The Ultimate Fairytale: A Celtic-Aberdeen Match Report

Saturday May 27th: Scottish Cup Final; Celtic 2 (Armstrong 11', Rogic 90') Aberdeen 1 (Hayes 9')

Celtic won the treble for only the fourth time in our history in the most dramatic of circumstances, with Tom Rogic scoring the winner in injury time, to set up scenes of wild celebrations.

As expected, Brendan Rodgers kept faith with Leigh Griffiths up-front, with Moussa Dembele on the bench. The rest of the team picked itself with Callum McGregor starting in place of Tom Rogic.

Celtic started the game quite tentatively, and it was no surprise when Aberdeen took the lead in the 9th minute, a combination of a good Aberdeen routine from a corner and bad Celtic defending allowing Jonny Hayes to ram the ball into the net from close range.

Thankfully the lead only lasted under two minutes, as Celtic quickly equalised with a trademark shot from outside the box by Stuart Armstrong, 1-1 and an exciting start to the cup final (1-1).

Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images

Celtic were then disrupted by the loss of Kieran Tierney following an incident with Jayden Stockley, who caught Tierney with an elbow to the face. Referee Bobby 'eccentric' Madden deemed it not to be a deliberate elbow, judge for yourself here.

As we had no natural left-back on the bench, Callum McGregor was forced into that position as Tom Rogic came on and moved into the midfield. Celtic continued to find the going tough, and didn't create a chance of note until the fifth minute of injury time, when a great cross from Griffiths found Sinclair six yards out but he blazed over when he really should have scored.

Celtic started the second half brightly, as a Sinclair pass put Griffiths through, but his shot was deflected just wide of goal. Not long after this Rogic put Sinclair through but he was unable to score after rounding Joe Lewis, the keeper making the save.

Then came perhaps the moment that changed the game, Callum McGregor lost possession to Jonny Hayes and with Aberdeen in a great position to score his pass was just behind Kenny McLean who lost his footing and was unable to finish into the empty net. A huge escape for Celtic.

Celtic's next good chance fell to Patrick Roberts, whose shot was just tipped onto the outside of the post by Lewis. From the resulting corner Lustig should have done better than hit the side netting with Lewis nowhere.

The next chance was created by a Leigh Griffiths corner, but Boyata sent his header over the bar when he really should have hit the target.

The game then swung from end to end, Shinnie forcing a good save from Gordon and Lewis denying Griffiths.

Celtic took control once again and a brilliant Griffiths cross put the ball on a plate - again - for Sinclair, but he was unable to get a clean effort on goal and Lewis again made the save.

As the game ticked towards extra time, there was howls of anguish when Sinclair blazed over when well placed to score. Would it be one of those days?

Tom Rogic had other ideas, and in the 92nd minute, he went on a mazy run, moved away from O'Connor, found space in the box and fired the ball under Lewis. 2-1 to Celtic and sheer bedlam in the stadium, as Rogic ran into the fans to celebrate the winning goal (2-1).

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

The after-match celebrations were a sight to behold, and players and fans jointly celebrated a unique achievement - the invincible treble. Kieran Tierney was to the fore in the jubilation as he returned to celebrate after his injury. Thanks to the players and management at Celtic for such an outstanding season, the likes of which will never be repeated. Treasure these days, Celtic fans, they don't come around too often.