Make absolutely no mistake and do not underplay this achievement, Celtic have reached an eighth consecutive cup final. The consistency to constantly churn out victories in one off game is unbelievable and we are now just one game, against Championship Hearts, away from a quadruple treble. Drink it in – these days will never happen again.
The game started with Celtic in the ascendancy, looking back to their very best. It was the culmination of improved performances over Aberdeen and Lille, leading into this match. 4-2-3-1 is a much more suitable shape for us and getting Rogic in the starting line up, as well as Christie, is very productive.
The two combined fantastically for Celtic’s opener, when Christie unleashed a strike that will surely be a contender for goal of the season. Receiving the ball from Rogic on the right hand side, Christie took a touch on his left foot and curled the ball into the far top corner from 25 yards. Stunning stuff.
Celtic should already have been ahead in truth. Laxalt had zipped a pass into Christie, whose first time lay off put Edouard clean through. The Frenchman sidefooted his shot straight at the keeper and then scuffed his second attempt at the rebound. Fortunately the aforementioned goal from Christie meant that Celtic weren’t left to rue the missed opportunity.
After taking the lead, Celtic gained in confidence. There were spills of magnificent one touch football and Elyounoussi delivered a fantastic cross for Chrstie at the back post, however the Scotsman appeared not to anticipate the ball coming his way on that occasion. It wasn’t a sitter, but was certainly a decent chance.
The second goal wasn’t too long in coming. Edouard fed Rogic on the left, slightly overhitting his pass, but despite being forced wide the Australian produced a magnificent first time cross on the stretch, which Elyounoussi volleyed home from under the crossbar.
It was delightful football from the champions.
The second half was a lot more subdued as Celtic dropped off. They never looked in any danger, but didn’t have the same intensity. Players started to tire, especially Edouard and Elyounoussi, who were replaced by Ajeti and Griffiths as Lennon switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Elhamed made a welcome return to the side as part of the substitutions required to make the shape work, replacing Christie.
Frimpong and Laxalt both played very well throughout, but showed their worth in the second half by getting us up the pitch with their pace turning defence into attack. Frimpong also made a crucial block from inside the six yard box as Aberdeen squandered their only real opportunity of getting something from the game. It was young Frimpong who also roasted his opposite number at various times, driving at speed, weaving one way then the other. This produced a number of crosses, which would have suited a poacher such as Ajeti or Griffiths, but Edouard didn’t take that gamble to get on the end of things.
Celtic’s best opportunities of the second half fell to Elyounoussi and Griffiths. The former had acres of space to go on his left foot and hit a shot, but opted to cut inside and was crowded out. Meanwhile, Griffiths got himself into a great position, but Frimpong’s pass to him was slightly under hit, enabling defenders to get back.
Overall it was a good, professional performance. Both full backs were terrific, Tom Rogic was outstanding and Christie played well. The shape and personnel look top quality, now it’s time to kick on in the league, after a good performance against Sparta Prague on Thursday.
But for now let’s enjoy the moment – the quadruple treble is on and that’s an astonishing feat.
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