Aberdeen secured their first Scottish Cup triumph for 35 years after a penalty shoot-out win over Celtic at Hampden Park.
Dimitar Mitov was the hero as the Bulgarian goalkeeper saved two penalties in a 4-3 shoot-out victory after the teams battled out a 1-1 draw. Mitov saved the first spot-kick from Callum McGregor and then denied Alistair Johnston as Aberdeen produced a perfect set of penalties from their own players.
Mitov’s afternoon was in stark contrast to his opposite number Kasper Schmeichel, whose 83rd-minute blunder cancelled out an earlier own goal from Alfie Dorrington.
Dorrington’s unfortunate own goal gave Celtic the lead six minutes before the end of a scrappy first half but Schmeichel made a mess of dealing with a cross to get the Dons back in the game.
Celtic hit the frame of the goal twice but could not find a winner and McGregor was left in tears after the shoot-out prevented Celtic clinching a sixth treble in nine seasons.
It was Aberdeen’s fourth Scottish Cup final win over Celtic and emulated the 1990 side who beat the Hoops in an epic shoot-out. The triumph also ensured Jimmy Thelin’s first season as Aberdeen boss was a major success despite recent disappointments.
Here is how the Celtic and Aberdeen players rated for their performance out of 10...
9. Liam Scales - Celtic
Cruised the first hour but had a few nervy moments in defence once Aberdeen upped their game. 6 | SNS Group
10. Jack Milne - Aberdeen
Youngster stood tall at the centre of Aberdeen's defence in his first start since December with a number of important blocks and clearances before limping off in the first half of extra-time - 8 | SNS Group
11. Callum McGregor - Celtic
Dominated the opening hour of the game. Whenever an Aberdeen player thought he had time in the middle of the park, he was quickly disposessed by the Celtic captain. Never stopped trying to drive his side towards victory but ended the match in tears after seeing his opening penalty saved. 7 | SNS Group
12. Mats Knoester - Aberdeen
The only member of Aberdeen's three-man central defence to last the full 120 minutes, the Dutchman did not put a single foot wrong in a defensive masterclass. Left Hampden with the man of the match award. 9 | PA