Another Classic Awaits cup Under Hampden’s Lights

Celtic are on the brink of yet another historic achievement as they prepare to face Aberdeen in the 2024/25 Scottish Cup Final under the lights of Hampden Park. Victory would see the Hoops lift the Scottish Cup for a record-extending 43rd time and complete their sixth domestic treble an extraordinary feat in Scottish football.

Brendan Rodgers’ side wrapped up their league campaign with a 1-1 draw against St Mirren last weekend, a match marked more by title celebrations than performance quality. A late equaliser from James Forrest spared Celtic’s blushes on trophy day, but Rodgers will demand a sharper display in Saturday’s showpiece.

Should Callum McGregor lift the oldest national trophy in world football tomorrow, it will also mark Celtic’s seventh Scottish Cup triumph in the last nine seasons a reflection of their domestic dominance.

But standing in their way are Aberdeen, desperate to end a long silverware drought stretching back to 2014. The Dons enjoyed a strong start to the season under Jimmy Thelin, going unbeaten in their first 12 matches and even flirting with a title challenge. However, their form collapsed thereafter, with only 22 points earned from their final 26 league fixtures matching the tally of relegated St Johnstone over that same period.

Despite entering the final on a four match losing run, Aberdeen’s journey to Hampden has been impressive. They dispatched Elgin City, Dunfermline, and Queen’s Park with ease, before edging out Hearts 2-1 in the Semi-Final. Oday Dabbagh has netted three goals in their run to the final.

Celtic, meanwhile, cruised past Kilmarnock (2-1), Raith Rovers (5-0), Hibernian (2-0), and St Johnstone (5-0) to reach this stage, with Daizen Maeda shining brightly. The Japanese forward has scored in every round seven goals in total and has also found the net in all three of Celtic’s visits to Hampden this season.

On paper, Celtic are clear favourites. They’ve won four of five meetings with Aberdeen this season by an aggregate score of 19-4, and haven’t lost to the Dons in any competition since May 2018. In fact, Celtic have won each of their last 11 Scottish Cup Final appearances dating back to 2004.

But Aberdeen can draw confidence from their proud cup history. The Reds have lifted the Scottish Cup seven times, most recently in 1990. They’ve also contested seven finals against Celtic, winning three (1970, 1984, 1990) and losing four (1937, 1954, 1967, 2017). The stage is set for another memorable chapter in this long standing rivalry.

Team news sees Celtic missing Reo Hatate (knee) and Jota (ACL), though changes are expected after last weekend’s underwhelming draw. Rodgers may look to restore several key players from the rotated side that thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 just two weeks ago.

For Aberdeen, Thelin confirmed that only Ester Sokler (leg), Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye), and Vicente Besuijen (groin) are unavailable. Jack MacKenzie, who was struck by debris in last weekend’s match at Tannadice, has trained and is expected to be available.

Don Robertson, making his debut in a Scottish Cup Final, will referee the match, assisted by VAR official Greg Aitken. Weather forecasts predict light rain and a mild 18°C breeze at kickoff.

The stage is set. One side chasing immortality, the other seeking redemption. In cup finals, history offers no guarantees but it promises drama. Hampden Park awaits another classic.