In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Celtic annihilated Aberdeen 6-0 in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday. Japanese forward Daizen Maeda was the star of the show, netting an impressive hat-trick to propel the Hoops into the final.
Celtic’s Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The match started in a scrappy manner, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. However, it was Celtic who drew first blood in the 29th minute when Cameron Carter-Vickers rose highest to head home Arne Engels’ corner kick. This early goal set the tone for what was to come.
Maeda and Kuhn Combine to Devastate Aberdeen
Just three minutes later, Celtic doubled their lead through a brilliant counterattack. Maeda intercepted a misplaced pass, received the ball back from Nicolas Kuhn, and expertly set up Kyogo Furuhashi to finish off the underside of the crossbar. The rampant Hoops continued to pile on the pressure, with Maeda adding a third in the 40th minute after latching onto Kuhn’s precise through ball.
We knew it would be a tough game, but the boys were absolutely brilliant today. The energy, the quality, the hunger – it was all there from start to finish.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s performance
Celtic’s Second-Half Onslaught
The second half began in the same vein, with Maeda tapping in his second goal just four minutes after the restart. Kuhn then got in on the act, curling a stunning shot in off the crossbar to make it 5-0. Despite Aberdeen’s best efforts, they could not find a way past Celtic’s resolute defense, with Jamie McGrath’s tame effort being their only shot on target.
Maeda Completes His Hat-Trick
Fittingly, it was Maeda who had the final say, completing his hat-trick by tapping home Alistair Johnston’s cross with five minutes remaining. This result not only secures Celtic’s place in the final but also ends Aberdeen’s impressive 21-match unbeaten run under manager Jimmy Thelin.
It’s a tough result to take, but we have to give credit to Celtic. They were the better team today and deserved the win. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.
Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin graciously accepted defeat
Looking Ahead to the Final
Celtic will now await the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final between Motherwell and Rangers. Regardless of their opponent, Brendan Rodgers’ side will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy, given their scintillating form and the ruthless manner in which they dispatched Aberdeen.
As the dust settles on this remarkable semi-final, one thing is clear: Celtic are the team to beat in Scottish football. With their attacking flair, defensive solidity, and unrelenting hunger for success, the Hoops look poised to add yet another piece of silverware to their already impressive collection.
