Aberdeen 3-3 Celtic (5-6 penalties): Three things we learned
By Ethan Barlow
It was a semi-final for the ages at Hampden (Image: Getty Images)
Celtic beat Aberdeen on penalties after an enthralling 120 minutes of football at Hampden. The record-winners will return to the national stadium next month (May 26) to defend their Scottish Cup trophy against Rangers or Heart of Midlothian.
Here are the key takeaways from an outing to remember in the Mount Florida sunshine:
The holders into the final by the skin of their teeth
Eventually, the holders got the job done (Image: Getty Images)
Celtic made things difficult for themselves, but credit must go to Aberdeen after pegging the hoops back late in normal time, and extra time.
Aberdeen’s bottom half league finish and their form this season didn't give the travelling support much optimism facing the side that trumped them in 2017’s final. Despite being massive favourites Celtic were shellshocked when PFA Scotland team of the season striker Bojan Miovski opened the scoring, after just two minutes. A brilliant pass from Leighton Clarkson cut open the Celts’ defence and the North Macedonian pounced for his 23rd goal of the season (third against Celtic).
Celtic steadied themselves after the goal and played their way back into the game. After 20 minutes, Aberdeen captain, Angus MacDonald was caught in possession by Kyogo and despite his shot being blocked, it fell perfectly for Nicolas Kuhn to finish into an empty net.
It was an even first half and when Don Robertson blew the half-time whistle, the teams went in at the break level. When Celtic came out for the second half, they were much better in their play, and it looked inevitable they might find a second goal.
On the hour mark, Brendan Rodgers made a double change. Hyun-Jun Yang and the injury-returning Callum McGregor made way for James Forrest and Tomoki Iwata. Just one minute after coming on, Forrest had Celtic ahead. Forrest’s performance will have him strongly in contention for a start at Dens Park next Sunday. The winger now has 106 goals for Celtic and if he helps Celtic to a league and cup double, he can become the second most decorated Celt of all time, overtaking Billy McNeill and moving one trophy behind Bobby Lennox.
Celtic were dominant after going ahead, but there was always a chance of an Aberdeen equaliser with one goal in the game. Just as it looked like Celtic may close out the game, Aberdeen were level. After some positive substitutes from caretaker manager Peter Leven, Aberdeen offered a better contest and found their deserved equaliser. Two substitutes combined as Junior Hoilett’s brilliant cross picked out Ester Sokler, as the Slovenian headed home in the final minute of regulation time.
In extra time, Celtic had multiple chances before Matt O’Riley put Celtic ahead. Great wide play from Forrest and Alistair Johnston set up the player of the season contender for a goal which looked to put Celtic in the final.
This time, in the 119th minute, it was the captain who made amends for the Dons when he cancelled out his early mistake with a header which imitated the Reds’ second goal. Hoilett was instrumental again with another excellent cross to set up the goal which sent both teams to a shootout.
Celtic keep their cool in the shootout
It was heartbreak for Peter Leven’s defiant Dons (Image: Getty Images)
Substitute Adam Idah was up first and sent Kelle Roos the wrong way, setting the tone for the Hoops. The man who missed two penalties in one league match stepped up next, but Luis Palma proved to be the coolest man in the stadium. O’Riley sent Roos the wrong way to put pressure on the Dons. Paulo Bernardo’s penalty just evaded the keeper's gloves to put Celtic 4-3 up.
Aberdeen had scored all three of their penalties up until their goalkeeper went down with cramp, causing a stoppage and long wait for the youngster Ryan Duncan. When Duncan eventually stepped up, his effort bounced off the post giving Celtic the chance to win with their last kick.
Hampden was left surprised when it was Joe Hart who stepped up to the penalty spot. The Celtic keeper saw his effort crash off the opposite post and Hoilett ensured the agony of the shootout would go on.
Johnston and Iwata scored their kicks either side of Jack Milne’s effort, but Hart saved Killian Phillips’ shot. Releasing relief amongst Celtic supporters, players and more importantly Hart.
Rodgers’ run continues
Rodgers is right at home at Hampden (Image: Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers has now extended his remarkable Scottish Cup record to 16 wins from 16. Across matches in this competition, his Celtic teams have scored 62 goals.
The former Liverpool man has also won all 10 of his Hampden matches and will fancy his chances of extending that record in the season's final game.