Next to no one would have predicted Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Aberdeen to have gone to penalties.
Despite leading 2-1 and then 3-2, the Hoops were pegged back twice and the game went to a shootout.
Fortunately for the Celts, most of their penalties were precise and ‘keeper Joe Hart came up with a decisive save.
It was an intense afternoon, and manager Brendan Rodgers was pleased with how his players reacted to the drama.
After the game, he was particularly asked about four of his kick-takers, who were all substitutes.
Luis Palma, Adam Idah, Tomoki Iwata, and Paulo Bernardo didn’t start the game but netted from 12 yards.
Rodgers waxed lyrical about their mentality post-match. He said: [The Celtic Way] “I think it shows the spirit and the bond that the players have.
“We talked before about the game plan coming into the match and those guys coming in to finish the game and make an impact was going to be key for us.
“They showed great courage to come into the game and their penalties were very good.”
Except for Hart’s, Celtic’s penalties in the shootout were on-point, much unlike their kicks from 12 yards in games this season.
The likes of Palma and Idah have previously missed from the spot this campaign but at the weekend, they stepped up when it mattered to send the holders into the final.
Yes brave considering they have most to lose being 1/6 to win the game aberdeen had no pressure not many thought the would be still in with a chance at penalties Celtic never got out of second gear passing was shoddy maybe cause pitch condition played against there style I’m sure sfa made sure not to cut grass to short