Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a commanding 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Celtic Park, continuing their impressive form against the Dons. The win marked Celtic's 29th consecutive unbeaten match against Aberdeen, dating back to May 2018, illustrating their dominance over their rivals.
The match began brightly for both teams, with Aberdeen initially threatening to upset the odds. Early opportunities for players like Oday Dabbagh and Kevin Nisbet demonstrated their ambition but were wasted due to poor finishing. Dabbagh, for example, missed from close range when it seemed easier to score.
Celtic took control shortly thereafter. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring after just eleven minutes, reacting quickest to volley home after Arne Engels' shot deflected. This goal seemed to ignite the home side, who quickly doubled their advantage. Jota, who has consistently punished Aberdeen, scored the second goal with elegance, after linking well with Engels on the right.
Callum McGregor added to the misery for Aberdeen, finishing off what was effectively Celtic's third goal within the first half. McGregor skillfully placed his shot, making it clear the hosts were not just surviving but thriving, finishing the half at 3-0.
Throughout the match, Celtic's attacking prowess was on full display. They won the game by focusing on quick counter-attacks and exploiting the spaces left by Aberdeen. With every Celtic forward posing significant threats, Aberdeen’s defense struggled to keep pace.
Aberdeen finally got on the scoresheet late on, when Shayden Morris managed to score through Kasper Schmeichel from a tight angle. Though it was nothing more than a consolation—occurring minutes before the end of the match—it gave the Dons something to celebrate after what had been mostly tough viewing for them.
Notably, this match came after Celtic’s recent struggles, losing their previous match against Hibernian. Brendan Rodgers' squad needed this win to bolster their confidence and showcase their status as league leaders once more. With this latest result, they now sit 16 points clear at the top of the Premiership, firmly setting their eyes on another league title.
Celtic’s attacking line-up also featured standout performances from Alistair Johnston, who provided three assists throughout the game, matching his teammate Daizen Maeda for the league lead. Johnston's growth and impact were evident on the pitch, celebrating his 100th appearance with memorable contributions.
The comprehensive nature of Celtic’s win signals they are not only wearing the crown but defend it vigorously. Winning games at home requires both effective defense and ruthless execution up front, and on this occasion, Celtic proved they have both. They have now maintained clean sheets across their last nine home league games—a feat unprecedented for the club.
Aberdeen, on the other hand, will have to regroup quickly. Manager Jimmy Thelin’s tactical approach of aggressive play was evident, but moments of hesitation before the goal remained their downfall. They may have made several promising advances but lacked finishing quality, with too many chances going wanting. Their only bright spot seems to be their recent form; before this loss, they had two consecutive victories against Kilmarnock and Dundee, providing some hope for the future.
This clash between Celtic and Aberdeen emphasized the historical rivalry existing between the two sides, and on this occasion, it was Celtic’s clinical approach and successful execution of their game plan which won. With Celtic continuing to rack up points and maintain their lead, the road forward for Aberdeen does appear bumpy, particularly with their goal-scoring issues rearing their head at such pivotal moments.
This match showed the stark differences between two teams at contrasting ends of the table. Celtic's ascent up the league table remains unhindered, whereas Aberdeen finds themselves precariously situated, just barely above the relegation zone. More outings like this could deepen their troubles as they scramble to regain the attacking momentum they displayed earlier this season.
Everything considered, Celtic’s emphatic victory not only showcased their strength but also served as a reminder to the rest of the league about their title ambitions. Their season looks to continue with high expectations moving forward, as more records could be within their reach if they maintain this level of play.