Rodgers stated later that his crew had been too protected, lacked pace, slickness, precision and persona. What in addition they lacked was the wit of Reo Hatate and Jota.
They weren’t themselves, however even nonetheless they hit the Aberdeen woodwork twice and failed with a wonderful one-on-one when Dimitar Mitov, a hero on a day of heroes, saved from Daizen Maeda seven minutes from the tip of ethical time.
Celtic had 21 pictures to Aberdeen’s 5, 81.5% possession to Aberdeen’s 18.5%, 15 corners to Aberdeen’s 4.
None of it meant something, not when Thelin’s defence was within the temper to defend with their final breath. You misplaced depend of the variety of blocks they’d, every one chipping away at Celtic’s karma.
It wasn’t alleged to be like this – and it hardly ever is. Celtic hadn’t misplaced to Aberdeen in 30 matches.
Having conceded an unfortunate aim, the Dons then scored certainly one of their very own. Two personal objectives mirrored the flawed, madcap nature of this closing.
There was little form, little rhythm, little accuracy. There was chaos, there have been our bodies colliding, gamers on the ground, coaches going bonkers.
In chunks, it was like an under-eights recreation. All people operating about with abandon. And it was arduous to take your eyes off it.
When it went to penalties, the chances had been nonetheless stacked in Celtic’s favour. They do not thoughts a penalty shoot-out at Hampden. They’ve gained a pair in current instances. Even at that late stage, they had been favourites to tug off the treble.
Then Mitov saved from Callum McGregor and every thing modified. Celtic’s good chief laid low. Their aura not the identical anymore.
One after the other the Aberdeen males held their nerve, not simply scoring however rifling of their penalties with an authority. Kasper Schmeichel, on a grim day, went the fallacious means for the primary three of them.
Mitov was the person in the long run. In current months he is been criticised for a number of the weaknesses in his recreation, however he is an immortal now, together with the remainder of them.
Open prime bus tour now. European soccer to return. Hope the place earlier than there was dread. The phoenix has risen from the flames. And the celebration will final some time.
