Celtic made history as they secured a world record eighth Treble with victory over Inverness Caley in the Scottish Cup Final.
It’s been a season to remember for Celtic. A Viaplay Cup win over rivals Rangers started the trophy haul back in February. Their Premiership crown then shortly followed before heading into today’s duel in the sun. And in the Hampden heat Ange Postecolgou’s men grabbed that all important piece of silverware.
The Hoops had to overcome a dogged Caley side. But the newly crowned champions showed their quality on the half hour mark as Kyogo Furuhashi nipped in to smash his side in front sending three quarters of the national stadium wild.
Into the second half the ‘We Never Stop’ mantra helped kill off the contest. A trade mark quick free-kick found Jota who slid through Callum McGregor, the captain burst into the box teeing up Abada to double his side’s lead and put Celtic on their way.
Caley inflicted a minor scare when Daniel MacKay pounced to fire a header past Joe Hart. But Celtic ensured there was no comeback when Jota got on the end of a Liel Abada cross to seal the historic win.
James Forrest came on to get another taste of Hampden success ahead of his testimonial match.
The full time whistle sparked huge celebrations as Celtic’s fifth treble in seven years was confirmed. Here’s how we rated the Hoops Hampden heroes:
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Joe Hart – 6
Very little to do as Inverness failed to provide a threat.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Only been at the club since January and already has a Treble. Another top acquisition from Postecoglou. The Canadian showed his power and pace going forward once again.
Carl Starfelt – 7
A vital cog in the wheel. Although missing his partner in crime Carter-Vickers. Consistent as ever. The Swede has earned his three winners medals this season.
Tomoki Iwata – 7
Played a utility role for much of the season slotting into defence again. Kept things simple. You feel there is more to come from the J-League star next season.
Greg Taylor – 8
Bombed up and down all day. Showed terrific energy and desire. Wanted this treble and deserved it.
Callum McGregor – 9
Once a key element of the Rodgers trebles now leading Postecoglou to his first. Of the eight trebles one by the club, Cal Mac has been involved in five of them. Burst forward to tee up the killer second. Outstanding from the midfielder who makes this team tick.
Reo Hatate – 8
Struggled to make an impact in the early stages but as Celtic found their groove the midfield maestro bossed it. A top class signing for Postecoglou.
Matt O’Riley – 8
Celtic needed a spark and O’Riley provided it. His darting run into the box found Kyogo. Another assist for another huge Postecoglou signing.
Jota – 8
Celtic’s Hampden hero last time out struggled to make an impact today. Passed up a huge chance to open the scoring before Kyogo stepped up. Showed glimpses of magic. Slotted home the killer third when Caley threatened a comeback. Another key element of a side that has conquered all this season.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Returned from suspension to slot into the side. Always a threat but a quieter game. Unlucky to be subbed at half time.
Kyogo Furuhashi – 9
It had to be him. After netting a double in his previous two Hampden finals, Kyogo burst the net for the 34th time this season to break the deadlock. The Japan star has made himself a legend in just two seasons at Parkhead, with five trophies in the bag, including this all important treble.
Liel Abada – 7
The Israeli was given a Cup Final chance for the second 45. Snuck into the box to fire home Celtic’s second and wrap up the Scottish Cup and the treble. Stood up a perfect cross for Jota to fire home the third.
Oh – 4
Brought on in the hour mark for goal hero Kyogo. Offered a different dimension to attack.
David Turnbull – 4
Came on to taste Scottish Cup Final success as the clock ticked towards full time.
Sead Hakšabanović – 4
Handed an opportunity for the final moments as he replaced O’Riley as Celtic showed their squad strength.
James Forrest – 4
A nice moment as Forrest got to a taste of another treble display. Subbed on in the dying minutes at the twilight of his time in Glasgow.
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