Aberdeen Football Club took a courageous stand last Saturday. Recently, they captured the Scottish Cup in dramatic fashion over Celtic in a final that went to a penalty shoot-out. This win was considered a major upset victory for the team, making their 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory! It put an end to their – Aberdeen’s Dimitar Mitov would go on to be the dragonslayer of the cup upset. He played a huge part in both regular time and shoot-out stops.
Aberdeen’s coach, Jimmy Thelin, celebrated a successful debut season at the helm of the club, while Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, faced the disappointment of having his unbeaten record at the National Stadium come to an end. Celtic had 84 percent of possession that day but they could do nothing with it. Aberdeen’s poised defensive strategies denied their plans.
The Match Overview
What a great display of talent from both teams on the field today! It was Aberdeen’s tactical approach that not only dictated the game, but won it. Thelin’s use of a five-at-the-back formation, used to counteract Celtic’s attacking threats, was our first tactical highlight. Despite Celtic’s possession dominance, they were unable to generate any clear-cut scoring chances.
Aberdeen’s Dante Polvara nearly gave his team the lead, but he missed an opportunity from just a few yards out. Celtic’s Jeffrey Schlupp hit a howitzer, putting a scare into Michigan’s goal, just missing the top corner. When it connected with the crossbar, pandemonium erupted on both sides, players and fans alike.
As the first half wore on it was Celtic who took the lead, Cameron Carter-Vickers guiding the ball home with a diving header. However, the goal was a bit marred by an unfortunate deflection from Aberdeen defender Alfie Dorrington. This erroneous clearance attempt gave Celtic a 1-0 advantage.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
With tensions mounting, Aberdeen pulled even in stunning fashion. Kasper Schmeichel, Celtic’s goalkeeper, made a crucial mistake by palming Shayden Morris’ cross into his own net. This mistake gave Aberdeen the opportunity to make it 1-1 and gave them a new belief that they could win the trophy.
The second half turned into an end-to-end battle as both teams attempted to find the killer goal. Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov had a solid performance between the posts. He then made an incredible save, thwarting Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who was about to finish. Mitov’s display went on to ensure his side was still in the tie as the game headed to penalties.
“They tried to take the extra step from each other and they were so strong in the penalties also, so what can I say?” – Graeme Shinnie
As the referee blew the whistle for full-time, both teams lined up for an edge-of-your-seat roll of penalty kicks to establish who would come out on top.
Penalty Shoot-Out Heroics
In the penalty shoot-out Dimitar Mitov emerged as the hero once more. It was his wonderful curbing of shots, some glaring in opportunity, which closed out the match and brought victory for Aberdeen. Suddenly the pressure increased with every player needing to make their kick. Mitov was cool under pressure, exhibiting key judgment in the throes of crisis.
Celtic, meanwhile, cruised to an unbeaten season and were looking to ensure their historical treble. The loss made the contrast to their dreams more glaring.
“Clearly, while we’re very disappointed, we know that we didn’t play anywhere near the standard needed.” – Brendan Rodgers
Aberdeen’s win is especially special as it is only their second big trophy in the century so far. USL W League Coach Jimmy Thelin thought back on his squad’s journey en route to this historic moment.
Aberdeen’s victory is particularly significant as it marks only their second major trophy of the century. Coach Jimmy Thelin reflected on his team’s journey leading up to this moment.
“All this week we have tried to visualise how we can win this game and create this belief inside the squad and how they compete.” – Jimmy Thelin
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