2014-05-03: Celtic 5-2 Aberdeen, SP

Match Pictures | Matches: 2013 – 2014 | 2013-14 Pictures

Trivia

• Before the game Billy McNeill opened the new Celtic Way just off London Road.
• Celtic 95pts, Aberdeen next on 65pts
• Celtic on course for 101pts for season
• The new Celtic Park entrance 'The Celtic Way' officially opened by Billy McNeil at 1.15pm. Whole front end of ground renovated.
• Tony Stokes in trouble. Being asked by the club to explain his alleged appearance at a Republican bar in Belfast.A report this week claimed Irish international Stokes attended a “Rebel Sunday” music event at the Rock Bar on the Falls Road last month, showing a photograph of the player in front of a microphone.
• Celtic win U17s Cup final v TheRangers U17s. 20k crowd and some trouble, but The Sun make fools of themselves with showing supposed flares set off by Celtic fans but is actually a picture of St Pauli fans in Germany (nothing to do with Celtic). Rangers fans cause damage at Celtic Park. Unnecessary for any youth match, let alone a senior game.
• Real Madrid to play Athletico Madrid in Lisbon in this year's European Cup final. Benfica v Sevilla in Europa League Final.

Review

(Hellas67 of KDS forum)
Great game of football today and I thought that Aberdeen played really well and really made a game of it for us…..Brown was outstanding, thought Stokes, Johansen and Izzy had great games too…..one of the most enjoyable Celtic games in a while……here's hoping the sheep can hold onto to their players and indeed add a couple of quality players in the summer to perhaps challenge us…….at least for half a season or so…..good game, some great goals and good banter with the guys on the Celtic TV wall.

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Stats

Celtic Aberdeen

Possession
39% 61%
90mins

Shots
15 9

On target
9 5

Corners
5 5

Fouls
9 14

Articles

Celtic 5 Aberdeen 2: Hoops keep on going with goalscoring spree
Saturday 3 May 2014

Scott Brown and Kris Commons both hit doubles as Celtic continued their goalscoring spree with a 5-2 win over Aberdeen – but the Dons still clinched a European place.
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/celtic-5-aberdeen-2-hoops-keep-on-with-goalscoring-spree.1399133402

Adam Matthews twice set up Brown in the first half either side of gifting Niall McGinn an equaliser and Anthony Stokes put Celtic further ahead early in the second half.

Aberdeen contributed to an entertaining attacking game and Shaleum Logan soon pulled them back into it with an excellent solo goal.

But the Dons were controversially denied a penalty when Jonny Hayes went down under the challenge of Efe Ambrose and Commons took his tally for the season to 30 with a brace.

Consolation for Aberdeen came in the shape of Dundee United's draw at Inverness, which means they cannot deny the Dons a top-three finish, although Motherwell closed the gap to one point in the race for second.

The visitors came to Parkhead looking for their third consecutive win over the champions but Neil Lennon's men had scored nine goals in their previous two games and looked determined to avenge previous losses.

Aberdeen showed their willingness to get forward in an even opening quarter. Commons twice came close after getting in behind the away defence and McGinn fired just wide from 20 yards at the other end after the Dons won the ball back and moved forward quickly.

Celtic took the lead in the 24th minute. Stefan Johansen opened up play with a nutmeg on Willo Flood on the halfway line and switched play to Matthews. The right-back played the ball into the box and Brown turned to make space and fired a left-footed shot inside Jamie Langfield's near post

Matthews gifted Aberdeen an equaliser three minutes later when he failed to get enough purchase on his attempt to knock the ball back to Fraser Forster as he ran across the 18-yard line under pressure, and McGinn nipped in to round the goalkeeper and slipped the ball home.

Aberdeen lost centre-forward Adam Rooney in the 37th minute after he hurt his lower leg as he collided with Forster as they raced to meet a ball forward, despite the offside flag being raised. Scott Vernon came on.

Langfield stopped a powerful strike from Commons following a tight one-two with Stokes outside the box and Hayes fired just wide from 25 yards following a good passing move down the right.

Matthews atoned for his error in the 44th minute as he set up Brown for a second time. The Wales international crossed to pick out his captain, who again fired low into the corner with his left foot.

Griffiths looked threatening at the start of the second period but Forster had to dive to push away a powerful long-range effort from Barry Robson.

Celtic extended their lead in the 53rd minute. Stokes and Mulgrew both passed up chances to shoot after Johansen had threaded the ball into the Irishman's feet inside the box, but the ball eventually ricocheted back to the feet of the striker, who stretched to poke a shot inside the near post from 10 yards.

Again, Aberdeen struck back three minutes later when Logan hit a wonderful first goal for the club. The left-back cut inside, beat two men and let fly from almost 30 yards and the ball landed inside Forster's left-hand post.

Commons almost scored with a brilliant piece of skill when he turned a man and tried to chip Langfield, but the Dons keeper got just enough of a touch at full stretch to nudge the ball over the top corner.

Celtic had a major let-off in the 65th minute when Ambrose appeared to trip Hayes just inside the box as the winger skipped past him on the counter-attack, but referee Iain Brines waved play on to the disgust of the visitors.

Celtic went further ahead in the 69th minute when Commons stabbed the ball into the corner from 10 yards after an inside pass by Stokes.

Mulgrew and McGinn both had decent efforts well saved and Flood hit the base of the post from 20 yards as Aberdeen sought a way back.

Johansen limped off as Mikael Lustig and Beram Kayal came on for the hosts, with Griffiths also making way.

And Kayal soon set up Commons with a reverse pass for the PFA Scotland player of the year to round off the scoring with a neat finish in the 87th minute.

BBC
By Jonathan Sutherland BBC Scotland at Celtic Park

A Scott Brown brace helped Celtic take all three points against Aberdeen in the clash of the Premiership's top two.

The champions grabbed the lead when captain Brown rifled a fine shot past Jamie Langfield, but they were pegged back when Niall McGinn levelled

Brown netted again before the break and Antony Stokes fired Celtic's third.

And, despite Shaleum Logan netting a ferocious drive to give the Dons half a chance, Kris Commons put the result beyond doubt with two goals late on.

Despite losing, Aberdeen are now assured a Europa League qualifying berth next season.

However, the defeat for Derek McInnes' men mean they go into the last two fixtures with Motherwell hot on their heals, with only a point between the two sides.

Celtic, unchanged from last week's 6-0 win over Inverness, went close early on when PFA Scotland player of the year Commons flashed a shot wide.

At the other end, McGinn also sent a shot just the wrong side of the upright.

The hosts made the breakthrough when a neat turn from Brown inside the box gave him the chance to shoot, and his low effort beat Jamie Langfield at the near post.
Scott Brown scores for Celtic against Aberdeen

Brown score the first of his two goals in the 25th minute

Aberdeen equalised thanks to a dreadful pass-back from Adam Matthews. It presented McGinn with time and space in the box and the former Celtic player kept his composure to round Fraser Forster and score.

There was a blow for Aberdeen 10 minutes before half-time when an injury forced striker Adam Rooney from the field, Scott Vernon coming on.

A sharp one-two between Stokes and Commons led to the latter rifling a shot straight at Langfield.

But just before half-time Celtic took the lead again and it was Brown with his second of the match, the midfielder drilling a low shot beyond Langfield.

As the second half got underway Barry Robson tested Forster with a drive from 25 yards, which the England international did well to parry.

But almost immediately after that Celtic went 3-1 into the lead. Some neat play from Stokes and Charlie Mulgrew inside the box – plus some hesitant Aberdeen defending – allowed Stokes the chance to drive the ball home from close range.

However, if there were any thoughts Aberdeen were out of this match they were blown out of the water by Shaleum Logan. The defender waltzed forward and from 25 yards lashed a wonderful strike past Forster.

Some Commons magic almost restored the Celtic two-goal lead. He twisted and turned at the edge of the area before attempting an audacious chip but Langfield moved his feet well to get back and tip the ball to safety.

Aberdeen were then denied a penalty claim when Johnny Hayes nutmegged Efe Ambrose. The Nigerian defender appeared to trip the Dons winger but referee Iain Brines was not convinced, much to the dismay of the away support.

The Aberdeen fans were even more downcast soon after as Celtic swept through the Dons defence and Commons was on hand to score.

Minutes later it was almost 5-2, but Mulgrew's fierce drive was batted away by Langfield.

Aberdeen kept pushing for a way back into the match and a swerving long-range fizzer from McGinn was punched over by Forster.

The giant Celtic keeper then got the slightest of touches to a long-range daisy cutter from Willo Flood, which came back off the post.

But Celtic increased their lead and it was Kris Commons again with his 30th goal of the season. He sprung the offside trap and lashed home a low effort to seal a 5-2 win.

BBC

Live Text Commentary
Full time

Full Time Match ends, Celtic 5, Aberdeen 2.
90:00 +3:00 Full time

Full Time Second Half ends, Celtic 5, Aberdeen 2.
90:00 +0:45

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
90:00 +0:45

Cameron Smith (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
90:00 +0:06 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Liam Henderson replaces Kris Commons.
88:09 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. Declan McManus replaces Peter Pawlett.
87:48

Attempt missed. Mikael Lustig (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is just a bit too high.
86:21 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 5, Aberdeen 2. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Beram Kayal.
83:07 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Mikael Lustig replaces Leigh Griffiths.
82:55 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Celtic. Beram Kayal replaces Stefan Johansen.
82:24

Foul by Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic).
82:24

Cameron Smith (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
81:39

Willo Flood (Aberdeen) hits the right post with a right footed shot from outside the box.
80:48

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Fraser Forster.
80:41

Attempt saved. Niall McGinn (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
79:12

Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
79:12

Foul by Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen).
77:41

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
77:01

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Adam Matthews.
75:35

Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
75:35

Foul by Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen).
72:54 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. Cameron Smith replaces Barry Robson.
72:29

(Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
72:29

Foul by Scott Vernon (Aberdeen).
71:54

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Efe Ambrose.
70:09

Attempt saved. Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
69:33

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
69:33

Foul by Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen).
68:40 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 4, Aberdeen 2. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Anthony Stokes.
67:30

Attempt saved. Leigh Griffiths (Celtic) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
66:33

Foul by Stefan Johansen (Celtic).
66:33

Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the right wing.
65:49

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark Reynolds.
65:13

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark Reynolds.
62:35

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Jamie Langfield.
62:29

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
61:34

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
61:34

Foul by Russell Anderson (Aberdeen).
60:34 Booking

Booking Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic) is shown the yellow card.
60:24

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
60:24

Niall McGinn (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the right wing.
59:54

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
59:54

Foul by Barry Robson (Aberdeen).
58:53

Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
58:53

Foul by Scott Vernon (Aberdeen).
55:45 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 3, Aberdeen 2. Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box to the top right corner.
52:43 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 3, Aberdeen 1. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
51:40

Attempt saved. Barry Robson (Aberdeen) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.
50:35

Dangerous play by Anthony Stokes (Celtic).
50:35

Russell Anderson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
49:36

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Mark Reynolds.
45:00

Second Half begins Celtic 2, Aberdeen 1.
45:00 +1:07 Half time

Half Time First Half ends, Celtic 2, Aberdeen 1.
45:00 +0:12

Foul by Charlie Mulgrew (Celtic).
45:00 +0:12

Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
43:52 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 2, Aberdeen 1. Scott Brown (Celtic) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Adam Matthews.
41:01

Attempt missed. Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
39:33

Attempt saved. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top left corner.
39:12 Substitution

Substitution Substitution, Aberdeen. Scott Vernon replaces Adam Rooney because of an injury.
34:13

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
34:13

Foul by Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen).
28:47

Efe Ambrose (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
28:47

Foul by Adam Rooney (Aberdeen).
27:25 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Aberdeen 1. Niall McGinn (Aberdeen) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
26:13

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
25:42

Attempt missed. Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
25:19

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
25:19

Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the right wing.
24:26 Goal scored

Goal! Goal! Celtic 1, Aberdeen 0. Scott Brown (Celtic) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Adam Matthews.
23:24

Attempt saved. Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.
21:56

Attempt missed. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic) header from very close range misses to the right.
21:35

Corner, Celtic. Conceded by Ryan Jack.
21:21

Kris Commons (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
21:21

Foul by Barry Robson (Aberdeen).
19:30

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) header from the centre of the box is too high.
18:20

Foul by Barry Robson (Aberdeen).
18:20

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
17:37

Foul by Leigh Griffiths (Celtic).
17:37

Barry Robson (Aberdeen) wins a free kick on the right wing.
16:00

Stefan Johansen (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
15:59

Foul by Jonathan Hayes (Aberdeen).
12:38

Attempt missed. Anthony Stokes (Celtic) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right.
11:41

Attempt missed. Niall McGinn (Aberdeen) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left.
10:29

Attempt missed. Kris Commons (Celtic) left footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the left.
9:36

Scott Brown (Celtic) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
9:36

Foul by Shaleum Logan (Aberdeen).
6:32

Corner, Aberdeen. Conceded by Charlie Mulgrew.
5:26

Foul by Virgil van Dijk (Celtic).
5:26

Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
5:02

Efe Ambrose (Celtic) wins a free kick on the left wing.
5:02

Foul by Peter Pawlett (Aberdeen).
0:00

First Half begins.
0:00

Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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