Aberdeen 3-3 Celtic (AET) 5-6 pens: Holders progress to Scottish Cup final after Hampden classic

Celtic eventually prevailed on penalties after a six-goal Hampden classic as the holders progressed to their 60th Scottish Cup final and left Aberdeen heartbroken.

However, Hart made amends by saving Killian Phillips’ effort and Celtic will now face either Hearts or Rangers next month as they look to lift the oldest trophy in football for a record-extending 42nd time.

The incredible finale was befitting of an epic tie in which Aberdeen twice scored last-gasp levellers.

Angus MacDonald’s 119th-minute header appeared to have completed a remarkable redemption arc after the stand-in captain’s howler gifted Celtic’s equaliser to Nicolas Kuhn in the first half.

Aberdeen – led by interim manager Peter Leven – had taken a surprise lead after two minutes when Bojan Miovski capitalised on a sleeping defence.

Celtic were much improved in the second half and substitute James Forrest thought his curled finish had booked their spot in the final in normal time, but Ester Sokler’s dramatic header in the 90th minute forced extra time.

Matt O’Riley’s composed rocket restored Celtic’s lead but there was plenty more drama to come before the astonishing tie was finally settled and Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten Hampden record continued.

The pre-match chat was dictated by how Aberdeen would stop Celtic. Don’t allow the league leaders to control. Don’t allow them to score early. Aberdeen did that, and gave them a taste of their medicine.

Leighton Clarkson, deployed slightly higher in the Aberdeen attack, wiped the Celtic defence out in one delicious attack, and Miovski curled the ball around Hart to shock the green and white hordes in the Hampden sun.

Kyogo stung Kelle Roos’ palms in response before the calamitous equaliser came.

Much was made of captain Graeme Shinnie’s absence, with MacDonald donning the armband in his place. There was no calmness on show when the ball got stuck beneath his feet and Kyogo robbed it.

Stefan Gartenmann slid in to deny the Japan international a shot of his own, but it acted as the perfect lay-off for Kuhn to roll into an unguarded net.

Gartenmann was one brilliant block away from restoring Aberdeen’s lead as Clarkson’s free-kick deceived all and was met by the Dane at the back post, but Hart rushed out to save.

In a stop-start first half, VAR mulled over a Liam Scales handball, but judged the incident to be outside of the box.

There was a feeling Celtic would not be so far off it after the break and, indeed, they looked much more menacing.

Despite only being on the pitch a matter of moments, Forrest sent a powerful warning shot before his precise goal tucked into the bottom corner beneath Roos.

It seemed that goal would prove the difference as Celtic were in cruise control, but Aberdeen’s substitutes prompted a late rally. Junior Hoilett fluffed his lines on a frantic counter-attack before Cameron Carter-Vickers incredibly denied him with a goalline block.

However, the Canada international got his angles all right to tee up Sokler in the 89th minute for just his third goal in red to send the tie into extra time.

O’Riley had been quiet by the high standards he’s set this season, but when presented with a moment to shine, he slammed into the top corner.

Aberdeen once more believed they had a shot at restoring parity when Hoilett hit the deck in the box and referee Don Robertson seemed to point to the spot. After mass confusion, no penalty was awarded as VAR spotted a foul in the build-up on Alistair Johnston.

But Aberdeen were not down and out, yet. MacDonald towered at a crowded back post to head down deep in extra time and force penalties.

It proved to be a stretch to far, though. On-loan Crystal Palace midfielder Phillips was the unfortunate player to miss at the crucial moment in a shootout dominated by Hart’s confidence and ultimate contribution.

Player of the match – Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)

Cruel defeat for Aberdeen as Celtic old guard come up trumps – analysis

Wow. What a game. One that will be talked about for decades. An astonishing affair from start to end.

Miovski’s magnificent opener feels as long ago as last season. The North Macedonia forward was much missed late in the day after he hirpled off, as he had Carter-Vickers in a spin.

The Dons were a thorn in Celtic’s side. They did not quit. That’s perhaps one of the most telling takeaways from a storied day. There was a fight and hunger in Leven’s side that has not always been there throughout the campaign. Maybe if it had been, they wouldn’t now only be focusing on their bottom-six games to come.

Rodgers said recently this is the part of the season where Celtic come alive. It took them a while to appear awake but ultimately they were wide-eyed when it mattered.

A gruelling afternoon for a side still in the hunt for the league and cup double, and it was the old guard yet again who turned up trumps.

Hart turned 37 on Friday. He could have scored the decisive penalty at Hampden, instead he made the pivotal save.

The introduction of Forrest was also key. It’s now eight goals and 10 assists now against Aberdeen. Thirteen goals for Celtic at the national stadium. He’s bearing down on matching Billy McNeill’s trophy tally with the club too.

Rodgers said he is still Celtic’s best winger. Moments of magic like he produced here proved he can still deliver on the big stage.

What they said

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: “I thought the boys gave everything. It’s a sickener at the end – penalties are a bit of a lottery – but we went toe-to-toe at times with Celtic.

“We had two academy graduates stepping up taking penalties – I’m proud of them as well. I thought they gave everything, I’ve said to them that’s the benchmark to end the season.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “What a game for neutrals watching, but great spirit and credit both teams. I need a therapy session. Aberdeen did fantastic, nothing to lose and came and played really well.

“We weren’t tight enough in our positioning and they were quite bright in midfield and combined well to get through.”