The match was played at Hampden Park, Glasgow on 15 March 2009, and was won by Celtic, who beat Old Firm rivals and Cup holders, Rangers, 2-0 after extra time.
[4] The previous season's losing finalists Dundee United were Celtic's opponents in the semi-final at Hampden, The match ended goalless after extra time and so was decided by a penalty shootout.
[7] Kris Boyd opened the scoring with a stunning volley, but the lead lasted only eight minutes, with Stephen McKeown equalising for Thistle.
After eight minutes, Madjid Bougherra flicked on Pedro Mendes' corner, allowing Novo to finish from close range at the back post.
Goalkeeper Dani Mallo was beaten again five minutes from half-time when Steven Davis passed to Novo, who shot low into the corner of the net.
Also missing through injury for Celtic were Lee Naylor, Shaun Maloney, Paddy McCourt, Koki Mizuno and Willo Flood who was ineligible, having played for Dundee United in the semi-final.
A big miss for Rangers was influential defender Madjid Bougherra with a calf injury so manager Walter Smith chose to partner Kirk Broadfoot at the back alongside David Weir.
Celtic's Glenn Loovens and Rangers' Pedro Mendes were lining up against each other, having also done so in the previous season's English FA Cup final.