Aberdeen 3 Celtic 3 (5-6 pens): Instant reaction to burning issues

However, their lead lasted a little under 20 minutes as a mistake at the back eventually saw Nicolas Kuhn score a rebound into an empty net.

James Forrest thought he was the match-winner mid-way through the second half with a lovely placed finish. That was until Ester Sokler scored in the dying moments to force extra-time.

Up stepped Matt O’Riley for his 14th of the season to make it three for the Hoops, but once again Aberdeen responded, as Angus MacDonald atoned for his previous error.

It was Celtic who prevailed on spot kicks, and they’ll return to the national stadium again next month. Here are the five main takeaways from the showpiece event.

League & cup double is ON

On a warm summer’s afternoon in August last year, Brendan Rodgers’ perfect domestic cup record in Scotland came to an end. Marley Watkins scored the only goal of the game at a sun-kissed Rugby Park, as Kilmarnock deservedly knocked the League Cup holders out at the last-16 stage. For Rodgers, he’d never experienced defeat to a Scottish team in either cup. It was an unknown feeling for the Northern Irishman, something he would not have anticipated at such an early stage of the competition. It’s safe to say that provoked clear motivation for the head coach, and in turn, his players as they tackled the Scottish Cup this term. It may not have been pretty, but they got the job done. They will take on the winners of Rangers or Hearts in the showpiece final on Saturday, May 25.

Brendan’s perfect record intact

One record that has remained for Rodgers is his perfect results at Hampden. He’s guided Celtic back to another cup final, having never been beaten at the national stadium. It was a treat for the neutral with a pulsating 2-2 stalemate in normal time. But in extra time, the champions stamped their authority and managed to overpower their rivals in Mount Florida only for MacDonald to level at the death and force penalties. Rodgers will be hoping Hampden remains a happy hunting ground for his team next month when they take to the same stage for the Scottish Cup final – the one that really does count for everything. He won’t have been happy with some of the defending at all three of Aberdeen’s goals, with his defenders backing off constantly, but in cup football, the performance doesn’t matter, the result is all that counts.

Quickfire start from the Dons

Aberdeen needed to make their presence felt at Hampden as early as possible. A marker was required to be laid down. Thanks to Leighton Clarkson and Miovski, stand-in boss Peter Leven got exactly that from his side. The last thing Aberdeen wanted was to lose an early goal, which would’ve undoubtedly taken the wind from their sails and brought back the familiar feelings of despair this season. What they did need though, was Miovski going clean through on goal, one-on-one with Hart. The North Macedonian was slipped in behind Celtic thanks to an inch-perfect Clarkson pass. He rarely misses in those situations, and you’d have been silly to bet against him here. The No.9 slotted under Hart, who did make contact with the ball, but the keeper could not prevent the goal, as the ball sailed into the net. If Aberdeen were to have a chance in this semi, an early goal was the perfect way to set the tone. Given how dismal their domestic campaign has been, it was surprising to see, but nevertheless, deserved and certainly gave us a game well worth tuning into.

What an impact from Forrest

One of my esteemed colleagues wrote a piece during the week touting the 32-year-old to make the difference for Rodgers’ side this weekend. I think I’ll be asking for the lottery numbers from him. After mere seconds on the park, the one-time Scotland international made the desired impact off the bench. He replaced the unproductive Yang, who once again looked lost in a Hoops jersey. While the South Korean has youth on his side, and of course, there is still hope for him yet, Forrest is at the other end of the scale. This was just his 23 appearances of the season, with the vast majority of them coming off the bench. He had three goals this term prior to this one, which took his total haul for the club up to 106. And you could see the confidence oozing out of the Prestwick-born player after his strike. He was cutting inside from the left at ease, just as he did for almost the entirety of Rodgers’ first tenure at the club. It’s how this one settled into the bottom corner as well, with neither Dante Polvara and Connor Barron able to halt him, as his trademark right-footed shot placed neatly beyond Kelle Roos. His wait of pass for Alistair Johnston was on the money in the lead-up to the third, too. He’s not played as much as a player of his calibre would’ve liked this season, but his showing today is a reminder to everyone, including the fans, that he’s not finished yet, with his bright-spark impact crucial to Celtic’s progression.

You can’t beat a redemption arc

Dear, oh, dear. After the perfect start from Aberdeen, as mentioned above, captain Angus MacDonald let his teammates down. They’ll never let him know that, but the truth is they won’t need to – he’ll be acutely aware of his cock-up. The former Hull City and Rotherham United man dallied on the ball, trying to be too clever while in safe possession close to the centre circle. Kyogo put him under pressure, with the ball getting stuck under the defender’s feet, and all-of-a-sudden the Japanese striker was through on goal unchallenged. Roos produced a big save to deny the forward, but the Dutchman couldn’t prevent Kuhn from following up with an easy tap-in to level proceedings not too long after a sensational start for the Dons. Who doesn’t love a story of redemption though? MacDonald recovered well enough to enjoy a decent game. And it was in the final moment of extra-time, he nodded home Junior Hoilett’s perfect cross to force penalties, where he showed big balls to step up second, and score. It wasn’t to be for Aberdeen, who gave their all, though.