Scotland

As for the winners, they need no introduction – Glasgow Rangers. Same old, same old… for it was more than winning the title – Rangers won everything this season, repeating 1975-76. They won the Scottish Cup, beating Aberdeen 2-1 at the final. Earlier, in March, they won the League Cup, prevailing over Celtic in overtime 2-1. The victory was sweet largely because it left Celtic empty-handed, finalizing one of their weakest seasons. Perhaps the most interesting note about this clash was Celtic’s goalscorer – the centre-defender Johannes Edwaldson. An Islandic import, who joined Celtic in 1975 – at times when Islandic players were entirely unknown. On top of everything Edvaldson was the son of Baltic Nazi refugee, fleeing there at the end of Second World War and changing his name. Most certainly Edvaldson was not a Roman Catholic, which makes his recruit strange – Celtic were a bit more lenient than Rangers, but still religion was very strong force in the 1970s. As for Rangers – only good Protestants played with blue shirts and no chance for anybody else. For many – the very reason they kept winning.

Wonderful season, collecting all trophies, but nothing overwhelming – Rangers prevailed, but did not dominate. May be because it was familiar squad for quite some time. Good players, some club legends, but not exceptional. Outside Scotland the boys were not so impressive. Some of them were getting old. It was experienced team, but already past its prime and running on inertia. To a point, this was their last great year – yes, they were going to win a few more trophies, to stay at the top of Scottish football, but… this was their last championship title. The club had to wait almost ten years for the next one. However, it was perfect ending.