By Callum McFadden at Hampden Park.
Celtic 1–1 Aberdeen (Aberdeen win 4-3 on penalties)
Jimmy Thelin and his Aberdeen side etched their name into Scottish football folklore with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Celtic to lift the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990. In a tense final at Hampden Park, Jimmy Thelin’s side displayed resilience, tactical discipline, and nerve to end a 35-year wait for silverware.
The opening stages of the match were as cagey as they come. Neither side registered a shot on or off target in the first 28 minutes, underlining the cautious approach that defined the early exchanges. Aberdeen, well-drilled in a compact 5-3-2 formation, conceded possession to Celtic but successfully stifled their attacking threats.
The first real chance came via Celtic fullback Greg Taylor, who unleashed a powerful effort from 25 yards after being set up by Nicholas Kuhn. The shot had power but lacked precision, flying over the bar.
Despite Aberdeen’s discipline, their resistance was broken five minutes before the break. Arne Engels delivered a pinpoint corner that found Cameron Carter-Vickers, whose towering header gave Celtic a 1-0 lead. The goal was a cruel blow for a Dons side that had executed their defensive strategy to near-perfection until that moment.
Tensions flared just before halftime when Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie clashed with Carter-Vickers off the ball. Both players received yellow cards in what was a fiery end to the half.
The second half followed a familiar pattern with Celtic dominating the ball, but Aberdeen holding firm. The Dons carved out their best chance of normal time just after the hour mark when Leighton Clarkson’s free-kick was flicked narrowly over the bar by Kevin Nisbet.
Celtic came inches from doubling their lead shortly after, when Engels struck the post with a thunderous effort from the edge of the area. Taylor also tested Aberdeen goalkeeper Mitov again in the 73rd minute, forcing a brilliant save from a half-volley on the edge of the box.
But just when it looked like Celtic would grind out a narrow win, Aberdeen struck. In the 83rd minute, substitute Shayden Morris fired in a low cross that Kasper Schmeichel mishandled, punching it into his own net to level the score and send the Red Army into raptures.
Neither side could find a winner in the seven minutes of added time, though Celtic came closest through Daizen Maeda, whose low shot was heroically blocked by Mitov after going one-on-one with the Aberdeen keeper.
In extra time, Aberdeen grew in confidence. Dante Polvara’s stunning volley early in the second half of extra time nearly gave them the lead, while Celtic continued to push but looked increasingly out of ideas. Their best chance came when Jeffrey Schlupp rattled the crossbar with a fierce drive from distance.
And so, to penalties. Aberdeen showed remarkable composure, converting every one of their spot kicks. Celtic, by contrast, faltered. Captain Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston both missed, sealing Aberdeen’s historic victory.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for Jimmy Thelin, who guided his side to a famous win with tactical acumen and belief. The victory not only ended Aberdeen’s long wait for silverware but also signalled a new era under their Swedish manager.
The scenes at Hampden at full-time were of unfiltered jubilation. For the Dons faithful, it was more than a cup win — it was a moment that has been 35 years in the making.
ABERDEEN HAVE WON THE SCOTTISH CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1990. pic.twitter.com/PcjDt9HZ8T
— Callum McFadden (@Callum7McFadden) May 24, 2025
WFi Player of the Match: Dimitar Mitov – for his crucial saves in regulation and extra time, and his commanding presence in the shootout.
Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin (MacKenzie, 90), Milne (Tobers, 94), Knoester, Dorrington (Morris, 79), Jensen, Shinnie, Clarkson (Polvara, 79), Palaversa, Keskinen (Gueye, 57), Nisbet (Dabbagh, 79).
Substitutes: Doohan, MacKenzie, Polvara, Dabbagh, Gueye, Morris, Tobers, Boyd.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Engels (McCowan, 65), Bernardo (Schlupp, 99), Kuhn (Forrest, 65, (Kenny, 96), Idah (Yang, 65), Maeda.
Substitutes: Sinisalo, Trusty, Yang, McCowan, Schlupp, Kenny, Forrest, Ralston.
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