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...
13. Arne Engels - Celtic
A quietly efficient game from the Belgian, whose corner kick led to Celtic's opener. His last act was to strike the post from the edge of the box before being withdrawn on the 65-minute mark. Too early perhaps as Aberdeen got more joy in midfield once he departed. 6 | SNS Group
14. Graeme Shinnie - Aberdeen
A captain's performance, the 33-year-old was a terrier in the middle of the park, where he looked more like his old self after a difficult spell covering at left-back. A fiesty display from the skipper which included a bout of handbags with Cameron Carter-Vickers. Got Aberdeen off the mark in the shoot-out with a thumping finish. 8 | SNS Group
15. Paulo Bernardo - Celtic
A little lacking in on the ball at times as he struggled to find a telling forward pass, but never stopped running, harrying and tackling which left him succumbing to cramp in extra-time. 6 | SNS Group
16. Ante Palaversa - Aberdeen
Put himself about in the Aberdeen midfield in a typically combative display. Did most of his good work off the ball as he closed space and made countless tackles. Scored a brilliantly taken penalty in the shoot-out. 7 | SNS Group