Scottish League Cup semi-final
Saturday, November 2
Hampden Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…6

(Carter-Vickers 29, Kyogo 32, Maeda 40, 49 & 85, Kühn 59)

ABERDEEN…0

The Celts are through to the final of the Scottish League Cup after a simply sensational 6-0 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden Park thanks to goals from Cameron Carter-Vickers, Kyogo, Nicolas Kühn and a hat-trick from Daizen Maeda.

Celtic had the better of the play in the opening stages of the match, and it was clear to see that Brendan Rodgers’ pre-match call for speed in attack and a composure at all times had been realised.

The weather conditions at Hampden took a turn for the worse within the first 20 minutes of the match as the heavens opened, causing the pitch to become faster and slicker, which, in truth, suited the Celts.

Just before the half-hour mark, the Hoops took a deserved lead as Cameron Carter-Vickers, only recently back from injury, bulleted a header in to the net in front of the travelling Aberdeen supporters from Arne Engels’ pinpoint corner-kick.

Less than three minutes later, Kyogo doubled Celtic’s advantage after a blistering counter-attack. The combination of Nicolas Kühn's passing ability and Daizen Maeda's pace and determination resulted in Daizen, after winning a footrace in typical style, squaring the ball to Kyogo in the penalty area.

The Japanese striker needed no further invitation as he smashed his shot in off the underside of the bar to give the Celts some breathing space.

The speed of the playing surface seemed to benefit Brendan Rodgers’ side massively, and in the 40th minute, the Hoops stormed forward through the rain at a speed of knots once again and took a three-goal lead.

This time, Kyogo’s hard work was enough to deliver the ball to Nicolas Kühn, who, in turn, slipped it through to Maeda in the box.

Maeda was classy and composed as he stroked the ball past Mitov to make it 3-0 and give Aberdeen a mountain to climb.

Delighted with what they were witnessing from their heroes in green and white, the massive Celtic support inside Hampden was rousing in its rendition of Piling on the Agony as the Hoops continued to put on the style.

As well as being devastating in attack, the work-rate of the Celts in defence was equally as impressive, leaving the Aberdeen attack scratching their heads questioning how they could possibly claw their way back in to the match.

Celts show their class as Maeda hits hat-trick in 6-0 win