Football | Aberdeen beat Celtic on penalties

A dramatic Saturday afternoon at Hampden Park

Aberdeen beat Celtic 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw

Author | Sean M

Aberdeen claimed their first Scottish Cup triumph in 35 years in dramatic fashion, as Dimitar Mitov's heroics in a penalty shootout denied Celtic a domestic treble at Hampden Park.

Brendan Rodgers’ side, heavy favourites going into the final, looked to be cruising after Alfie Dorrington inadvertently turned the ball into his own net shortly before the break, giving the holders a slender lead and a sense of control.

But Aberdeen, resolute and undeterred, stayed in the contest and found their breakthrough on 83 minutes. A dangerous cross from substitute Shayden Morris caused chaos in the Celtic box, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel turning the ball into his own net under minimal pressure — a bizarre moment that shifted the momentum entirely.

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From there, the final took on an air of unpredictability. Mitov saved Celtic captain Callum McGregor’s opening penalty, and Aberdeen responded with four emphatic spot-kicks. When Mitov dived low to keep out Alistair Johnston’s effort, Aberdeen’s place in history was sealed.

The victory not only delivers silverware in Jimmy Thelin’s first season in charge but also secures European football at Pittodrie into the autumn, a fitting reward at the end of a turbulent but ultimately unforgettable campaign.

A turning point for Aberdeen and for Scottish football?

Aberdeen fans made the journey more in hope than expectation. Hope of an historic upset. Failing that, hope of a performance worthy of pride. They earned far more than just respect.

They pulled off one of the most remarkable victories in the club’s recent history. For a team written off by almost everyone, this was seismic. 

Few believed Aberdeen could take it to penalties, let alone win. But they rose to the occasion on Scottish football’s biggest stage and silenced the doubters. 

When they equalised, a Scottish Cup triumph suddenly felt possible. The team’s resilience and fight stood in sharp contrast to the predictions that had dismissed their chances. 

On the morning of the final, Sir Alex Ferguson, the club’s greatest ever manager, sent a message of encouragement to the squad, calling on them to channel the spirit of the Aberdeen sides that once conquered Glasgow. 

 Under Jimmy Thelin, the approach was simple at first: keep things tight, frustrate the opposition, and see where it might lead. What followed will be remembered for years to come by the travelling support. A famous day in the history of Aberdeen Football Club.