Celtic wrote themselves into football folklore after securing a consecutive domestic treble when they brushed aside Motherwell 2-0 in the finals of the Scottish Cup.
Goals from Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham in the first half were enough for Brendan Rodgers’ side to create history once again, repeating their treble-winning feat from last season, having already won the League Cup and the Scottish Premiership.
In what was another historic moment for the undisputed champions of Scotland, here are three major talking points from the game against the Steelmen.
Callum McGregor rises to the occasion
The 25-year-old has grown incredibly over the past couple of seasons for Celtic and proved his worth for the club on Saturday as well, putting in a top-class display despite starting out of position on the left flank.
His goal in the 11th minute, a delectable right-footed half-volley was a thing of beauty, no doubt, but it wasn’t just the goal that stood out at the Hampden, as McGregor’s all-round play in the final third was sharp and eye-catching.
His intelligence, game awareness and the ability to manoeuvre out of tight spaces were on full display against the Steelmen as he continued to establish himself as an indispensable member of Rodgers’ team.
Kieran Tierney stands out again
If there were any doubts as to why the who’s who of European football were monitoring Kieran Tierney, they were all put to rest by the Scotsman’s fantastic display on Saturday.
The 20-year-old has been a subject of interest from Premier League giants Manchester United along with Europa League winners Atletico Madrid.
His display against Motherwell will only make his suitors more desperate to sign him. The left-back was at his free-flowing best at the Hampden as he played most of the game holed up in the opposition half, almost acting as an auxiliary winger.
His attacking qualities and intent shone brightly on the day, while he was solid at the back when needed too. Celtic need to do everything in their power to keep hold of their superstar in the making.
Moussa Dembele shines
Celtic’s unparalleled success last season had a lot to do with a certain Moussa Dembele who enjoyed a scintillating debut season in Scotland. Since then, the Frenchman has attracted a swarm of clubs but ended up staying put with the Bhoys.
Dembele hasn’t been able to reach the same heights of the previous campaign this time around but he once again stood out as a difference maker when it mattered in the finals.
He may not have scored a goal but his all-round play in and around the Motherwell box was stand out. Having managed to set Ntcham for the second goal, Dembele’s sharp and purposeful movement made him a serious threat to the Steelmen’s backline all game long.
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