Aberdeen Stuns Celtic to Claim Scottish Cup Triumph in Penalty Shootout

Aberdeen clinched the Scottish Cup for the first time in 35 years, thanks to a stunning performance by goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, who played a crucial role in their penalty shoot-out victory that dashed Celtic’s hopes of a treble on Saturday.

Mitov showcased his skills by saving penalties from Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston during a surprising 4-3 win on penalties, following a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park.

The Bulgarian’s exceptional saves sharply contrasted with Celtic’s keeper Kasper Schmeichel, who inflicted an 83rd-minute own goal that gave Aberdeen a crucial lifeline.

Schmeichel’s mistake negated an earlier own goal by Aberdeen’s Alfie Dorrington in the first half.

Celtic struck the post on two occasions but were unable to find the decisive goal, leaving McGregor in tears as the shoot-out caused Celtic to miss out on their sixth treble in nine seasons.

This victory marked Aberdeen’s first major trophy since the 2014 Scottish League Cup and capped off Jimmy Thelin’s inaugural season as manager in thrilling fashion.

“We had to dream big. Everyone needed to have faith, and then anything can happen. We dedicated the entire week to visualising victory in this match,” Thelin reflected.

“The players were fatigued and cramping, yet they continued to believe.

“Sometimes luck is necessary, but the work ethic from the players was exceptional.“

Although the Dons had kept pace with Celtic in their first 11 games of the Scottish Premiership season, their form dramatically plummeted as they finished fifth, suffering defeats in their last five matches.

Previously, they had conceded 19 goals in their last five encounters with Celtic, who were strong favourites to add another trophy to their Scottish title and Scottish League Cup victories.

“We didn’t reach the standard required,” remarked Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers following the first final defeat of his managerial career.

“Aberdeen defended well, making it challenging for us. To be fair, it was more about our own shortcomings. We didn’t rise to the necessary level.

“We have no excuses; we simply didn’t do enough in the match. There’s no one else to blame.”

Celtic made the breakthrough in the 39th minute when Cameron Carter-Vickers met Arne Engels’ corner with a header that deflected off Dorrington’s shoulder and into the net via the post.

Daizen Maeda later missed a header, while Engels hit the post from 18 yards as Celtic searched for a second goal.

However, Aberdeen refused to back down, and a misplaced pass from Paulo Bernardo in the 83rd minute proved detrimental for Celtic.

Shayden Morris sent in a low cross, but Schmeichel mishandled it and inadvertently scored an own goal under absolutely no pressure in a shocking blunder.

Dons substitute Dante Polvara volleyed just above the bar from 12 yards, and Pape Habib Gueye’s shot was directed straight at Schmeichel during a nerve-wracking extra-time period.

Though Celtic’s Jeffrey Schlupp hit the crossbar from long range, Aberdeen stood their ground before Mitov ensured their second major trophy of this century was secured.