Aberdeen have been praised this season for their efforts and it’s little wonder.
The Dons have deserved the plaudits coming their way under Jimmy Thelin as they have matched the Hoops every step in the Scottish Premiership so far.
This evening’s Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden, however, was a bridge too far for the Reds as they were blown away by a rampant Hoops side who smashed five past their closest domestic rivals.
Cameron Carter-Vickers headed in the opener before Kyogo made it two and Daizen Maeda made it three.
There was no sign of a similar collapse from last month’s clash at Parkhead this time and it was 4-0 within five minutes of the restart when Maeda hit his second.
Nicolas Kuhn got in on the act and then Maeda completed his treble as Celts breezed into the December cup final and put shock troops Aberdeen back in their place and reminded the rest of Scottish football what Brendan Rodgers‘ side are all about.
Rodgers even had time to earn a yellow card from the dugout in the first-half while there was a delay in the kick-off time following a pyro show.
Yet here 67 Hail Hail rates the squad from top to bottom as Celtic outclassed their foes convincingly.
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
Only really had to practice his kicking as Aberdeen didn’t test at all.
Alistair Johnston – 7
Defensively sound as ever but his desire to get forward always kept him on the front-foot and his link-up play with Nicolas Kuhn continues to improve. Lovely assist for Maeda’s third.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7
Scored the all-important opener and never looked back. Subbed for a rest after a simple days work.
Auston Trusty – 7
Won his battles but honestly didn’t have many to win as the game was played in Dons’ half for the full 90.
Alex Valle – 7
Picked ahead of Greg Taylor and didn’t put a foot wrong. Seems to enjoy playing just behind Daizen Maeda… who knows why!
Callum McGregor – 8
Superb in the midfield to win every challenge and keep the ball ticking from back to front.
Reo Hatate – 8
Was imperious in the midfield. Some excellent passing, always appeared to find the right teammate and his positioning was terrific. Worked his socks off and saw out the game despite picking up a knock.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 3 | 26 | 28 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 10 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 20 | 9 | 11 | 28 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 19 |
| 4 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 16 |
| 5 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 14 | 12 | 2 | 15 |
| 6 |  KilmarnockKilmarnock | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 20 | -7 | 12 |
| 7 |  ST MirrenST Mirren | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 15 | 21 | -6 | 11 |
| 8 |  Ross CountyRoss County | 11 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 18 | -8 | 11 |
| 9 |  ST JohnstoneST Johnstone | 11 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 23 | -9 | 10 |
| 10 |  DundeeDundee | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 14 | 18 | -4 | 9 |
| 11 |  HibernianHibernian | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 15 | -6 | 7 |
| 12 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 11 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 18 | -6 | 6 |
Arne Engels – 8
Another in the midfield who shone and did the dirty work as well as showing the creative side of his game.
Daizen Maeda – 10
Was so important to the victory. The man of the match scored a hattrick while also defensively ensuring his side saw the game out comfortably with his constant running.
Nicolas Kuhn – 8
Started off a relatively quiet evening for the German winger by his own excellent standards but it still came with an assist for Maeda’s second with a strong run. Curled home a beauty for 5-0.
Kyogo – 7
His clever runs kept Slobodan Rubezic and others on their toes all evening and he wasn’t to be denied a goal for his hard work.
Greg Taylor (sub) – 4
Slotted in comfortably enough with very little to do.
Liam Scales (sub) – 5
Made a block within seconds of coming on
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 5
Immediately got himself involved and looked to attack and help Celtic add to their goalscoring tally.
Adam Idah (sub) – 3
Didn’t get too involved.
James Forrest (sub) – 3
Looked dangerous and direct but couldn’t make the best of it.
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