Celtic navigated a potentially tricky Scottish Cup tie on Saturday evening, securing a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. The match, while not a complete stroll, ultimately demonstrated the Hoops’ quality as they progressed to the next round.

Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the result, calling it an ideal warm-up for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Young Boys.

Callum McGregor opened the scoring in the first half with a well-struck effort, only for Bobby Wales to equalise for the visitors shortly after. The decisive moment came courtesy of Daizen Maeda, who restored Celtic’s lead.

However, Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was left fuming, believing his side should have been awarded a free-kick in the build-up to the winning goal. As usual, the Killie manager cannot take defeat to Celtic well.

Despite the win, Celtic had chances to put the game beyond doubt, with some wasteful finishing nearly proving costly. Reo Hatate, in particular, squandered a golden opportunity in the first half that could have given the home side breathing space.

The Japanese midfielder found himself with a clear chance to convert Arne Engels’ brilliant pinpoint cross from close range, but his effort from inside the six-yard box soared over the bar.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Reo Hatate celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Hatate later forced a superb save from Kilmarnock goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara, but the earlier miss remained a talking point.

Speaking on Premier Sports commentary, Michael Stewart weighed in on Hatate’s glaring miss. The former Hearts and Hibs player suggested that the pace of the ball as it arrived made the chance more difficult than it seemed.

“It’s a great move,” Stewart said live on PremierSports. “Engels puts it into a brilliant area. To give Reo Hatate a little bit of a get-out, it’s bouncing in there at a fair rate of knots. But he should still be finding the back of the net, mind you!”

In the end, Celtic got the job done and will look to take the momentum into their midweek European fixture. However, Rodgers and his squad will know they’ll need to be more clinical in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Young Boys, who have already been knocked out of the Champions League, come to Celtic Park with nothing to lose. The Hoops know they can virtually guarantee their place in the next round with a win, but it won’t be easy.

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