Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 17:30 Saturday, Premier Sports TV;
- Semi-final, played at Hampden. Motherwell 1-2 Sevco in other match the next day, so a Glasgow Derby in the final.
- Kick-off delayed due to poor visibility due to mass smoke from pyro flares!
- Hat trick for Maeda but for many the real star was Kuhn who was sublime. Engels sublime corner created the first goal for the returning Carter Vickers. Idah comes on as a sub returning after injury.
- Brendan Rodgers is listed yellow carded after coming out the technical area (where he after slipped when kicking the back).
- Both teams joint top of the league undefeated including recent 2-2 draw between the two sides. Aberdeen on a roll having an incredible season so far, both sides are 9pts ahead of 3rd place Sevco.
- Rodgers post-match makes statement criticising an insider who must be leaking out the teamsheet prior to the public release. “Whoever is putting it out, if it’s someone from Celtic, you’re not a Celtic supporter“
- Dons were seeking to end a 32-year wait for a Hampden win over Celtic. Record carries on.
- Aberdeen suffer their first loss in 17 games.
- Luke McCowan cup-tied, Odin Thiago Holm remains out with calf problems.
- Celtic sign 5 year contract extension with Adidas.
- Former Celtic coach Damien Duff has helped Shelbourne to their first League of Ireland title in 18 years
- Ex Sevco manager Steven Gerrard faces demands to “resign” (sic!) from his £15.2m-a-year Saudi job after he infuriated Al-Ettifaq with a loss to a second-division team, and follows a bad losing streak.
Summary
joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki:
Celtic headed into this match with the general odds pretty even going. A very resurgent Aberdeen had drawn 2-2 at Celtic Park and defeated Sevco at Pittordrie only a few days beforehad (with Aberdeen on a long undefeated run).
However, with a mostly fully fit squad, once Celtic took hold of the match and went in front, the advantage kept growing and Aberdeen just gave up the ghost despite some heavy tackling. The two stand out players were Maeda who scored hat-trick, whilst Kuhn was sublime at times and deserved his goals. Engels set the game up brilliantly with a world class corner that connected perfectly with Carter Vicker to score the first goal with a header.
From there, Celtic played one of the best performanes at Hampden in a long while, and Celtic demonstrated the gap currently between themselves & the rest when on top form.
The only bizarre moment was first laughably on a rainy pitch when Rodgers tried to kick the ball back on field but slipped and ended up outside his technical area to then be yellow carded! Over-reaction by the referee, but didn’t spoil our day.
El Salto: Superb performance
Maeda, Hatate, Kuhn, Engels were absolutely brilliant, but there were no failures, everyone was on it
Sublime sixth goal: Forrest > Bernardo > McGregor > Reo > GT > McGregor > Bernardo > McGregor > GT > Bernardo > Forrest > McGregor > Bernardo > GT > Scales > GT > Scales > Trusty > Scales > Forrest > Maeda > McGregor > GT > Scales > Trusty >Bernardo>Forrest > Reo > Bernardo > Johnston > Maeda > Goal link
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts to a sensational win for his team (and, of course, that second half fall too) “They don’t make Tom Fords with studs on them?”
@agentscotland: FT: Celtic 6-0 AberdeenA demolition of the harshest & highest order from Celtic, six goals, and some of the very highest quality, there’s not enough twitter characters to accurately describe them all. When Celtic bring their A-game they’re untouchable, sensational performance.
That is a magical finish from @CelticFC ‘s Nicolas Kühn “You could have three Mitovs in the goal, he’s not saving it!”
Tam selleck: We are the best team in the land by a country mile. This brings us one step closer to being the world’s most successful football club. An accolade Rangers made up for marketing purposes that we are about to take off them and gloat like its Valentines Day 2012.
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 K. Schmeichel
11 Álex Valle, subbed for G. Taylor at 63mins
06 A. Trusty
20 C. Carter-Vickers, subbed for L. Scales at 64mins
02 A. Johnston
41 R. Hatate
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain25′, Yellow Card at 25mins
27 A. Engels, subbed for Paulo Bernardo at 63mins
08 K. Furuhashi, subbed for A. Idah at 69mins
38 D. Maeda
10 N. Kühn, subbed for J. Forrest at 72mins
Subs:
49 J. Forrest
28 Paulo Bernardo
09 A. Idah
07 L. Palma
56 A. Ralston
05 L. Scales
12 V. Sinisalo
03 G. Taylor
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
C. Carter-Vickers (29′)
K. Furuhashi (32′)
D. Maeda (40′, 49′, 85′)
N. Kühn (59′)
Assists:
A. Engels (29′, 59′), D. Maeda (32′), N. Kühn (40′), A. Johnston (85′)
Aberdeen
Manager: Jimmy Thelin
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
01 D. Mitov
03 J. MacKenzie
21 G. Molloy 34′, Yellow Card at 34mins
33 S. Rubežić 16′, Yellow Card at 16mins
02 N. Devlin
06 S. Heltne Nilsen 59′, Yellow Card at 59mins, subbed for P. Ambrose at 70mins
04 G. Shinnie (c), Captain
11 Duk 27′, Yellow Card at 27mins, subbed for S. Morris at 46mins
07 J. McGrath, subbed for V. Besuijen at 82mins
81 T. Keskinen, subbed for A. Palaversa at 46mins
19 E. Sokler 34′, Yellow Card at 34mins, subbed for L. Clarkson at 70mins
Subs:
32 P. Ambrose
17 V. Besuijen
31 R. Doohan
27 A. MacDonald
15 J. McGarry
22 J. Milne
20 S. Morris
10 L. Clarkson
18 A. Palaversa
Goals:
Assists:
Referee Kevin Clancy
Video Assistant Referee Andrew Dallas
Assistant Referee 1 Frank Connor
Assistant Referee 2 Daniel McFarlane
Assistant VAR Official John McCrossan
Venue:Hampden Park
Attendance:47,544
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
Celtic 53% Aberdeen 47%
Shots
Celtic 12 Aberdeen 3
Shots on target
Celtic 8 Aberdeen 1
Shots off target
Celtic 3 Aberdeen 2
Blocked shots
Celtic 1 Aberdeen 0
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 1 Aberdeen 2
Fouls
Celtic 11 Aberdeen 9
Corners
Celtic 3 Aberdeen 1
Articles
Celtic’s 1970s Brazil impersonation twists knife amid sardonic chant and the ultimate Rangers insult
Alan Pattullo
By Alan Pattullo
Specialist Sports Writer
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtics-1970s-brazil-impersonation-twists-knife-amid-sardonic-chant-and-the-ultimate-rangers-insult-4850565
Comments
Published 3rd Nov 2024, 08:15 GMT
Banners and pyro can’t take centre stage as Rodgers’ team puts on a show
A run which started back in July against Queen of the South came to a crashing halt at Hampden. The wheels of Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen bandwagon might not have come off at the national stadium but they buckled alarmingly.
Perhaps the biggest surprise was just how much of a surprise it seemed. Defeat, the first of Thelin’s tenure, was always possible of course. But the manner of it came as something of a shock. Celtic were home and hosed and able even to laugh at themselves by half-time.
Some slapstick was provided by the sight of Brendan Rodgers slipping when trying to kick the ball back onto the pitch. The Celtic manager got up, raised his hands into the air in acknowledgement of one for the bloopers reel and then received a yellow card from smiling referee Kevin Clancy for preventing Aberdeen taking a quick throw-in.
Brendan Rodgers can see the funny side as he slips during Celtic’s win over Aberdeen.
Brendan Rodgers can see the funny side as he slips during Celtic’s win over Aberdeen. | SNS Group
It might even have drawn a smile from the most ardent Aberdeen fan although any such good humour was being severely tested by full time, by which time Celtic had added another three goals to make it 6-0. Man-of-the-match Daizen Maeda completed his hat-trick five minutes before the end following a move involving around six players, including nutmegs and back-flicks, that was reminiscent of 1970s Brazil.
It said everything that while the game’s kick-off was delayed by as many as 13 minutes due to smoke from fans’ pyro displays, Clancy played just six seconds extra at the end of the second half despite several interruptions for substitutions. There were no complaints at such mercy being shown to Aberdeen.
Still, a sardonic banner from Celtic fans reminding them that “at least you still have the Northern Lights” was probably not the consolation required by those wearing Aberdeen colours. Preparing such droll statements was a better use of these supporters’ time than an elaborate pyro exhibition prior to kick-off. On a still night in the south side of Glasgow, the smoke refused to clear from the national stadium.
The players were left to kick balls around amongst themselves. Celtic dealt considerably better with the delay than Aberdeen, who were three down after 40 minutes.
Daizen Maeda celebrates his hat-trick goal and Celtic’s sixth against Aberdeen.
Daizen Maeda celebrates his hat-trick goal and Celtic’s sixth against Aberdeen. | SNS Group
Nothing was necessarily over then of course. Aberdeen had only to look back a matter of a couple of weeks to gain some succour. Trailing 2-0 at half-time against Celtic at Parkhead, they enjoyed a resurgent second half to draw 2-2 and keep that unbeaten run going for another week.
This, though, did seem like another matter. A cup semi-final, the national stadium and a nine-match losing run at the venue against the same opponents all seemed to spell out trouble for Aberdeen.
A third goal for Celtic from the rampant Maeda five minutes before half time did seem to have taken the tie away from them. This conclusion was confirmed three minutes after the interval when the same player tapped in number four. “Are you Rangers in disguise?” chorused the Celtic fans. Ouch. Nicolas Kuhn curled in a fifth off the bar and we’d not even played an hour. Game over though there was a delay to rule on a suggestion it might have been offside. It wasn’t. Aberdeen’s misery was not even complete but many of their fans in the 47, 544 crowd reached the verdict that this was the point where they had seen enough. Their stoicism was admirable since the game was up long before this.
It already looked like being a long night ahead when Kyogo Furuhashi thrashed in Celtic’s second off the bar in 32 minutes following unselfish work from Maeda, who had set off like Roadrunner after picking Slobodan Rubezic’s pocket in midfield. Cameron Carter-Vickers had headed in the opener in ominously straightforward fashion from Arne Engels’ corner three minutes earlier. Aberdeen were already in a hole and this time they looked incapable of digging their way out of it.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin watches on.
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin watches on. | SNS Group
Celtic, on the other hand, were utterly relentless. While a strong Jamie McGrath challenge on Kyogo had appeared to set the tone and an interesting Sivert Nilsen v Engels battle seemed set to be developing in midfield, these observations were just words written in a notepad in the final analysis.
Hopes for a cup classic willed by the neutral faded long before half-time. Not that the Aberdeen fans should lose faith in their team. It might have been a poor night but there are plenty of opportunities to be redeemed, including when the same opponents visit Pittodrie in just over a month’s time. “We will still win the league!”, or words to that effect, the impressive number of Aberdeen fans left at the end chanted. The challenge has been set.
Daizen Maida hat-trick helps Celtic end Aberdeen run with League Cup semi-final mauling
https://www.msn.com/en-ie/sports/football/daizen-maida-hat-trick-helps-celtic-end-aberdeen-run-with-league-cup-semi-final-mauling/ar-AA1toHUb
Daizen Maeda netted a hat-trick as Celtic burst Aberdeen’s bubble in emphatic fashion in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
Celtic scored five goals in half an hour at Hampden before Maeda rounded off a 6-0 victory late on to inflict Jimmy Thelin’s first defeat as Aberdeen boss.
Aberdeen fans travelled to Glasgow filled with hope of seeing their team beat Celtic at the national stadium for the first since 1992 but they were well and truly dismantled either side of half-time.
Cameron Carter-Vickers headed the opener from a 29th-minute corner following a delayed and scrappy start to the game, which then quickly spiralled in Celtic’s favour.
Maeda set up Kyogo Furuhashi to score the second and Nicolas Kuhn was also on target to send Celtic into the final on December 15, when they will play the winners of Sunday’s meeting between Motherwell and Rangers.
The Dons came into the game having won 15 games and drawn one under Thelin and on a 21-match unbeaten run since losing to Celtic on penalties at the same venue in last season’s Scottish Cup last four.
A 2-2 draw at Celtic Park two weeks earlier and a midweek win over Rangers, which put the Dons nine points ahead of the Light Blues, has seen Thelin’s side keep pace with the champions in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers welcomed the challenge of Aberdeen on the eve of the game and claimed the competition would help his side improve. His prediction was instantly fulfilled as he continued his perfect Hampden record.
Aberdeen were unchanged from the team that beat Rangers, meaning starts for Duk and Ester Sokler whose half-time introductions helped the Dons claw back a two-goal deficit at Parkhead.
Celtic started with Auston Trusty and Alex Valle in defence as Greg Taylor and Liam Scales had to make do with substitute appearances.
Kick-off was delayed by 13 minutes after a pre-match pyrotechnic display from both sets of fans led to visibility problems for the VAR technology.
The game was slow to get going even after kick-off with Arne Engels and Jamie McGrath blazing well over at either end.
The opener came when Carter-Vickers rose to head home Engels’ corner and Celtic doubled their lead on the counter-attack three minutes later.
Maeda intercepted a pass meant for Slobodan Rubezic, got the ball back from Kuhn before checking back to take Jack MacKenzie and goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov out of the equation and setting up Furuhashi to finish off the underside of the bar.
The third goal in the 40th minute also came on the transition. Kuhn played a brilliant through ball for Maeda, who ran round the back of Nicky Devlin and swept home.
Rodgers became the sixth person to be booked by Kevin Clancy before half-time, although both men had a smile on their face after the Celtic manager fell on his backside while booting the ball out of the technical area after his side’s passing move had broken down.
Celtic continued where they left off in the second half and took just four minutes to add to the scoring. Kuhn ran from the halfway line, waltzed into box and saw a shot saved before Maeda tucked home the rebound.
McGrath got Aberdeen’s only shot on target but his weak effort trundled along the ground into Kasper Schmeichel’s hands.
Celtic continued their clinical display when Engels helped the ball on to Kuhn 15 yards out. The winger was faced with a crowd of Aberdeen players but curled a shot in off the bar.
The Dons came very close to a consolation midway through the half when Sokler headed MacKenzie’s cross just wide.
But Celtic had the final say when Maeda tapped home Alistair Johnston’s ball across the face of goal with five minutes left.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan’s exclusive take on the day’s news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.
BBC
Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Outstanding Daizen Maeda netted a Hampden hat-trick as six-goal Celtic booked a place in the Scottish League Cup final and ended Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten start to the season in devastating fashion.
Pre-match pyrotechnics engulfed the national stadium in smoke – resulting in a 13-minute delay – but when sight of the pitch cleared, Brendan Rodgers’ rampant side put on a dazzling show of clinical attacking play.
Just three minutes after Cameron Carter-Vickers had thumped in Arne Engels’ corner, the magnificent Maeda raced clear to sit down goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov and tee up Japan team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi to slam in a second.
Rodgers’ men, who are yet to lose in 13 domestic games this term, had a third before the break when the sublime Nicolas Kuhn guided a ball in behind for Maeda to fire in his first of the night.
The Dons staged a two-goal comeback at Celtic Park a fortnight ago, but there was no chance of a revival at Hampden when Maeda knocked in a back-post rebound before Kuhn hammered in a goal his display merited just before the hour.
And Japan forward Maeda had his third and Celtic’s sixth when he provided the finishing touch to a stunning free-flowing move.
Although Aberdeen remain level on points with Celtic at the top of the Premiership, the chastening defeat serves as a reality check for Thelin, who now has first-hand experience of the damage Scotland’s dominant force can inflict.
Rodgers’ side will face either holders Rangers or Motherwell, who meet at the national stadium on Sunday, in the final on 15 December.
Celtic news, views & analysis
Keep up to date with Aberdeen
Maeda & Kuhn light up six-goal show
Celtic shipped a two-goal lead in the draw earlier this month, so Rodgers’ side had a point to prove and they did that by delivering an ominous message to the Dons.
Albeit in a different competition, the win severely dents any chat about a potential season-long title race between the clubs, who both travelled to Hampden with unbeaten domestic records.
Kuhn and Maeda were simply unplayable at times, although Aberdeen will feel they could have done better in spells.
Maeda’s relentless penetrating runs gave Aberdeen right-back Nicky Devlin a torrid evening and his run and set-up play for Kyogo’s goal was breathtaking.
German winger Kuhn, meanwhile, showed immense quality with line-breaking passes and a stunning run in the lead-up to Maeda’s second. Kuhn’s thumping finish for Celtic’s fifth capped a superb performance.
It was a Celtic display that asserted their domestic dominance – and Rangers boss Philippe Clement and Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell would have watched knowing whatever team gets to the final will need to deliver an almighty showing to claim the trophy.
Dons punished in ruthless fashion
Just as they were at Celtic Park, the Dons were happy to concede possession and for half an hour their defensive shape was fairly resolute.
But Carter-Vickers’ simple opener from Engels’ corner opened the floodgates and Thelin’s side were simply unable to deal with their relentless opposition.
Continually they were overrun in midfield and were also ruthlessly punished for mistakes.
Slobodan Rubezic losing possession on halfway resulted in Celtic’s second, Devlin was too deep for the first of Maeda’s treble, and Kuhn escaped a challenge too many for the fourth.
On a sobering night for Thelin, his task now is to ensure the manner of this defeat does not deliver long-term damage to his players after a stunning start to the campaign.
Goodnight!published at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time
20:18 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
A thrashing at Hampden Park.
Celtic earn their place in the League Cup final with a thumping victory over Aberdeen – who looked a shadow of their usual selves for the full 90.
We’ll be back tomorrow with more online and radio coverage of the second semi-final of the weekend, as Hampden hosts Motherwell and Rangers.
Thanks for joining me for this one.
See ya later!
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic fans set off pyro at full time during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Celtic celebrate booking their spot in the final…
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie looks dejected at full time during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Image caption,
…as Aberdeen suffer their first loss in 17
‘Thelin will learn from defeat’published at 20:16 Greenwich Mean Time
20:16 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
It’s a setback that needs to be analysed. Perhaps Aberdeen should have thrown an extra man in midfield.
It’s a lesson to be learned and I think Thelin will learn from it, but it’s been a fabulous start and the fans will stick with him.
‘We can’t let this game define us’ – Thelinpublished at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time
20:13 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells Premier Sports: “This is football. Celtic were really strong today.
“When it goes wrong and they’re so skilful, it can stick away like this. We have to look at the bigger picture, how the fans stick with us.
“It’s the first bump in the road, most importantly for us now is how we move on in the future.
“We can’t let this game define us. We have to move on. We always take it game by game.”
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin looks dejected during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 20:12 Greenwich Mean Time
20:12 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Former Dons captain Willie Miller is spot on. The Dons were toothless throughout.
Let’s hear what their manager has to say about that…
‘No threat from Dons’published at 20:10 Greenwich Mean Time
20:10 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
If you give Celtic that kind of space, they are going to tear you apart.
Aberdeen were no threat, as well. Celtic controlled the game.
‘Hampden pitch perfect for us’ – Rodgerspublished at 20:08 Greenwich Mean Time
20:08 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
More from Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, he tells BBC Scotland: “An outstanding team performance. You come up against a team that has been so, so good. We knew it would be a challenge. We had to bring our A-game. And the players did that, in particular during the second half.
“We were ruthless. We worked the ball really well to create the space and made good runs. Lots of really good moments.
“It’s a beautiful pitch here at Hampden. It’s perfect for the football we want to play.”
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Image caption,
The Celtic boss laughs off his, frankly, hilarious fall
‘Celtic playing in Rodgers’ style’published at 20:05 Greenwich Mean Time
20:05 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Rodgers wants Celtic to play with a certain style and they did that with aplomb tonight.
Every game that comes along now, especially in Europe, is a big, big game.
The players should enjoy it.
⚽️⚽️⚽️published at 20:02 Greenwich Mean Time
20:02 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Nine goals in all competitions for Daizen Maeda so far this season.
He was a constant nuisance tonight for the dispirited Dons defence.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda with the match ball at full time during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Maeda grabbed his first hat-trick since putting three past Livingston in March 2024
‘I was raging’ – Rodgerspublished at 19:59 Greenwich Mean Time
19:59 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
More from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers on his comedic slip: “To be fair, I was raging because we had given the ball away.
“I have my moments, like every manager. It was just the game, even though we were comfortable at 3-0.
“It was a deserved yellow card. The speed of the ball [was the issue]. I just wanted to keep the tempo of the game.”
Rodgers hails ‘brilliant’ Celtic performancepublished at 19:56 Greenwich Mean Time
19:56 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells Premier Sports: “It was a testament to our players. And the demands they have. They play every week in big games. We have to manage this group through every game.
“It was up to us to decide the game and the players did that. They were brilliant today. We were more aggressive in the second half.
“Aberdeen have had an excellent season, they will continue to work well I’m sure.”
Moment of the season?published at 19:54 Greenwich Mean Time
19:54 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
We’ll bring you his thoughts in a moment…
Rodgers slippingImage source, SNS
Rodgers slippingImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:51 Greenwich Mean Time
19:51 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
On the bright side, at least Jimmy Thelin has this outrageous new profile pic.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time
19:46 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Tonight’s six-goal drubbing is Aberdeen’s first taste of defeat in 17 games.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie looks dejected during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
‘Celtic showed class’published at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time
19:43 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
The got the goals. They were clinical. They finished with aplomb.
Once Celtic got the third goal, you asked how many they were going to get. It was a real thumping.
Only for maybe two minutes did Aberdeen get into a rhythm today. It shows the class Celtic have.
Postpublished at 19:39 Greenwich Mean Time
19:39 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen fans proudly show support of their team despite the heavy defeat, with the Dons’ players and staff all going over to show their appreciation.
Celtic also enjoy a lovely half-lap around the Hampden pitch to greet their buzzing support. Good to luck to whoever faces them in the final.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen fans during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
‘Difficult evening for Aberdeen’published at 19:36 Greenwich Mean Time
19:36 GMT
FT: Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
It is embarrassing. It will be a difficult evening for Aberdeen.
But Thelin has done well. Coming in to the club, turning it around, giving the fans optimism.
It is a setback. But it is also a setback against the best team in Scotland.
FULL-TIME Celtic 6-0 Aberdeenpublished at 19:32 Greenwich Mean Time
19:32 GMT
Celtic book their place in the League Cup final!
Daizen Maeda nabbed a hat-trick as Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn joined him on the scoresheet.
Aberdeen were blown away by Celtic’s class and their unbeaten streak since the season’s start comes to a humiliating end.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates after scoring to make it 3-0 during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
‘Celtic masterclass’published at 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time
19:30 GMT
Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
This has been a masterclass from Celtic.
You know if they turn up and play at the highest level they can, then it is going to be a long evening. And it has been for Aberdeen.
‘Maeda couldn’t miss’published at 19:29 Greenwich Mean Time
19:29 GMT
Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Sensational goal.
Maeda gets himself into a brilliant position again at the back post.
He could not miss.
GOAL! Celtic 6-0 Aberdeenpublished at 85 mins
85 mins
Daizen Maeda
A hat-trick for Daizen Maeda!
It is a terrific, flowing team move from Celtic that is simply converted at close-range from Maeda.
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Postpublished at 85 mins
85 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen keeper Dimitar Mitov is at full stretch to tip wide a curling Reo Hatate shot.
It looked to be going wide but better safe than sorry at that stage.
Postpublished at 82 mins
82 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen change with eight minutes to go.
Dutch forward Vicente Besuijen replaces attacking midfielder Jamie McGrath.
Clinical Celticpublished at 19:22 Greenwich Mean Time
19:22 GMT
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Five shots on target.
Five goals.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates with Alex Valle after scoring to make it 3-0 during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:22 Greenwich Mean Time
19:22 GMT
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
While the Celtic players coming off are all high fives and smiles, their Aberdeen counterparts are a pretty crestfallen bunch.
It will be a night of celebration for the green half of Glasgow. The Red Army probably just want to get up the road.
Postpublished at 78 mins
78 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Celtic are quite content just passing the ball from side-to-side in the hope of breaking down Aberdeen’s deepening 4-4-2 structure.
Aberdeen just want this game to be over.
‘Aberdeen drained of momentum’published at 19:17 Greenwich Mean Time
19:17 GMT
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
All the momentum Aberdeen had coming into this game has been drained out of them.
Morris coming on usually has an impact, but he’s made no impact whatsoever.
Duk, not good enough. Keskinen as well, they spent a lot of money on him.
It is difficult for the players on the pitch to find any enthusiasm.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie looks dejected during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 74 mins
74 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Ante Palaversa and Shayden Morris are seeing the most of the ball for the Dons.
But neither they, nor their despondent teammates, can get anything going.
Postpublished at 72 mins
72 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Five-time League Cup winner James Forrest is introduced to the action. He loves a game against Aberdeen.
The fifth and final Celtic sub replaces Nicolas Kuhn. He was a constant threat this evening.
Postpublished at 69 mins
69 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
A change in attack for both teams.
Peter Ambrose is on for Aberdeen, he replaces Ester Sokler – whose last action of the game was a wayward header.
Celtic striker Adam Idah swaps in for Kyogo.
Postpublished at 69 mins
69 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Once again, Aberdeen go for a ball over the top – this time it is Ante Palaversa with the attempt.
The isolated Ester Sokler has no chance against both Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, who are both free to mark the lofty forward.
Postpublished at 67 mins
67 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Reo Hatate rolls the ball to Kyogo, who attempts to find Nicolas Kuhn in a clustered penalty area but a crucial clearance stops Celtic from hitting Aberdeen for six.
Triple Celtic subpublished at 64 mins
64 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
With Celtic’s spot in the final all but confirmed, and a huge Champions League clash versus RB Leipzig on Tuesday, Brendan Rodgers opts to make three changes.
Liam Scales, Greg Taylor and Paulo Bernardo replace Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alex Valler and Arne Engels.
‘Magnificent’published at 19:04 Greenwich Mean Time
19:04 GMT
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
It’s a magnificent finish from Kuhn.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring to make it 5-0 during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 62 mins
62 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
And the goal stands.
Celtic lead by five(!) over the unbeaten Dons.
The Hoops’ domestic unbeaten run goes on as Aberdeen’s streak looks set to end with a hiding.
Postpublished at 61 mins
61 mins
Celtic 5-0 Aberdeen
VAR check for offside…
GOAL! Celtic 5-0 Aberdeenpublished at 59 mins
59 mins
Nicolas Kuhn
Terrific finish.
Arne Engels worked hard to shunt the ball into the German attacker’s path, and Nicolas Kuhn makes no mistake in curling the ball in off the crossbar.
Celtic GOAL
Postpublished at 58 mins
58 mins
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
A promising long ball over the top from Slobodan Rubezic is chased by Dons striker Ester Sokler, but Cameron Carter-Vickers simply nods it back to his keeper without much hassle from the target man.
Postpublished at 56 mins
56 mins
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen look to take advantage of having an extra body on the park with a dangerous attack.
It ends with Jamie McGrath hitting a weak, low shot directly into the arms of Kasper Schmeichel.
Postpublished at 55 mins
55 mins
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
Reo Hatate is receiving treatment off the pitch.
Celtic currently down to 10.
Postpublished at 54 mins
54 mins
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
Daizen Maeda attempts to grab his hat-trick in spectacular fashion from range.
But his wild effort is high and wide, however. Goal kick.
LIVE stream page 3
‘Aberdeen allowing Celtic control’published at 18:54 Greenwich Mean Time
18:54 GMT
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Celtic are in control of the game.
They have been allowed to be in control of the game.
‘Dons must stop attack earlier’published at 18:53 Greenwich Mean Time
18:53 GMT
Celtic 4-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
Kuhn does brilliantly well, driving into the heart of the Aberdeen defence.
But it’s got to be stopped earlier by Aberdeen.
GOAL! Celtic 4-0 Aberdeenpublished at 49 mins
49 mins
Daizen Maeda
Well, that might just be that.
Nicolas Kuhn dribbles from inside his own half into the Aberdeen box to see his effort saved by Dimitar Mitov, but Daizen Maeda is at hand to tap in at the back post.
Celtic have one foot in the final.
Celtic GOAL
Postpublished at 48 mins
48 mins
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Vital interventions from Aberdeen pair Gavin Molloy and Jamie McGrath halt two promising Celtic attacks.
Double Dons change at the breakpublished at 46 mins
46 mins
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
The ineffectual Topi Keskinen and rash Duk make way at half-time.
Croatian midfielder Ante Palaversa and midweek hero Shayden Morris are sent on by Jimmy Thelin, who looks to mastermind another stunning comeback.
KICK-OFF SECOND HALFpublished at 46 mins
46 mins
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
The teams are back out following the interval.
Will Celtic keep up their dominance or does Jimmy Thelin have yet another trick up his sleeve?
‘Dons passive’published at 18:44 Greenwich Mean Time
18:44 GMT
HT: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Aberdeen have been passive in the way they’ve approached Celtic.
They’ve been stretched all over the place.
Postpublished at 18:42 Greenwich Mean Time
18:42 GMT
HT: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
There has been three Celtic goals and Aberdeen’s unbeaten run is seemingly coming to an end.
But I’m still sitting here thinking about Brendan Rodgers’ wee slip and big landing.
That is the moment of the season so far.
Postpublished at 18:39 Greenwich Mean Time
18:39 GMT
HT: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Kyogo finds the net on his first League Cup appearance of the season.
Stepping up for the big occasion.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates after scoring to make it 2-0 during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
‘Celtic are on easy street’published at 18:37 Greenwich Mean Time
18:37 GMT
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
A Halloween horror show or a Hampden horror show – Aberdeen’s first half performance will give the Dons travelling support nightmares.
It looks like damage limitation is the second half objective.
Celtic have been ruthless, utterly dominant, and to say they are currently on easy street is an understatement.
Postpublished at 18:34 Greenwich Mean Time
18:34 GMT
HT: Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ thumping header was his first Celtic goal since February – a 7-1 win against Dundee.
Vickers headerImage source, SNS
HALF-TIME Celtic 3-0 Aberdeenpublished at 18:31 Greenwich Mean Time
18:31 GMT
A rampant first half from Celtic. A bleak display from Aberdeen.
Goals from Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo and Daizen Maeda look certain to bring Aberdeen’s unbeaten run to an end.
Jimmy Thelin must work his magic once more if the Dons look to pull off an even more spectacular comeback than they executed two weeks ago.
Celtic 3-0 AberdeenImage source, SNS
Taxi for Rodgerspublished at 45 mins
45 mins
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Brendan Rodgers has just decked it!
The Celtic manager enthusiastically hoofs the ball back onto the pitch, but he loses his balance in his pointers and lands on his back.
He gives a cheery wave to the jeering supporters inside Hampden but can’t escape punishment, as he even gets booked. Incredible scenes.
Postpublished at 45 mins
45 mins
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen look completely bewildered.
Celtic are popping the ball about with ease and will penetrate every single gap the Aberdeen defence leaves open for them.
‘Devlin sleeping again’published at 18:25 Greenwich Mean Time
18:25 GMT
Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Devlin didn’t pick up Maeda again and it’s a great finish.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Daizen Maeda scores to make it 3-0 during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
GOAL! Celtic 3-0 Aberdeenpublished at 40 mins
40 mins
Daizen Maeda
Daizen Maeda finds a third for Celtic.
Another lightning quick attack from the Hoops culminates in Nicolas Kuhn sending Maeda in behind Nicky Devlin – who is struggling at the moment against the winger.
Maeda craftily curls his shot inside the post and wheels away in celebration.
Is Aberdeen’s unbeaten run over with a second half still to play?
Celtic GOAL
‘Dons have lost discipline’published at 18:22 Greenwich Mean Time
18:22 GMT
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
They are all over the place Aberdeen.
They have lost their discipline.
Postpublished at 38 mins
38 mins
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen have bodies getting warmed up and Shayden Morris is getting an iPad shoved into his face by a coach.
It looks like Jimmy Thelin is already turning to his bench…
‘So one-sided’published at 18:20 Greenwich Mean Time
18:20 GMT
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
It is hard to see any way back for Aberdeen at the moment.
This has been so one-sided.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 34 mins
34 mins
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen actually have four yellow cards already.
Gavin Molloy was also booked for his late challenge on Nicolas Kuhn in the build-up to Kyogo’s goal.
LIVE stream page 4
YELLOW CARDpublished at 34 mins
34 mins
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Ester Sokler picks up yet another Aberdeen yellow card for an elbow on his man.
‘Magnificent Maeda’published at 18:18 Greenwich Mean Time
18:18 GMT
Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
Maeda does magnificent to nick it, play the one-two and set up Kyogo.
Celtic 2-0 AberdeenImage source, SNS
GOAL! Celtic 2-0 Aberdeenpublished at 32 mins
32 mins
Kyogo
And just like that, Celtic lead by two!
Celtic counter from an Aberdeen corner, with Daizen Maeda racing through on goal after latching onto a smart Nicolas Kuhn through ball.
Maeda does well to hold it up and lay off Kyogo, who emphatically smashes the ball in off the bar.
Celtic GOAL
‘Simple stuff’published at 18:13 Greenwich Mean Time
18:13 GMT
Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Simple is the word.
The ball is in with pace and Carter-Vickers uses his strength and muscle.
Celtic v AberdeenImage source, SNS
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 Aberdeenpublished at 29 mins
29 mins
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic lead at Hampden.
Cameron Carter-Vickers towers over Gavin Molloy to head in at the back post from Arne Engels’ precise delivery.
Celtic GOAL
Postpublished at 29 mins
29 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Determined work from the Celtic frontline earns them a corner on the left-hand side.
Aberdeen looked a little shaky there defending that one.
Arne Engels to take…
YELLOW CARDpublished at 27 mins
27 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen attacker Duk is the latest player in Kevin Clancy’s book.
And no wonder. He scythes down Alistair Johnston with a lunging challenge and rightly deserves his caution.
Duk tackling Alistair Johnston.Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 26 mins
26 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Jamie McGrath comically balloons the free-kick well over the bar.
Terrible free-kick.
‘Harsh’published at 18:09 Greenwich Mean Time
18:09 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
I think that’s a pretty harsh yellow for McGregor.
Making contact with the ball has to count for something.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 26 mins
26 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Celtic captain Callum McGregor is booked for a high boot.
It appears a poor decision, tbh. He makes contact with the ball before his opponent.
Postpublished at 25 mins
25 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Celtic have enjoyed 69% of possession so far.
But right now it is Aberdeen who have a free-kick in a decent position.
Postpublished at 24 mins
24 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
A crucial backheeled interception from Aberdeen defender Gavin Molloy thwarts Daizen Maeda’s through ball intended to find Nicolas Kuhn racing in behind.
Postpublished at 21 mins
21 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
VAR has two quick checks of an incident as Arne Engels goes down in the box while not in possession of the ball.
It did appear that Sivert Heltne Nilsen was in a tussle with the Belgian midfielder.
VAR were also looking at a handball.
Either way, no penalty for Celtic.
Postpublished at 21 mins
21 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Daizen Maeda drills a low cross into the feet of Kyogo who, with a sea of red bodies around him around ten yards out from goal, clumsily touches the ball right out of play.
The Japanese forward pair have been heavily involved so far in Mount Florida.
Rubezic on thin icepublished at 18:03 Greenwich Mean Time
18:03 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
You do wonder if that early Slobodan Rubezic yellow card could come back to haunt him and Aberdeen.
He will have to be very, very careful for the rest of the game, you suspect Celtic will really run at him now.
ouch!
Ouch!published at 19 mins
19 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Ester Sokler, unintentionally, catches Alex Valle in the stomach with an attempted kick of the football there.
Sore one.
Postpublished at 17 mins
17 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Duk is dispossessed and Celtic race forward, with Kyogo’s eventual shot from outside the area blocked wide.
From the resulting corner, McGregor has a unlikely strike from range blocked by Jack MacKenzie.
Rash Rubezicpublished at 17:59 Greenwich Mean Time
17:59 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on Sportsound
Rubezic’s dived in there.
We’ve seen that before and he’s in the book early.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 15 mins
15 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Slobodan Rubezic is the first name in the book.
The centre-back recklessly barrels through Kyogo and swipes the forward’s legs away.
Blatant.
‘Duk’s pace a threat’published at 17:58 Greenwich Mean Time
17:58 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
That intense pace from Duk is a major threat for Celtic.
LIVE stream page 5
Postpublished at 15 mins
15 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Just the one legal shot inside the opening 15 minutes – that being Arne Engels’ poor effort early on.
It’s been a real midfield battle so far, with the winger’s on each side looking the most dangerous.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi (R) and Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath in action during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 14 mins
14 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
A deep set-piece delivery for Aberdeen finds Gavin Molloy at the back post. The defender’s downward header causes trouble for the Hoops, but the offside flag belatedly goes up regardless.
‘Celtic mean business’published at 17:55 Greenwich Mean Time
17:55 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
Celtic have started this game like they mean business.
Aberdeen are struggling to get any sort of foothold.
Celtic 0-0 AberdeenImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 11 mins
11 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
The advancing Arne Engels is unable to keep control of the ball while attempting an ambitious touch while spinning.
Celtic are finding plenty of luck with those vertical clipped passes in between Aberdeen defender. They just need to make them count.
‘Devlin blind-sighted by Maeda’published at 17:53 Greenwich Mean Time
17:53 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
Maeda should score.
He’s probably offside but Nicky Devlin doesn’t see him.
Postpublished at 8 mins
8 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Daizen Maeda sneaks in behind Nicky Devlin to meet a delightful clipped ball over the top by Nicolas Kuhn, but he fails to find the net.
His central, off-balance shot was caught first time by Dimitar Mitov.
The Celtic winger was likely offside, anyhow.
Postpublished at 7 mins
7 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Auston Trusty nearly has his pocket picked by Ester Sokler in a compromising position.
The centre-back took far too long hesitating on the ball on the edge of his own box there.
Any more of that and Aberdeen will punish him.
Postpublished at 6 mins
6 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Aberdeen look very comfortable on the ball – even if they are not seeing a lot of it.
Topi Keskinen there with a tidy little nutmeg on Alex Valle inside his own half is the proof of that.
McGrath man-marking McGregorpublished at 17:48 Greenwich Mean Time
17:48 GMT
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on Sportsound
McGrath is only four or five yards deeper than Sokler.
He has been given the nod to get on McGregor and not allow him space.
Postpublished at 4 mins
4 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Arne Engels bursts through the centre of the park without contest but blazes his effort way, way over from 25 yards out.
Postpublished at 2 mins
2 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Celtic attempt to go short and play the ball into the box with short passes.
It doesn’t pay off. Aberdeen get rid and deal with the second wave with ease.
Postpublished at 2 mins
2 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Slobodan Rubezic body-checks Daizen Maeda while the winger races forward, allowing Celtic an opportunity to whip in a deep free-kick.
KICK-OFFpublished at 1 mins
1 mins
Celtic 0-0 Aberdeen
Finally, after a frustrating delay, Aberdeen get us under way at a boisterous Hampden Park.
This promises to be a classic for the neutral. And good things come to those who (are forced to) wait, right?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath waits as kick off is delayed due to visability during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:43 Greenwich Mean Time
17:43 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on BBC Sportsound
If the VAR officials are not able to see incidents, especially offsides, there is no point in starting.
This is really disappointing.
It is getting better now. We are hopeful that we are about to get under way.
Postpublished at 17:42 Greenwich Mean Time
17:42 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
The guidance from the SFA is telling us the VAR technology can’t track the offside lines due to the smoke.
Postpublished at 17:40 Greenwich Mean Time
17:40 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
We’re now 10 minutes behind.
Never seen anything like this.
Postpublished at 17:38 Greenwich Mean Time
17:38 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Willie Miller
Former Aberdeen captain on Sportsound
If it doesn’t clear, there’s an argument to bring the players inside.
It’s clearing slowly.
Postpublished at 17:35 Greenwich Mean Time
17:35 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
The smoke is not clearing in the slightest.
We might be in for a lengthy wait here.
The players have got the footballs out and pinging passes in an effort to keep fresh.
‘We’re struggling to see’published at 17:34 Greenwich Mean Time
17:34 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on Sportsound
This is really interrupting the start of this.
We are struggling to see through the smoke.
Delay to kick-offpublished at 17:33 Greenwich Mean Time
17:33 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Kick-off is slightly delayed because of the smoke wafting around the ground impairing everyone’s visibility.
Reminder of XIspublished at 17:30 Greenwich Mean Time
17:30 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Celtic XIImage source, SNS
Aberdeen XIImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 17:30 Greenwich Mean Time
17:30 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17.30)
Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden Park
The light show is over, the firework show is over, the teams are out.
The scene is set. Let’s hope the game will match the eye catching pre-match build up.
Another cracker on the cards?published at 17:29 Greenwich Mean Time
17:29 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Leanne Crichton
Former Scotland international on Sportsound
The stadium is packed.
This game has the recipe to be an absolute cracker.
Postpublished at 17:28 Greenwich Mean Time
17:28 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Hampden looks packed. The light show is clearly getting everybody inside the old ground into the right spirit.
An excellent support from both sets of supporters greets the players as they walk out onto the pitch. Both teams don their traditional home kits.
Kick-off is moments away…
Thelin tells Dons to have ‘no regrets’published at 17:26 Greenwich Mean Time
17:26 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin tells BBC Scotland: “If you win, you got to the final, otherwise you are out. It is easy to find the energy.
“Celtic is a really strong team, Brendan is a good coach. We have to be ready. We have nothing to lose today. Two teams who will try the best they can.
“Anything can happen. The most important thing is that we have a strong belief in what we can do. We can only control our performance. We have to stay focused and try our best.
“I don’t think about records. You have to have a strong belief and give it the best shot you can, that’s what we said to the players. No regrets after the game.”
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin arrives ahead of a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Trusty’s pace important for Celtic defence – Rodgerspublished at 17:24 Greenwich Mean Time
17:24 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
On his team selection, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells BBC Scotland: “Liam Scales and Greg Taylor have been brilliant for me, but I just felt Auston Trusty’s bit of pace to match runs is important.
“It’s important we have good physicality and Alex Valle is in a good place having played consistently the past couple of weeks.
“The last game [2-2 with Aberdeen] was good for the neutral. But we got punished for our slackness.
“I’ve been really impressed by Aberdeen. I’m really pleased for them, they’ve made a fantastic start. They’re a big club in this country.”
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Celtic’s Auston Trusty warms up during a Premier Sports Cup semi-final match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden Park, on November 02, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)Image source, SNS
Image caption,
Trusty makes his 10th appearance for the club since joining in August
Postpublished at 17:23 Greenwich Mean Time
17:23 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Kick-off is just over five minutes away at the national stadium.
About time we heard from the managers then, I’d say…
Same again, anyone?published at 17:21 Greenwich Mean Time
17:21 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Great drama unfolded when these two met last month in a top of the table clash for the ages.
The result ensured both teams remained unbeaten domestically, as they still do a fortnight on, and certainly has expectations high for a quality game of fitba’ in Glasgow today.
Feel free to have a wee re-watch of that Premiership classic below.
Media caption,
Highlights: Celtic 2-2 Aberdeen
The road to Hampdenpublished at 17:18 Greenwich Mean Time
17:18 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
While Celtic bypassed the group stage on account of their continental expeditions, Aberdeen have played six fixtures to reach the final four stage.
The Pittodrie side have faced exclusively lower-league opposition en route to the national stadium, scoring 20 and conceding just once (in a 2-1 victory over Airdrieonians).
Brendan Rodgers’ side have undeniably faced the sterner opposition despite playing only twice, taking on Premiership club Hibernian and current Championship leaders Falkirk in the knockout rounds.
32 years and waiting…published at 17:15 Greenwich Mean Time
17:15 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
Celtic have emerged triumphant in their last nine Hampden meetings over Aberdeen – a run that stretches back an incredible 32 years.
Not to be wide, I wasn’t even born then.
You must go back to September 1992 to seek out the Dons’ last victory in Mount Florida over the Glasgow club. Eoin Jess scored the only goal of the game to send Aberdeen to the League Cup final over the Hoops.
Eoin Jess wheels away in delight after breaking the deadlock for AberdeenImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Ten defeats to Celtic at Hampden have succeeded Jess’ 1992 winner for the Reds
Sportsound coverage has startedpublished at 17:12 Greenwich Mean Time
17:12 GMT
Celtic v Aberdeen (17:30)
A reminder that you can tune in to Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland for live commentary of today’s semi-final.
The build-up is already under way, so listen live on BBC Sounds or from the top of this page.