CELTIC 2 ABERDEEN 0
CELTIC are on the brink of immortality after a masterclass against the Dons to take them through to a Scottish Cup Final appearance against Hearts on December 20.
The Hoops are now 90 minutes away from their TWELFTH successive domestic honour during a stupendous reign of domination of Scottish football.
A victory against the Tynecastle outfit will bring the club a phenomenal quadruple treble which is an achievement which is simply breathtaking.
Two special strikes from Ryan Christie and Mohamed Elyounoussi kicked off the celebration party as the juggernaut rolled on at a rain-lashed nstionsl stadium against a stubborn Pittodrie outfit.
Derek McInnes’ battlers, who contested every ball and never gave an inch, were undone by two magical moments as the Parkhead men got what they deserved. It was the Hoops’ first win in five games, but it was well worth the wait.
SMILES BETTER…Ryan Christie celebrates his devastating goal.
One of the most sensational goals to ever grace Hampden saw Celtic seize the advantage in the 18th minute.
The Hoops had possession for almost one and a half minutes following Scott Bain rolling the ball to the impressive Nir Bitton. He switched it inside to Scott Brown who knocked it back to the Israeli international.
He moved it inside to Shane Duffy who brought Brown back into play with a short pass and he shifted it to Christie who in turn passed to Bitton again who was edging down the left wing.
He touched it to Diego Laxalt who brought Elyounoussi into play. The Norwegian transferred it to Edouard who gave it back to his team-mate. Once more Brown played a part as he accepted a pass and shifted it back to Bitton. It moved through Brown to Callum McGregor and onto Jeremie Frimpong, back to the skipper who switched it out to the right to Christie.
He played it inside for Tom Rogic, raced into a fabulous position and accepted the return pass from the Aussie maestro.
With the Dons simply bewildered at the pace and movement of their opponents, the playmaker took a touch and from 25 yards sent a wicked arcing left-foot effort high past the stranded Joe Lewis into the top right-hand corner of the net.
It was an utterly stunning goal as the Hoops celebrated with great joy – and rightly so.
WHAM…Mohamed Elyounoussi thumps in the secnd goal from close range.
HAMPDEN HERO…Elyounoussi turns away in delight.
JOY BHOYS…Jeremie Frimpong joined in Elyounoussi’s celebrations.
Five minutes later, there were more massive smiles from the holders as they netted another wonderful goal as they once again carved open the Dons rearguard.
Edouard sent Rogic clear on the left and, from the tightest of angles, he managed to chip the ball to the back post. Keeper Lewis was stranded and Andy Conisidine was caught in two minds.
Elyounoussi raced in and from practically under the crossbar volleyed the ball into the roof of the net.
The Celts cavorted in sheer delight and they knew the Halls of Fame were awaiting their presence.
In the 25th minute, Laxalt, determined to savour a success as a Hoops player, came thundering into attack to accept a pass from Frimpong, but the on-loan AC Milan defender’s elevation was out and his delivery flew over the top.
GRIN BONUS…Diego Laxalt prepares for his first Celtic win.
Five minutes from the interval, Edouard sent a free-kick on target, but Lewis was right in line to make the save.
In the 49th minute, Ross McCrorie blocked a close-range drive from Elyounoussi after some smart work down the right, but, at the other end, Bain had to make sure he was concentrating when Sam Cosgrove sent in a snap shot after Bitton had diverted a Scott Wright effort.
In the 73rd minute, Lennon made a triple substitution with Leigh Griffiths, Albian Ajeti and Hatem Abd Elhamed coming on for Edouard, Eyounoussi and Christie.
Two minutes later. Frimpong was alert in a crowded penalty area to block a shot from Matty Kennedy.
Six minutes from time, Oliver Ntcham was sent on for the tiring Rogic who had proved yet again he is the man for the big occasion.
In the end, Celtic played it out as they booked their place in the Final showdown with Hearts next month – and truly astounding history awaits.
You wouldn’t bet against them.
TEAM: Bain; Frimpong, Duffy, Bitton, Laxalt; Brown, Christie (sub: Elhamed 73), Rogic (sub: Ntcham 84), McGregor; Edouard (sub: Griffiths 73), Elyounoussi (sub: Ajeti 73).
