It was a difficult slog at times, but Celtic typically found a way to win in Aberdeen last night.
Reo Hatate came up with the goods in the 78th minute, caressing the ball into the bottom-left corner of Ross Doohan’s goal after half-time substitute Greg Taylor played a sublime, line-breaking chipped ball over the top of the Dons’ defence.
The Hoops dominated the ball throughout the match yet created, according to stats provider FotMob, just two big chances in the game’s entirety.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers doesn’t think last night’s victory had as much to do with his side’s ability but rather their strength and determination.
After the game, the Irishman explained that the conditions tested his players’ mental fortitude: “We had to showcase our attitude and mentality and everything we were saying before the game,” he said (The Celtic Way).
“This is your body language. This is everything. You’re way up in the north of Scotland. It’s the rain, the wind is pouring in.
“Our supporters are stuck in a corner with no cover and we have to do it for them, do it for ourselves. The players show great mentality and great bravery to still try to play how we want to play. Eventually, we’ll get a reward for that.”
We have been used to Celtic blowing sides away domestically this campaign. Last night was a different type of win.
It was never going to be easy going to Pittodrie against a highly regarded Aberdeen team, and the weather made things even more difficult.
The players buckled down, though, and showed, as the manager outlined, their attitude and mentality to ensure the supporters returned to Glasgow happy.
Next on the agenda is a home tie against Hibernian in the league this Saturday. Three points are crucial before attention returns to the Champions League and Dinamo Zagreb.
