2017-05-27: Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2016 – 2017 | 2016-17 Pictures

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Trivia

• The Scottish InVIncibles

• Celtic complete the Treble, fourth time in Celtic’s history.

• Brendan Rodgers completes the treble in his debut season as Celtic manager.
• Celtic complete the season unbeaten domestically. Unprecedented.
• First cup winners medals for Simunovic, Boyata, Tierney, McGregor, Armstrong, Roberts, Sviatchenko, Griffiths, Sinclair, Bitton,Dembele, Gamboa andDe Vries.
• Rain & thunderstorms in Glasgow.
• Celtic had beaten Aberdeen in the league cup final, and Aberdeen had come second in the league. So in this case, some sympathy, but they are deserved worthy challengers here as they put up a great fight.
• Celtic had been celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions this week, topped by a large celebration event at the SSE Hydro. Exceptional event, and some great programs by BBC, STV etc on Lisbon Lions, and across MSM and social media. Recommend you to search them out or see Lisbon Lions section on this site.
• Dembele on bench returning from injury but didn’t play. Griffiths started and had a fair day.
• Rogic the hero with a late winner, 90+2 mins! Taking us to the death of the season.
• Tierney was taken off after a disputed challenge that gave him a fractured jaw. He returned for the medals.
• Aberdeen’s Jayden Stockley faced no action from the Scottish FA for the challenge that led to Kieran Tierney’s Scottish Cup final facial injury. Quite surprising. Challenge needed review.
• Terror Attack in England: Manchester suicide bombing led to the death of 22 killed. RIP. Minutes silence held at all matches in respect to all those affected. Man U played in UEFA Cup final two days later and won the UEFA Cup.
• Due to security issues, Celtic not able to ‘present’ the trophy to supporters back at Celtic Park and there no supporters’ event held . Planned Heroes and Legends bus parade, which was to be staged in advance of upcoming Sunday’s Celtic FC Foundation match at Celtic Park, also cancelled.
• No Celtic TIFO display as Green Brigade didn’t agree to the Hampden conditions applied this time, Aberdeen fans had a display and it was very good. So credit to the Aberdeen supporters, but also to the GB who stuck to their guns although we missed another glorious display as they have done all season.

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Review

Tom Rogic: “I think the way it ended made it a little bit more sweet.”

Brendan Rodgers: “I was born into Celtic”

(joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki)
This was a fine way to cap off the season. All week across media, Celtic supporters and other journalists have been paying homage to the Lisbon Lions for their 50th anniversary of the greatest success in football.

Yet this weekend, Brendan Rodgers and his squad have achieved a landmark which will itself also be spoken about in honeyed tones in many years to come. An exceptional season with many wonderful high points.

The Celtic side today took us to the final minutes of the season, to the edge, and we all loved it (at the end that is but what a journey for 90 mins).

A lot of credit to Aberdeen who came out fighting and really put the scare in to Celtic, and if anything were unlucky not to at least scored twice, take the game into extra time, penalties etc. They played a fine game, but this was Celtic’s season, but at least Aberdeen proved it was not easy, and their competition proved Celtic’s achievement was hard fought.

On the field, the players were a little more out of sorts than usual, and Aberdeen dominated the first half, but the second half was mostly Celtic although chances could not get converted frustratingly. Aberdeen goalkeeper was excellent. No matter what anyone may say, it was a tense match for all to watch, and some of the doomsayers were annoyingly gloomy on Celtic’s prospects.

Yet the spirit of Lisbon was here, and having gone a goal down only to fight back and equalise, Celtic scored a late late goal in injury time from Rogic to steal the win. Mirrored match v Inter Milan 1967 incredibly.

Rogic’s goal was excellent, rounding the Aberdeen defenders to slot the ball in the tightest of angles, and this all despite that the Aberdeen defence did little wrong in their defensive duties in handling him. It was just a great goal. Aberdeen could have stolen an equaliser at the death in the match, but thankfully couldn’t convert. So close. Such a wonderful match to watch.

The topping was the wonderful quotes from Brendan Rodgers in the post-match BBC interview: “No, I was born into Celtic.”

Brendan has written himself into Celtic history and is fast becoming a legendary figure, and I don’t ever say that easily.

I can’t wait till next season.

(fatboab of KDS)
In 50 years time, kids will be asking about the Treble Winners who went through an entire season unbeaten. Their names will live forever in Celtic folklore. That’s what today meant. An incredible achievement by a bunch of players , many of whom were written off by greater minds than mine, but who discovered what it means to be touched by greatness.
Brendan Rodgers has achieved the impossible. He deserves his place at the very elite top table of Stein, O’Neill and Rodgers.
Thank you Celtic.

(Sevilliano of KDS)
As was case for game at Celtic park v Huns madden did a job on us in first half and again we couldn’t get any momentum

Even more so when tierney assaulted

Not surprisingly our support also subdued until grace early in second half

Thereafter it was normal service for this season although I was always worried that one chance would come for them towards end but thankfully not even madden could engineer that and it would have been a travesty if our bhoys had not won

Scenes at goal and after final whistle incredible

There are no words to express the joy Brendan and his management team have brought

Invincible treble winners the Glasgow Celtic way

This is how it feels to be Celtic

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Articles

Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen: Celtic complete treble and make history

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/scottish-cup/celtic-2-1-aberdeen-celtic-complete-treble-and-make-history-1-4458979
Tom Rogic celebrates his late winner which handed Celtic the treble. Pic: SNS/Craig Williamson
JOEL SKED
For only the fourth time in the club’s history, Celtic completed the treble with a late, late win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, a win which confirmed their unbeaten domestic season. The first time it has been achieved in the history of Scottish football.
In an engrossing 90 minutes Aberdeen took the lead in the ninth minute through Jonny Hayes before Stuart Armstrong levelled moments later. The game flowed back and forth with both goalkeepers in fine form. Aberdeen were hanging on at the end but it seemed that Celtic would have to wait at least 30 more minutes before making history.

Stuart Armstrong equalises for Celtic at Hampden park. Pic: SNS/Alan Harvey
Enter Tom Rogic. A wonderful solo run and goal handed Celtic the final piece of their famous season.
Having conceded six goals to Celtic in the opening 25 minutes of matches this season, Aberdeen knew that they couldn’t afford to concede an early goal. They started with a positive mindset and proactive game plan. Kenny McLean was pushed up to support Jayden Stockley with Ryan Jack back into the middle of midfield with Graeme Shinnie.
They turned their strong opening into a goal just short of the 10th minute mark. Stockely and Hayes worked a one-two down Aberdeen’s right-hand side to earn a corner. Niall McGinn swung the cross deep into the Celtic box where it was met by Hayes who had caught Griffiths ball-watching and met the ball on the half-volley, the pace making it nigh on impossible for Craig Gordon to keep it out.
The perfect start for the Dons. But the old adage goes, you are at your most vulnerable when you have just scored. Less than two minutes after Aberdeen’s celebrations had ended Celtic’s had started.
Celtic immediately went on the front foot getting possession deep in the Aberdeen half. They moved the ball around the centre, enticing Aberdeen’s midfield to press the ball which helped create space for Armstrong. The Dons defence backed off with Shay Logan reluctant to close down the Celtic midfielder who has netted from outside the box throughout the season. Armstrong zipped a left-footed effort into the bottom corner for his 17th of the season.
It would have expected to be the turning point in the afternoon, Celtic finding their rythm and dominating the encounter, but Aberdeen did not let them do so. They continued to press the Celtic midfield, forcing the defenders to send the ball long, similar to what McInnes’ men did to Hibs in the semi-final.
Controversy soon followed. In the 26th minute Kieran Tierney had to be replaced by Tom Rogic. It was several minutes after he had been felled by a Stockley elbow. The striker was being marked by the left-back and turned swiftly, catching the 20-year-old with his arm.
Celtic’s medical team tried in earnest to stop the bleeding but were unable to, Tierney leaving the pitch while pointing an accusatory finger at Stockley.
The incident added an extra element to the game, namely needle. And, if anything, it only effected Celtic further, missing the drive Tierney provided from deep with Callum McGregor slotting into the position.
By the 30 minute mark Craig Gordon was required to beat away two efforts in the matter of seconds. Aberdeen won the ball high before Niall McGinn followed by Jack had long-range efforts repelled by Scotland’s number one.
He was called into action a few minutes later when Stockley met a corner but could only direct the ball straight at Gordon who scrambled the ball to safety.
Celtic were frustrated and flustered. With Scott Brown tamed, Celtic lacked rhythm. Patrick Roberts was quiet, Scott Sinclair was dropping deep to get possession, while Griffiths was left to feed off scraps. The key man was Armstrong who was constantly trying to drive his team forward.
Armstrong won the free-kick which Griffiths curled over the bar before, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, the striker pulled wide and sent a delicious cross into the corridor of uncertainty, met by Sinclair in the six-yard box but the Englishman inexplicably sent it over the bar.
In many occasions half-time is not welcomed as it takes the pace and intensity out of games. This was not the case at Hampden. Within the first eight minutes of the second half both teams could have scored two.
Celtic counter-attakced Aberdeen through the speedy Sinclair, the forward slipping the ball through to Griffiths who had done his trademark and pulled away from the Aberdeen defence. Turning on to his left-foot, Griffiths’ effort was deflected narrowly wide. Two minutes later it was Sinclair’s turn to be fed, Rogic plyaing a cute pass behind the Dons defence to meet the wide-man’s run. Joe Lewis was out quick to thwart the threat.
Betweeb those two Celtic chances Kenny McLean sent an inswinging cross agonisingly past the far post before a glorious chance for Aberdeen to retake the lead in the 53rd minute.
Brown had put McGregor in danger with a pass out to the left. Hayes read the situation, picking the pocket of the make-shift left-back and haring towards goal. He opted to play in McLean but the midfielder had made his run too early and ended up falling over the ball with the goal at his mercy.
Roberts came into the encounter in fine form and had been linked with a move to the Bundesliga, potentially setting the afternoon up to be his. Yet, for the first hour he had been on the periphery of the game. However, he is a player who produces moments. He almost did just that past the hour mark.
Getting the ball outside the box, Roberts twisted left and right, tying Mark Reynolds in knots. He worked the ball on to his favoured left before sending a curling effort goalwards only to be denied by a brilliant Lewis save, tipping the ball on to the post.
This was a tremendous Scottish Cup final. Still 1-1, but could easily have been 4-4 as the game entered the last 20 minutes.
Somehow the score was still level when Dedryck Boyata met a corner right in front of goal but thundered a header over. Aberdeen responded with a Shinnie effort from long-range which was pushed away by Gordon.
Even with Adam Rooney on in place of Stockley, the Dons were retreating towards their goal having exerted so much energy higher up the pitch. Griffiths had an effort saved by Lewis, and Lewis was again called into action when Sinclair snuck in at the back post to meet a cross from the striker but could only manage a poor connection.
Lewis was inspired and didn’t look like being beaten again. But then again it is this Celtic side. Even when they’ve struggled they’ve found a way to win. And they did just that as the game headed into extra-time.
Rogic had been probing since coming on in the first half to no avail. Then, deep into stoppage time, he picked up the ball, skipped past Anthony O’Connor then Considine’s weak challenge before slotting past Lewis.
Celtic’s treble was confirmed and history makers ensured.

Five things we learned about Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/celtic/five-things-we-learned-about-celtic-2-1-aberdeen-1-4459128
Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic and Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes. Pic: SNS/Bill Murray
CRAIG FOWLER
Craig Fowler gives his take as Celtic make history by going through the domestic season unbeaten and winning the treble after a 2-1 defeat of Aberdeen in a fantastic Scottish Cup final.
READ MORE – Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen: Celtic complete treble and make history
What a game!
First thing is first, that was a great 90-plus minutes of football. It had a bit of everything. Tactical battle? Check. Goalmouth action? Check. Controversy? Check. Needle? Check. Late drama? You better believe it, check!
In a week where we have been served a dud of a Euorpa League final – it has to be said it was the perfect performance for Manchester United – we’ve had two great offerings from Scottish football with one more still to come. Okay, the quality is lacking at times, but what people need to realise is that is the same anywhere in the world. Yet, what makes Scottish great is the entertainment.
But there was little worry about the quality on display at Hampden Park, this was a tense, engrossing, at times end-to-end encounter between the country’s two best sides. After 70 minutes the score stood at 70 minutes but it could easily have been 4-4.
Aberdeen went toe-to-toe with Celtic for so long. It was like watching two boxers in their prime going at each other. But it was no slug-fest; it was intelligent, physical and technical. Aberdeen, however, were the first to drop against the ropes and for so long they were saved by Joe Lewis, who was excellent throughout.
He has been one of the signings of the season in Scotland and could count himself unlucky not to be recognised with the club’s player of the year award. He was imperious throughout, even slowing the game down with a moments of gamesmanship.
However, he was to be beaten. The culmination of a wonderfully tiring football match. Why does the season half to end?
McInnes’ tactical success
The conundrum facing Derek McInnes going into the match was whether to attack Celtic from the off, or sit back and try to hit on the counter. His decision to start Jayden Stockley over Adam Rooney – a target man instead of a goalscorer – hinted at the latter. In actual fact, it was anything but.
Aberdeen pretty much played a 4-2-4. Kenny McLean was pushed high alongside Stockley, with Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes advanced high up the wings. This allowed the Dons to effectively press the Celtic back-line and squeeze the game. It also led to the opening goal. With Stockley ably supported by Hayes, the two interchanged passes before Hayes won a corner. McGinn swung it in, and found Hayes streaking away from Leigh Griffiths at the back post to score.
Celtic were thrown off their stride in the opening period. The back-line, in particular, were often guilty of surrendering possession deep in their own half. During one ten-minute spell, Aberdeen enjoyed a 48 per cent spell of possession in the Celtic third of the pitch.
READ MORE – Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen: How the Celtic players rated
… But there was a flaw
In order to avoid being too gung ho, Aberdeen would drop everyone back on Celtic attacks. Most teams would go zonal in an attempt to mark Celtic’s startling array of talent. Instead, Aberdeen went man-to-man. For the most part, it worked perfectly. But the trouble with playing man-to-man, especially against the better sides, is that when someone makes a mistake and allows an opponent to get free, the whole thing is in danger of falling apart.
Celtic exploited the defensive structure at the equaliser. Shay Logan, having tracked Sinclair from the left wing to the centre, seemed caught in two minds as he dropped alongside Ash Taylor at centre-back. It left a pocket of space in front of the defence, and when Ryan Jack’s attempt to cut out the pass failed, Stuart Armstrong was given time to find the far corner.
The turning point
Aberdeen’s failure to score from the two-on-one attack, where Hayes’ pass went behind McLean, was clearly the game’s turning point. Again, it came from Aberdeen forcing the issue high up the park, but with the underdogs tiring, it would be the last time they’d do so effectively.
The substitution which saw Adam Rooney replace Stockley didn’t help. Rooney contributed virtually nothing to the attack. Without Stockey’s ability to hold up play, the ball just kept on coming back.
In fairness to Brendan Rodgers, he made a subtle change to help his side dominate. Scott Brown would drop alongside the centre-backs to start moves. This enabled the full-backs to push up, with Mikael Lustig taking Patrick Roberts’ place on the right. This freed up the in-form playmaker to float about as he pleased, and it gave the favourites a plethora of attacking menace in the central areas.
The move also had the added contribution of improving Brown’s play. Dropping deeper, the captain was able to dictate play in the manner he failed during the opening half.
Tom Rogic: the X-factor
Who knows what would have happened if Kieran Tierney didn’t get a forearm in the face from Stockley, forcing him from the action. Celtic may have won regardless. However, there can be no doubt that the man who replaced him made a massive impact, even before his goal.
When Roberts began moving inside, Rogic found greater space in which to attack, and the two dominated a 20-minute period following Aberdeen’s big miss. In response, McInnes brought on Anthony O’Connor for McGinn. His reasoning was thus: he needed a bigger body to cover Rogic. But instead of Rogic man-handling his marker, he just sprinted past O’Connor and fired in a low front post finish with his weaker right foot, winning the cup and completing the treble.

Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen: How the Celtic players rated

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/scottish-cup/celtic-2-1-aberdeen-how-the-celtic-players-rated-1-4459043
Scott Brown lifts the William Hill Scottish Cup as his side seal the treble. Pic: SNS/Craig Foy
GAVIN MCAFFERTY
Ratings out of ten for each Celtic player as they left it late to complete their treble victory with Tom Rogic netting the stoppage time winners.
CRAIG GORDON – 7
Opted to parry several first-half shots and got them to safety and made a brilliant stop from Graeme Shinnie’s long-range drive which skidded on the wet surface.
MIKAEL LUSTIG – 6
Became more influential as the game wore on as Celtic changed their tactics to push him forward.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC – 7
A typically strong performance in central defence.
DEDRYCK BOYATA – 6
Missed a free header but defended well.
KIERAN TIERNEY – 6
A painful afternoon for the left-back who had his teeth smashed by Jayden Stockley’s flailing arm and forced off in real pain.
SCOTT BROWN – 6
Relished the hard-fought midfield battle and broke up play well after dropping deeper in the second half having been ineffectual in the opening 45 minutes.
STUART ARMSTRONG – 8
Levelled two minutes after Jonny Hayes’ opener with a brilliant 20-yard strike which dipped in the corner. Constantly threatening with the ball at his feet.
PATRICK ROBERTS – 6
A quiet first half when he struggled to find space or possession but moved inside to good effect in the second half and hit the post with an excellent piece of play.
CALLUM McGREGOR – 7
Made a decent start in midfield but then moved to left-back. Mistake let Aberdeen in but it went unpunished and he continued to contribute in the opposing half.
SCOTT SINCLAIR – 6
Always looked likely to get in behind the Dons but missed a string of good chances.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS – 7
Lapse of concentration allowed Jonny Hayes a free strike at the opening goal but was a lot more effective going forward, coming close on numerous occasions and brilliantly setting up Sinclair twice.
SUBSTITUTES
TOM ROGIC (for Tierney, 27) – 7
Showed some good touches but saved the best till last with a skilful run and finish to clinch the treble.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO (for Roberts, 90) – N/A
Brought on to see out the closing moments.

Celtic 2 – 1 Aberdeen: How the Aberdeen players rated

Jonny Hayes celebrates his opener. Pic: SNS/Bill Murray
GAVIN MCAFFERTY AND JOEL SKED
Ratings out of ten for each Aberdeen player after another Hampden Park heartbreak.
JOE LEWIS – 9
Had a busy second half, repelling Celtic time and again.
SHAY LOGAN – 5
Could possibly have done better to close down Armstrong as he netted and lost Sinclair a few times.
ASH TAYLOR – 8
Had one of his best games for Aberdeen, a real force in the Dons’ central defence.
MARK REYNOLDS – 7
Helped keep Celtic out for much of the game, showed why he has been selected for Scotland.
ANDREW CONSIDINE – 7
Dealt as well as anyone has recently with the in-form Roberts, who had to drift inside to do any damage.
GRAEME SHINNIE – 8
The newly-appointed captain put in an inspirational display in central midfield and came close to a spectacular winner.
RYAN JACK – 7
There were no doubts about his commitment in his final game with an assured display.
JONNY HAYES – 8
Started well and hit a well-struck opener, helped put Celtic on the back foot on several occasions.
KENNY McLEAN – 7
Put in some great balls which had no takers, he could have had an open goal if he had just delayed his run to meet a Hayes square ball for another split-second.
NIALL McGINN – 5
The Northern Ireland international delivered an excellent corner for the opener but was otherwise quiet.
JAYDEN STOCKLEY – 6
Picked ahead of top goalscorer Adam Rooney, the striker made his mark on Tierney’s face. Sent off in his previous game for reckless use of the arm, he caught the Scotland full-back with his arm as he turned with real force. Was a nuisance prior to his substitution.
SUBSTITUTES
ADAM ROONEY (for Stockley, 62) – 3
Looked like he had ran a marathon by the time he entered the fray.
ANTHONY O’CONNOR (for McGinn, 75) – 4
Easily beaten by Tom Rogic for the winning goal having been brought on to man-mark the Australian.

Aberdeen Evening Express

Full Time: Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen FC
https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/aberdeen-fc/full-time-celtic-2-1-aberdeen-fc/

A last gasp strike by Tom Rogic goal gave Celtic an undeserved victory in an epic Scottish Cup final at Hampden this afternoon.

It was a cruel end to a game in which the Dons did their 20,000-strong Red Army proud.

Aberdeen had taken the lead through a fine finish from Jonny Hayes early on, only for Stuart Armstrong to equalise within two minutes.

From then, it was end-to-end stuff in one of the best Scottish Cup finals seen in years.

Were it not for some fantastic saves by Celtic keeper Craig Gordon, the Dons could have had it won by half-time.

Both sides created chances in an thrilling second half that could have gone either way.

Just as the match looked set to go to extra-time, Rogic scored to ensure Celtic became the first side in history to complete the domestic treble undefeated.

They can count themselves lucky to have lifted the Scottish Cup, though.

The Dons deserved more than defeat and were given a standing ovation by their fans, who will head back up the road tonight hurting but with reason to be proud of the way their team performed.

Dons boss Derek McInnes had made two big calls in his starting line-up.

Jayden Stockley started up front, ahead of top scorer Adam Rooney.

Ryan Jack came in for Anthony O’Connor in midfield for his last game in an Aberdeen shirt.

Celtic were pretty much expected, with star striker Moussa Dembele having to be content with starting on the bench after a spell out injured with a hamstring injury.

The heavens opened just half an hour before the start, with torrential rain socking both sets of players as they did their warm-ups.

It failed to dampen the enthusiasm s of the 20,000 Dons fans inside the stadium, though.

There was a wall of noise coming from their end of the ground.

Even that was overshadowed by the spectacular flag display organised by the Red Army as their favourites came out on to the pitch for the final.

There was a sea of red, white and and silver flagsand banners waving and forming the Dons fans’ anthem ‘Stand Free’ in huge letters and two gold stars, in tribute to the Dons being the only Scotttish side to lift two European trophies.

It was a breathtaking, all credit to those fans who travelled to Hampden on Friday to lay it out.

You could have heard a pin drop inside Hampden, though, as both sets of fans observed a minute’s silence to show solidarity to the people of Manchester after the tragic events down there.

Once the game did get underway, it was also thrill-a- minute stuff as the Dons rattled Celtic by getting right in their faces.

The opener came in the ninth minute, after Hayes has forced Aberdeen’s first corner on the right.

Niall McGinn fed the ball over to the back post and HAYES darted away from Leigh Griffiths to blast and unstoppable first time volley home from the edge of the six yard box.

Aberdeen’s joy lasted just two minutes though, with Celtic’s Stuart ARMRSTRONG lashing home the equaliser.

The ball broke to the Scotlaand midfielder after Jack had tackled Callum McGregor in the middle of the park and Armstrong placed it home from the edge of the Aberdeen penalty areas.

Graeme Shinnie broke into the Celtic box on the left and fired a shot wide, into the side netting,as the Dons looked to take the lead again.

Play was held up in the 20th minute for Celtic’s Kieran Tierney to receive treatment to a mouth injury, which was caused when he was accidently caught by one of Stockley’s arms.

It looked as if the collision had cost the young Celtic defender a couple of teeth.

It was fully five minutes before Celtic decided to replace Tierney with Tom Rogic.

Within seconds, Andrew Considine was trying his luck with a long range shot, but it flew well off target.

The sun beating down again on Hampden when Celtic keeper Craig Gordon had to parry shots from Shinnie and Jack as the Dons continued to dominate.

Gordon was the Hoops hero again when he saved Stockley’s close range header from another well flighted corner from McGinn.

Kenny Mclean then curled a 20-yard shot wide as Celtic struggled to cope with the Dons taking the game at them.

Celtic had a chance from a free-kick 20 yards out , awarded for a foul by Shinnie on Armstrong.

Griffiths took it but sent his effort wildly off target.

Ref Bobby Madden added on five minutes of injury-time.

In the second minute of that, Hayes sent a corner over from the right and McLean was unlucky to see his header go wide of the front post.

Stockley also saw a shot blocked for a corner.

Celtic missed a great chance to go ahead when Griffiths crossed from the left. Sinclair slid in but somehow hit his shot wide of the goal.

But there was no doubt who had been the better side at that stage – the Dons.

The second half started with McLean just failing to pick out Hayes with a dangerous cross from the left.

Celtic’s response was a Sinclair pass that sent Griffiths clear on the right but his shot was deflected wide by Taylor.

The Hoops were fortunate when a McLean cross from the right bounced wide of the far post as their defence looked on.

Play swept to the other end for Joe Lewis to make a great save from a close range Sinclair effort.

The Dons seats were up of their seats in anticipation when Hayes broke clear on the right.

He tried to cut the ball back to the unmarked McLean in the middle but it seemed to take a bobble and that took it away from the Dons midfielder, who had the Celtic goal at his mercy.

Ash Taylor was booked for a foul before Rooney was brought on for Stockley just after the hour.

Lewis made another great soon after, beating away Armstrong’s effort after he had skipped inside past Logan, on the Celtic left.

The Dons keeper did even better in the 64th minute when he dived full length to finger-tip a net-bound Patrick Roberts shot on to his right post.

Griffiths took the resultant corner and when the ball fell to Mikael Lustig he knocked it wide from close range.

The Dons were soon on the attack again though, with Hayes hammering a 30-yard effort wide.

Taylor was then the hero at the other end when he did well to get back to nod a Roberts cross behind for a corner.

When Griffiths took that, Dedryck Boyata sent a diving header from the edge of the six yard box.

The brilliant entertainment continued when Jack fed the ball to Rooney and McGregor had to make a last gasp tackle to stop the Irishman getting a shot at goal.

That was followed by Gordon diving full length to his right to push Shinnie’s 35-yard shot wide of the post.

The Dons replaced McGinn with Anthony O’Connor with 15 minutes to go.

Lewis made yet another brilliant save from a Griffiths shot as the epic battle between the two sides moved towards the closing minutes.

The Dons keeper also blocked at Sinclair’s feet as Celtic began to push for the winner and the heavy rain returned.

Aberdeen’s hearts were broken when ROGIC stole victory for Celtic in the second minute of injury.

The Australian broke into the Dons area on the right then placed a powerful 10-yard shot between Lewis and his left post.

It was a painful end to a final in which the Dons had run themselves into the ground in an effort to win the trophy.

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BBC

By Tom English

BBC Scotland at Hampden Park

From the section Football

Watch the highlights: Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen, Scottish Cup final

Celtic completed a domestic treble without losing a game as Tom Rogic fired in a stoppage-time goal against Aberdeen to win the Scottish Cup.

A beautifully controlled half-volley from Jonny Hayes after nine minutes was reward for a fine Dons start.

But Celtic were level within two minutes as Stuart Armstrong was given too much time to pick out the far corner from the edge of the box.

Late Celtic pressure paid off as Rogic fired low past goalkeeper Joe Lewis.

Injured Tierney ‘may need surgery’

A thrilling 90 minutes concluded with Celtic not only lifting the cup for the first time since 2013 but becoming the first side in Scotland to complete an unbeaten treble.

It is the 37th time the Hoops have lifted the world’s oldest national football trophy and the fourth time they have won the treble – and their first since 2001.

Derek McInnes’ Dons, looking to end a 27-year wait to win the competition for an eighth time, were left as runners-up to Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Premiership, the League Cup and now the Scottish Cup.
Celtic captain Scott Brown (centre) lifts the Scottish Cup
Celtic had already won the Premiership and the League Cup

It was a pulsating cup final right from the start, Aberdeen coming out with an edge to their play that put their illustrious rivals on the back foot.

Yes, Rodgers’ team had won five out of five in the head-to-heads this season, with an aggregate score of 12-2, but this was an altogether different Dons to previous versions.

In this classic, they were a team reborn.

In the beginning, they harried Celtic’s go-to men. Graeme Shinnie and Kenny McLean were commanding.

They lived in their faces defensively and showed plenty offensively. The feeling was that Aberdeen had to take the lead to make a true fight of this final and that is precisely what they did.

Having shipped three early goals to Celtic in their last meeting, the Dons changed the narrative.

From a Niall McGinn corner, Hayes came round the blindside of Leigh Griffiths and smashed a volley past goalkeeper Craig Gordon and beyond Kieran Tierney on the line.

It was a goal of quality and a goal that electrified the huge Aberdeen support.

Celtic are champions, though, and their true selves emerged only two minutes later when Aberdeen unwisely stood off Armstrong, who thumped in the equaliser low to Lewis’s left.

Two early goals and the intensity only cranked up from there. Midway through the half, there was controversy.
Aberdeen’s Jonny Hayes celebrates after opening the scoring against Celtic
Jonny Hayes opened the scoring against Celtic

Jayden Stockley – selected up front ahead of Adam Rooney – swung an arm into Tierney’s face and the young Celtic full-back immediately signalled that he was in bother.

Blood poured from his mouth and, after treatment, he had to leave the field.

Stockley has a reputation for over-zealous use of his arms and elbows and was deeply fortunate not to see red for a fourth time this season. He claimed it was accidental, but Celtic were having none of it. They were incensed.

Callum McGregor shifted to left-back and Rogic came into the final and things went up another level.

Gordon made a double save in quick order and then made another from a Stockley header.

Celtic were rattled, they were totally unable to get a hold of the game in the face of the Dons’ aggressive edge.

It was Celtic, however, who should have gone ahead just before the break when a delicious Griffiths delivery was put over from point-blank range by Scott Sinclair.

The toe-to-toe nature of the contest carried on brilliantly. Griffiths and Sinclair went close then Aberdeen swept downfield on a breakaway and a priceless chance was wasted.

Hayes had mugged McGregor down the right and, with McLean running free in the box, all they had to do was get their communication right and a goal was certain.

They didn’t. Hayes hit his pass slightly behind McLean and the midfielder couldn’t hook it in. Agony for Aberdeen.

Celtic then moved up a gear and now it was the Dons pinned on the ropes. Lewis pushed a Patrick Roberts shot on to his post.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney suffers a mouth injury
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney had to go off after suffering a smack in the mouth from Jayden Stockley

From the resulting corner, Celtic’s Mikael Lustig tugged the ball just wide. The game opened up as wide as the Clyde.

Aberdeen’s Ash Taylor headed away from under his own crossbar, Dedryck Boyota headed just over, Gordon made a fine save from Shinnie and then it was Lewis’s turn again, saving wonderfully from Griffiths. Lewis was immense for the Dons.

As the final wore on, Celtic took an ever-tightening grip.

Rodgers’ side pressed and pressed and a tiring Aberdeen threw their bodies in front of shots to keep alive. Their scrambling defence was constant and heroic.

But it wasn’t enough. With all at Hampden steeling themselves for extra-time, Rogic ran at Aberdeen down the right, going past the utterly jaded Andrew Considine and slamming his shot low under Lewis. Extraordinary.

The heartbroken Dons had made it a mighty battle, but Celtic showed their incomparable will and their domestic greatness.

The history makers had done it again. A treble won. Truly, they are something special.

Kieran Tierney: Celtic defender may require surgery after cup final knock

From the section Football

Kieran Tierney of Celtic is hurt during the Scottish Cup final
Kieran Tierney was caught in the mouth by Aberdeen’s Jayden Stockley in the Scottish Cup final

Celtic defender Kieran Tierney may need surgery on the facial injury he suffered during his side’s Scottish Cup final win on Saturday.

The left-back was caught in the mouth by Aberdeen striker Jayden Stockley during the first half of the 2-1 triumph at Hampden Park.

Tierney, 19, is in the Scotland squad for the home 2018 World Cup qualifier against England on 10 June.

He has indicated on social media that the win had been “worth a broken jaw”.

“I think he needs an operation,” Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers told BBC Scotland. “It wasn’t nice, and I’ll have to speak to the medics on that.”

Stockley’s left arm connected with Tierney as the pair turned in pursuit of an aerial clearance and the defender was replaced by Tom Rogic, who would score Celtic’s winner in stoppage time.

“I’ll have to see [the challenge] again,” Rodgers said. “There’s two challenges he’s had on Kieran – there was one up at Aberdeen which was questionable.

“I’ll have a look at this one, and take it from there.”
Kieran Tierney tweet
Tierney posted on social media after Celtic clinched the Scottish Cup

Rodgers’ Aberdeen counterpart Derek McInnes believes his player did not intentionally make contact with Tierney.

“Nobody even appealed for a foul,” McInnes said. “Kieran Tierney is an honest boy, he’s a brilliant boy how he plays the game and I think he’s got his eye on the ball and just ran into Jayden.

“Jayden was under strict orders not to be flaying elbows or whatever. I think it is just an unfortunate accident. I don’t think there’s a foul there and not many Celtic players appealed for that either.”

Scottish Cup final: Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hails ‘dream’ debut season

BBC
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has guided his side to a history-making season

Brendan Rodgers described his first season in charge of Celtic as a “dream” after his side completed an unbeaten domestic treble.

A 2-1 win over Aberdeen in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final sealed the clean sweep for the former Liverpool manager.

“It’s been incredible,” Rodgers told BBC Scotland. “I couldn’t have written the script any better.

“It’s been a dream. I was born into Celtic and it’s a huge privilege to manage this club.”

Celtic fell behind to a Jonny Hayes goal at Hampden, but Stuart Armstrong squared it soon after with a 20-yard strike.
‘So many emotions’ – Rodgers on treble

Rodgers’ side won it with a stoppage-time goal from Tom Rogic, ensuring they became the first team in Scottish football history to complete an unbeaten domestic treble.

The clean sweep is the fourth in Celtic’s history, while Aberdeen finished runners up in all three domestic competitions this term.

“If you’re going to create history, which we’ve done, then you have to make it happen and the players have done that,” Rodgers said.

“Now you can write about it and talk about it, give a big congratulations to the players and supporters, because they’ve been amazing. It’s a great day for the club

“It was a really tough game and, as well as to my own players, give credit to Aberdeen. They made it really tough for us, in particular the first half.

“We had to dig deep, we weren’t quite as fluent in our game and that’s credit to them, they broke the game up quite well.

“They man mark and it takes a bit of time, but we just reinforced at half-time the idea to stay calm, eventually they tire and that’s what started to happen.
Celtic captain Scott Brown
Scott Brown paid tribute to manager Brendan Rodgers after the Scottish Cup final triumph

“In the second half, we created chances and are disappointed not to score one or two more, but we got the goal in the end and thoroughly deserved it.”

Rodgers has had a huge impact in his debut season at Celtic and skipper Scott Brown said the historic campaign “all comes down to the gaffer”.

“This is a special bunch of lads and we’ve got a phenomenal manager,” added the Scotland midfielder. “And it’s great thanks to every single one at this club – everyone behind the scenes that worked 24/7 to help us win this trophy and this treble.

“Aberdeen are a great team, they pushed us all the way in both cups and the league and they deserve to be in cup finals and second in the league.”

ROGIC THE LAST-ACTION HERO AS CELTIC MAKE HISTORY AT HAMPDEN

Scottish Cup final
Hampden Park, Glasgow
Saturday, May 27, 2017
CELTIC…2
(Armstrong 11, Rogic (90+2)
ABERDEEN…1
(Hayes 9)
TOM Rogic’s scored a sensational last-gasp winner to secure the Scottish Cup for Celtic and the fourth treble of club’s illustrious history after an epic final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
The Dons took an early lead through Jonny Hayes but Stuart Armstrong cancelled that out almost immediately with an unstoppable shot.
As the game wore on, the six-in-a-row champions piled on the pressure and it finally paid off deep into stoppage time as Rogic weaved his way into the box and beat Joe Lewis at his near post.
It was an incredible finish to a simply stunning season for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who not only claimed their first clean sweep in 16 years but also went the entire domestic season undefeated, an unparalleled achievement in Scottish football history.
The manager made one change to the Celtic team that beat Hearts in the league last weekend to become Invincibles, with Mikael Lustig coming in for Cristian Gamboa at right-back.
Leigh Griffiths continued to lead the line for the Bhoys, with Patrick Roberts and Scott Sinclair providing close support from the flanks.
Top scorer Moussa Dembele, who had missed over a month of action since picking up a hamstring injury in the semi-final victory over Rangers, made a welcome return to fitness and started on the bench.
The warm weather and sunshine had been replaced by torrential rain by kick-off but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Hoops faithful who were in great voice ahead of kick-off.
After a minute’s silence for all those affected by the atrocity in Manchester earlier this week, the match started at a furious pace as both teams sought to take the initiative.
A lovely piece of skill from Sinclair on the left earned the Hoops a corner. Griffiths’ delivery was only headed as clear as far as Callum McGregor who sent a measured volley wide.
Moments, later, however, the Dons broke the deadlock when Niall McGinn’s corner was met by Hayes on the volley, which found the net despite the best attempts of Kieran Tierney.
The champions only took two minutes to respond to this early setback. McGregor showed terrific tenacity to work the ball to Armstrong and he took before lashing into the far corner from 20 yards for his 17th goal of the season.
As the match swung from end-to-end, Graeme Shinnie flashed a shot into the side-netting, before the match was held up for five minutes after a controversial incident on the touchline.
Tierney took a forearm to the face from Jayden Stockley, which went unpunished by referee Bobby Madden, and the talented teenager had to leave the fray after receiving treatment. He was replaced by Rogic, with McGregor taking up the left-back position.
As the Bhoys adjusted to this premature tactical switch, Craig Gordon was called into action twice in quick succession to deny McGinn and Shinnie from distance.
Celtic’s No.1 then had to save a header from Stockley following McGinn’s corner, before Kenny McLean shot wide as the Pittodrie side enjoyed a spell of pressure.
Eventually, the Hoops started to rediscover their rhythm and they mustered a response when Armstrong sent a first-time shot wide after Griffiths’ corner had been headed clear. Shinnie’s foul on Armstrong then presented Griffiths with a chance to try his luck from 25 yards and the striker wasn’t far away with his dipping drive.
On the stroke of half-time, Brendan Rodgers’ side almost went ahead. Griffiths’ inviting delivery was met first-time by the onrushing Sinclair in the six-yard box but he couldn’t keep the ball down, leaving the game evenly poised at the interval.
And it was Celtic who came closest as the second-half got underway. Sinclair showed nimble footwork and then sent Griffiths scampering clear and the hit-man’s deflected shot curled inches wide of the far post.
At the other end, Aberdeen spurned a golden chance when Hayes robbed McGregor of possession but he was unable to pick out the unmarked McLean in the middle.
Back came the Bhoys – Sinclair’s angled effort was blocked by Joe Lewis, Griffiths’ had a free-kick deflected wide and Roberts was off target after weaving his way through the Aberdeen defence.
The champions were growing in ascendency and the impressive Armstrong had a shot parried by Lewis after cutting in from the left.
Roberts was becoming more prominent in proceedings and, after he had jinked away from several challenges, he struck the outside of the post with an exquisite shot. Lewis then flapped at Griffiths’ corner but Lustig was unable to apply the finish.
In the 67th minute, the Celtic supporters staged their traditional tribute to the Lisbon Lions and it almost had an inspired effect as Griffiths fired over after a fluent passing move.
Another jinking run from Roberts forced Ash Taylor to head over his own bar, and from the resultant corner,Boyata headed over when unmarked.
Aberdeen briefly broke the onslaught with a long-range strike from Shinnie which Gordon pushed wide. The one-way traffic swiftly resumed, however, and Lewis made a brilliant stop to thwart Griffiths after he had been teed-up by Armstrong.
The increasingly busy Dons shot-stopper saved his side yet again after Sinclair had been picked out by Griffiths’ delicate pass.
As the clock ticked down, the Pittodrie side were being forced into some desperate last-ditch defending to keep the Bhoys at bay as Roberts and Rogic had shots charged down.
Griffiths, McGregor and Sinclair all had further efforts – but then two minutes into the three minutes of added time, Celtic finally broke Aberdeen’s brave resistance thanks to some individual magic from Rogic.
The Australian internationalist danced his way into the box and then squeezed a shot in under Lewis, sparking utter bedlam in the Celtic End at Hampden and frenzied celebrations on the pitch.
CELTIC (4-1-2-3) Gordon; Lustig, Simunovic, Boyata, Tierney (Rogic 26); Brown; McGregor, Armstrong; Roberts, (Sviatcheno 90 +3), Griffiths, Sinclair
Not Used: De Vries, Bitton, Dembele, Gamboa, Forrest
ABERDEEN (4-3-3) Lewis; Logan, Taylor, Reynolds, Considine; Shinnie, Jack, McLean; McGinn (O’Connor 75), Stockley (Rooney 62), Hayes
Not Used: Alexander, Pawlett, Wright, Ross, Storey

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