As the Scottish Cup semi-finals approach, all eyes are on Hampden Park this Sunday, April 20, 2025, where Celtic will face St Johnstone in a highly anticipated clash. The match kicks off at 3:00 PM BST, and both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Celtic, managed by Brendan Rodgers, is on the brink of achieving a domestic Treble, having already secured the Scottish League Cup and inching closer to clinching the Scottish Premiership title. The Hoops are looking to add the Scottish Cup to their trophy cabinet, a feat that would solidify their dominance in Scottish football.
Rodgers, who has already cemented his legacy as one of the most successful managers in Celtic history, is no stranger to Scottish Cup semi-finals. His previous encounters in this competition have been nothing short of thrilling. In the 2016/17 season, Celtic triumphed over their fierce rivals Rangers with a 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Callum McGregor and a penalty from Scott Sinclair. This win marked the beginning of a historic Treble-winning campaign for the Bhoys, their first since 2001.
In the following season, Celtic once again faced Rangers in the semi-finals, and they delivered a stunning performance, winning 4-0. Tom Rogic opened the scoring, followed by goals from McGregor, Moussa Dembele, and Olivier Ntcham, showcasing Celtic's attacking prowess and leaving their rivals in disarray.
Fast forward to the current season, and Celtic's journey to the semi-finals has been equally impressive. In a nail-biting encounter against Aberdeen, the match ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, with Celtic ultimately winning 8-9 on penalties. Matt O’Riley thought he had secured the win with a goal in the 106th minute, only for Aberdeen to equalize moments before the final whistle. However, Celtic held their nerve in the shootout, with Joe Hart making a crucial save to send his team through to the final.
On the other side of the pitch, St Johnstone, currently at the bottom of the Premiership, is looking to pull off a major upset. Manager Simo Valakari believes that "heroes can be born" at Hampden and is confident that his team can replicate their recent success against Celtic. Just two weeks prior, St Johnstone shocked the football world with a 1-0 victory over the Hoops, courtesy of a fourth-minute header from Daniels Balodis. This victory was particularly sweet for St Johnstone, as it marked their first win over Celtic in nearly a decade.
Valakari acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed optimism, stating, "Now they are awake, they can hurt us if we are not ready. But we know what we need to do. We need to play better, but it gives us confidence that it is possible." The team has reached the semi-finals with a series of strong performances, winning all their previous matches in the competition by a narrow 1-0 margin.
St Johnstone's midfielder Graham Carey is also looking forward to the challenge, anticipating that Celtic will come out strong. "We can go with a relaxed attitude, but knowing that it's going to be a difficult game," he said. The team is missing key players Drey Wright and Zak Mitchell, but the return of striker Uche Ikpeazu, who has struggled with injuries since joining last summer, could provide a much-needed boost.
The historical context of this matchup adds an extra layer of intrigue. The last time these two teams met in the Scottish Cup semi-finals was during the 2006/2007 season, where Celtic emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. However, recent form suggests that St Johnstone is not to be underestimated, especially after their recent victory.
Celtic's recent cup form has been formidable, having won the Scottish Cup 42 times in their history. Under Rodgers, they have maintained an impressive record, winning all 20 Scottish Cup matches during his tenure. This season, they have faced challenges but have emerged victorious, including a hard-fought 2-1 win against Kilmarnock and a comfortable 5-0 victory over Raith Rovers in earlier rounds.
As both teams prepare for the showdown, the atmosphere at Hampden is expected to be electric. St Johnstone's Barry Douglas expressed excitement about playing at such a historic venue, stating, "The competition has magic. Although you might think you know who is going to win, it doesn’t always happen. Every Scottish Cup game I’ve been involved with has been exciting."
For Celtic, goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo is ready to step up, especially if the match goes to penalties. Having practiced penalty kicks this week, he feels prepared for any situation. "If I have to take a penalty, I'll take a penalty. I'm sure there'll be lads taking one before me!" Sinisalo's confidence stems from his past experiences, including a successful penalty in a shootout for Finland's Under-16 team.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, fans from both sides are buzzing with anticipation. Will Celtic continue their quest for a Treble, or will St Johnstone pull off another stunning upset? One thing is for certain: Hampden Park will be the stage for a thrilling encounter that could redefine the paths of both clubs this season.
