Full Time: Hibernian 2-4 Celtic
Celtic went one step closer to retaining the Scottish League Cup, when they defeated Hibernian 4-2 in the semi-finals of the competition, at the Hampden Park.
Only 14 minutes into the game, the reigning champions were ahead, thanks to a simple tap-in from right-back Mikael Lustig after the Hibs failed to deal a free-kick situation effectively. The Swede then doubled his tally and his team’s, heading in from a corner kick with little time in the first-half.
Hibernian bounced back in the second period, with Anthony Stokes converting a penalty in the 59th minute, but substitute Moussa Dembele restored Celtic’s two-goal cushion with an easy strike from close, seven minutes later. However, the Hibs were back in it again as Oli Shaw beat Craig Gordon with a fine finish in the 70th minute.
There were chances for both sides, but it was the Hoops that made it count, as Dembele found the back of the net again with a curling strike to make it 4-2, with two minutes left on the clock. Brendan Rodgers’ men survived some spirited fightback from the Hibs in the second period to make it to the finals, and here we look at how the Celtic stars fared on the day.
Celtic Player Ratings
Craig Gordon – 6/10
Was rarely called into action in the first period, but looked a little nervy after the break.
Mikael Lustig – 7.5/10
Opened the scoring with a simple tap in and then headed in from a corner, both in the first-half. Had a difficult time coping with the pace of Brendan Barker though.
Nir Bitton – 6/10
Started off strongly and showed good intent against Stokes, but was at fault for the second goal, as he left a lot of space in behind.
Dedryck Boyata – 6.5/10
Strong and solid, used his physical strength well. Lost the ball in the lead-up to the penalty, which he was unlucky to have conceded.
Kieran Tierney – 7/10
Was fairly steady at the back, but looked to keep getting forward. Came close to scoring in the second period, with his shot hitting the outside of the post.
Scott Brown – 6/10
Did not have the usual dominance in the midfield and was overrun at times. Improved with time though. Was booked.
Stuart Armstrong – 6/10
Did not have the usual effect on the proceedings going forward, but had few good moments and nice touches before being taken off.
Patrick Roberts – 5.5/10
Could not get into the game from the right flank and lost possession a number of times. Was subbed off at the hour mark.
Callum McGregor – 6.5/10
Had a number of positive moments going forward, but could not make any telling impact on the proceedings.
Scott Sinclair – 6/10
Started off very slowly, dropped too deep at times, but improved with time. Set Tierney up for the effort that hit the woodwork in the second period.
Leigh Griffiths – 6/10
Another quiet outing for the Scottish international, who did nothing notable, apart from a couple of poorly hit free-kicks and the assist for Lustig’s second goal.
Substitutes
Moussa Dembele – 9/10
Replaced Griffiths at the hour mark. Made immediate impact by netting the third goal and then scored the fourth with a curler, late in the game.
James Forrest – 6.5/10
On for Roberts in the 61st minute. Forced a brilliant save from the Hibs goalkeeper.
Tom Rogic – 7/10
Came on for Armstrong in the 73rd minute. Got the assist for the fourth goal.