Celtic advanced to the Scottish Cup final on Saturday afternoon thanks to a drama-filled victory over Aberdeen.
The Dons took an early lead but goals from wing duo Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest had the Hoops ahead just after the hour mark.
In the dying embers, though, Ester Sokler forced the game into extra-time. Matt O’Riley then thought he’d won it but Angus MacDonald took it to penalties with a 119th-minute header.
Despite being mentally, physically, and emotionally drained, the Celts rallied and won on spot-kicks.
Adam Idah, Luis Palma, Matt O’Riley, Paulo Bernardo, and Tomoki Iwata all netted before Joe Hart came up with a colossal save to send his team through.
After the game, the veteran stopper got a hero’s acclaim from the supporters, and he could be seen shaking hands with former Celt, Jonny Hayes.
The Irishman wasn’t in the squad and hence didn’t play for Aberdeen, but he appeared rather content post-match despite his team bowing out of the cup:
Jonny Hayes happy 😁 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/PVpgtiqMkJ
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) April 20, 2024
To Celtic, Hayes was a faithful servant. He was ever-reliable in his three-year stint at the club and was rewarded by winning eight trophies.
Jonny Hayes always a class act I was sorry we let him go so soon , Celtic legend .