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09 February 2025

Maeda's Hat-Trick Lifts Celtic Over Raith Rovers

Celtic sweeps Raith Rovers 5-0, as Maeda shines with three goals and eyes Champions League challenge.

On February 8, 2023, Daisen Maeda shined for Celtic FC, scoring three goals as the team overwhelmingly defeated Raith Rovers 5-0 in the Scottish Cup round 5 at Celtic Park, Glasgow. This emphatic win not only showcased Maeda's talent but also propelled Celtic to the quarter-finals of the tournament, creating excitement as they prepare for their upcoming clash with Bayern Munich.

The match began with Celtic asserting dominance right from the start. Just six minutes in, Maeda found the back of the net, utilizing his excellent control and precision. Receiving the ball at the edge of the penalty area from Paulo Bernardo, Maeda made a swift move past the Raith defenders, then coolly slotted the ball with his left foot past the goalkeeper, igniting the early celebrations among the Celtic supporters.

Celtic continued to press their advantage, and more fireworks came at the end of the first half. During injury time, the team transitioned from defense to attack flawlessly. After regaining possession near the center circle, they launched a counter-attack. Young forward Yang Hyun-jun picked up the ball on the left side, driving forward before sending it to Maeda. The Japanese striker again showcased his clinical finishing by tapping it in effortlessly, doubling Celtic's lead and sending his team to the dressing room with confidence.

After the break, Celtic’s attacking momentum did not wane. Just two minutes after the second half kicked off, Raith Rovers found themselves on the back foot again. A cross from Yang found Luke McKowan, who expertly maneuvered to score, pushing the lead to 3-0. The scoreboard kept shifting thanks to the hosts, with Yang again taking center stage. This time, he volleyed the ball home following accurate service from Anthony Ralston on the right flank, making it 4-0.

The icing on the cake came at the 77th minute, when Maeda achieved his hat-trick. Following another brilliant play by McKowan, who maneuvered deep within the Raith Rovers' half and sent over a pinpoint cross, Maeda met the ball at the far post and drove it home. With this third goal, he added to his season tally, bringing his total to 21 goals for the current campaign, making his performance even more remarkable.

Overall, the match was dominated by Celtic, with managers often rotating their squad, including nine changes from their last game. Brendan Rodgers commented on the performance saying, "Today’s focus was on the level of performance. The players were focused from start to finish. It didn’t feel like we had made nine changes." This statement reflects the team's depth and their preparedness for the intense schedule of upcoming matches.

Moving forward, Celtic is now slated to face Bayern Munich on February 12, 2023, for the Champions League playoff, and the excitement is palpable. Fans are highly anticipating how Maeda's remarkable performance will translate to the European stage. His hat-trick against Raith Rovers has not only delighted fans but also emphasized the attacking prowess of the Celtic team as they aim for success on multiple fronts this season.