Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic showed their determination as they beat Aberdeen 3-2 on a cold night at Pittodrie. Despite being 2-0 up within twenty minutes thanks to Jota and O’Riley, Celtic found themselves pegged back as the Dons pulled themselves back on level terms with two goals in two minutes.
Despite the typical European-style double-tap of conceding twice, Celtic were able to respond instantly through Jota.
9th February 2022, Aberdeen 2:3 Celtic.
Jota(2) and O’Riley. @mattoriley8 pic.twitter.com/IEvIgqL2Jf
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe785) February 9, 2024
Jota opened the scoring after a cross from Matt O’Riley found him at the back post. The Englishman then notched one for himself with a strike that deflected off David Bates and into the net. Celtic were dominant but didn’t create as much as they would like, perhaps due to the way that Aberdeen set up.
Aberdeen made changes at half-time and sought to get themselves back into the game, especially after they were booed from the pitch. Aberdeen’s No.9 Christian Ramirez struck after a well-worked manoeuvre from Stephen Glass’ side. The striker peeled away from the Celtic defenders before smashing the ball into the goal from close range. Shortly afterwards, Lewis Ferguson headed the Dons level. McCrorie was fouled by Jota which allowed a free-kick to be swung into Celtic’s box and Ferguson to notch his seventh goal against the club.
Just moments after the Dons struck level, Jota struck a half volley beyond Woods to send the Celtic End into wild celebrations. Postecoglou’s side were then able to see out the game confidently, despite the brief spell of Aberdeen pressure.
It would be a huge win for Celtic on the way to the title, especially as Rangers fans were celebrating the Aberdeen equaliser only to quickly become subdued due to Jota’s eventual winner.
