Celtic went into yesterday’s Scottish Cup final as overwhelming favorites to claim a world-record ninth domestic treble. Having thrashed opponents Aberdeen with a heavily rotated squad in their final league meeting at Pittodrie, many expected Brendan Rodgers’ side to run up a large score in the season finale at Hampden Park.
But the 55-time Scottish champions were slow, pedestrian, and seemingly disinterested, playing as if they believed the game was already won. Aberdeen took full advantage.
Jimmy Thelin’s side did not play nice. They were stubborn, compact, and difficult to break down. The Dons held Celtic to a 1–1 draw through extra time and claimed their eighth-ever Scottish Cup by winning 4–3 on penalties, with Bulgarian goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov immortalising himself as a club legend. He saved spot-kicks from Canadian defender Alistair Johnston and Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
Celtic Strike First, But Can’t Build
Despite their lethargic performance, the favourites started on top and were rewarded just before half-time. A corner found the head of American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who didn’t make a clean connection but managed to divert the ball off Aberdeen’s on-loan Spurs centre-back Alfie Dorrington. Despite Mitov’s desperate dive, the ball squeezed into the corner to give Celtic the lead.
Many supporters, on both sides, thought that goal would open the floodgates based on the sides’ previous meetings. But Aberdeen stuck to their game plan, made key second-half changes, and were rewarded ten minutes from time.
Aberdeen Level Through Schmeichel Blunder
Pacey wide-man Shayden Morris delivered a low cross from the right into the six-yard box. Celtic’s experienced goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, recently returned from injury, attempted to collect but misjudged the flight, inadvertently diverting the ball into his own net. It was the second own goal of the match and a crucial equaliser for Aberdeen.
Celtic’s 33-goal forward Daizen Maeda had the chance to win it in stoppage time. Latching onto a second ball, he used his blistering pace to break clear of the Dons defence, but Mitov stood tall and denied the Japan international a dramatic winner.
Shootout Drama as Aberdeen Hold Nerve
With no further goals in extra time, the final went to penalties. Aberdeen displayed penalty perfection after McGregor missed Celtic’s first. Johnston stepped up to take Celtic’s fifth with the Hoops trailing 4–3 after four rounds each. But Mitov guessed right and got down to save, sealing Aberdeen’s first Scottish Cup in 35 years.
In a stark contrast between captains, McGregor, losing the first final of his career, was left in tears, consoled by his manager Brendan Rodgers, who himself was suffering his first-ever Scottish Cup defeat. Meanwhile, Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie hoisted the trophy under the Hampden sun to the delight of the sold-out Aberdeen crowd, and the entire Granite City watching on from their Northern homes.
Open-Top Bus Parade and European Boost
Aberdeen celebrated their historic win with an open-top bus parade through the city today, while Celtic were left to dismantle a pre-built stage at Celtic Park, prepared for an expected treble celebration.
The victory also means Aberdeen have snatched a place in the Europa League qualifiers, and at least a UEFA Conference League phase spot, from third-placed Hibernian, who believed they had secured it on the final day.
Mitov, Shinnie, and their teammates have secured their place in club folklore. They are now etched into history as Scottish Cup winners, ending Aberdeen’s decade-long wait for silverware since lifting the League Cup in 2014.
