This Scottish Cup semi-final was a memorable encounter between Aberdeen and Celtic, with history likely to remember the exciting match they delivered at Hampden on a chilly, yet sunlit spring afternoon. Ultimately, the defending champions narrowly advanced, triumphing over Aberdeen 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Celtic’s victory brought a sense of immense relief, prompting their manager Brendan Rodgers to emphasize the need for therapy over the usual recovery routines. While the primary goal in such matches is securing a spot in the final, Rodgers, a Northern Irishman, might have experienced less stress if his team had been able to secure the win within regular playing time.
Aberdeen proved to be no easy opponents, despite their struggles in the Premiership, where they have been relegated to the bottom six. They have saved their best performances for cup competitions and European matches.
Peter Leven, the interim manager, appeared exhausted after the match, but expressed feelings of pride. Jimmy Thelin, the incoming manager, was likely observing the game on Swedish television. This impressive performance might have left him questioning why the team has been performing poorly in the league.
Aberdeen, also known as the Dons, started strong, scoring the opening goal through Bojan Miovski and successfully containing Celtic for the first 20 minutes. However, a mistake by stand-in captain Angus MacDonald allowed Nicolas Kuhn to equalize. In the second half, Celtic substitute James Forrest scored during their best period of play, seemingly securing the victory, but Aberdeen substitute Ester Sokler equalized in the 90th minute.
The extra time was equally thrilling, with Matt O’Riley’s goal being answered by a header from MacDonald.The most dramatic moments occurred during the penalty shootout. After Ryan Duncan’s shot hit the post for Aberdeen, Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart missed his attempt, hitting the woodwork. However, Hart redeemed himself by saving Killian Phillips’ weak shot in sudden death, ultimately becoming the hero.
This outcome was a significant blow to Aberdeen, who had put forth a commendable effort throughout the match. Their current focus is on avoiding relegation, as they are leading Ross County by five points. Based on their performance in this match, they are expected to maintain their position.
Celtic can now relax and watch Sunday’s other semi-final between Rangers and Hearts before focusing on the final five league matches of the season. With a three-point lead over Rangers in the title race, they are in a favorable position, although this match highlighted their vulnerabilities as well.
It’s uncertain whether they can secure victories in all five remaining games.Aberdeen exposed Celtic’s weaknesses, particularly in defense. Despite Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales being named in the PFA Scotland team of the year earlier on Saturday, their performances did not live up to that recognition.
Bojan Miovski, also part of the team, outmaneuvered Carter-Vickers for the opening goal, while Scales struggled with Aberdeen’s second and third goals. Captain Callum McGregor still seems to be regaining full fitness after his injury, and in the attacking department, Yang Hjun-jun was ineffective, and Kyogo Furuhashi appeared subdued.
Celtic’s resilience is one of their strongest assets, demonstrated consistently under Rodgers.
Their comeback in the title race, when they were initially five points behind Rangers, is commendable. The team boasts numerous winners, including James Forrest, who contributed significantly after being brought on as a substitute at 1-1.
Forrest, a multiple medallist, is expected to play a crucial role in the remainder of the season.Celtic will be relieved to have avoided Miovski, who has scored three goals against them this season. The North Macedonian striker managed to get past Carter-Vickers and scored with a neat finish following a precise through-ball from Leighton Clarkson. Despite being in control, Aberdeen will regret the manner in which Celtic equalized in the 21st minute.
MacDonald lost possession cheaply outside the box to Furuhashi, and although Furuhashi’s shot was blocked by center-half Stefan Gartenmann, Kuhn was there to score the rebound.
Aberdeen came close to receiving a penalty right before halftime when VAR reviewed a handball by Scales. Although there was clear contact, it occurred just outside the box, allowing Celtic to escape and subsequently break through Aberdeen’s resolute defense around the hour mark. Two minutes into his appearance, Forrest found the back of the net, curling the ball past Kelle Roos after being allowed to cut in from the left too easily.
In the final ten minutes, Aberdeen pushed hard for an equalizer, creating two excellent opportunities. Both chances fell to Canadian substitute Junior Hoilett, who first shot into the side-netting and then had an effort blocked on the line by Carter-Vickers from close range. It seemed like their luck had run out, but right at the end of regulation time, Hoilett delivered a great cross, and fellow substitute Sokler managed to nod it past Scales for the equalizer.
The match proceeded to extra time, with Celtic taking the lead again just before the end of the first half. Alistair Johnston charged forward on a pass from Forrest, and his cutback found O’Riley unmarked in the box. O’Riley controlled the ball and then lofted it over Roos.
Adam Idah had a header disallowed for offside, denying Celtic some breathing room. There was a moment of panic in their own box when Aberdeen strongly protested for a penalty after Carter-Vickers collided with Hoilett, but the incident was not reviewed due to a foul in the build-up.
Sokler then missed a close-range opportunity as Aberdeen continued to chase another goal. However, they were not to be denied. In the 119th minute, Hoilett delivered another inviting cross, and MacDonald, who had moved up from the back, headed it past a motionless Hart, making amends for his earlier mistake.
The match ended in a draw, leading to a penalty shootout – the first in the Scottish Cup semifinals since Celtic faced Rangers in 2016. It proved to be worth the wait. Idah, Luis Palma, O’Riley, and Paulo Bernardo scored for Celtic, while Jamie McGrath, MacDonald, and Sokler converted for Aberdeen.
Duncan hit the post, likely distracted by his goalkeeper Roos suffering from cramps, delaying his attempt. Hart also struck the woodwork, missing a decisive blow. Hoilett took the shootout to sudden death, and Johnston and Jack Milne both scored, making it 5-5. Tomoki Iwata converted, but Phillips missed, with Hart saving his shot. As a result, a rematch at Hampden was necessary.
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