It was a hard fought first half, with little amount of chances. Stan Varga had a long range shot wide, and Gavin Rae fired well over the bar for Rangers.
Stephen Pearson, making his Old Firm debut, was terrorising the Rangers defence, and should have played the ball to Larsson after a mazy run had the huns in no-man's land. Pearson also scorned an opportunity towards half time, where perhaps he should have done better with his touch.
Henrik Larsson struck the outside of the post with a header and Alan Thompson snuffed a decent chance. The Rangers support seemed to be overjoyed at the 0-0 half time scoreline.
Celtic's goal came on 52 minutes, after Ronald de Boer gave away a foul at the edge of the Rangers area. Alan Thompson, who was having a terrible game, floated the free-kick into the area, where Bobo Balde headed across the face of goal. There was a scramble, where Stephen Pearson managed to get a shot in, as did Valgaeren, but it was Henrik Larsson who stuck the ball into the back of the net.
The delight on Larsson's face was there for all to see as he celebrated in front of the Celtic supporters, who were going wild.
Craig Beattie replaced Stephen Pearson just after the goal, and was immediatley kneed by Stefan Klos. The Rangers 'keeper was lucky to stay on the park.
After his return to the park, Beattie had a chance to make a real name for himself. Through on goal, his shot was well saved by Klos, to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
Henrik Larsson chipped Klos to put the ball into the net, but amazingly, Hugh Dallas had blown for a foul on Craig Moore.
Rangers had to throw everything at Celtic now, and along with their fans embarrasing themselves as usual, they didn't have much to offer.
Gavin Rae could have took the game to a replay with a couple of minutes remaining, but he put a great chance wide.
The final whistle went and it is Celtic who progress into the Scottish Cup semi-finals! It was a hard game, but Celtic deserved to win the tie. Celtic looked tired and Agathe and Thompson weren't exactly at the top of their game. Rangers hit us with everything but it wasn't enough. They are simply second best, it is a sign of things to come.
The fans exited the stadium to the tune of 'Viva Espana' and it was party time in Paradise once again!
Celtic:
Douglas - 7
Balde - 8
Varga- 7
McNamara - 9
Valgaeren - 8 (Kennedy - 6)
Lennon - 9
Agathe - 6
Petrov - 8
Pearson - 8 (Beattie - 8)
Thompson - 6
Larsson - 9
Celtic-Mad Man of the Match: Jackie McNamara
Celtic-Mad Moment to Remember: 'Viva Espana' being played over the tannoy at the end of the game! The huns must have been sick at the realisation they will win nothing this year!
Celtic-Mad Moment to Forget: The Rangers supporters' WONDERFUL Tifo display, which we have been hearing so much about recently. It went down about as well as Arteta's performance today!