Celtic defeated St Mirren six‑two in extra time on Sunday, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring a brace to book a Scottish Cup final berth. [2]
The win matters because Celtic needed a victory to guarantee a spot in the Scottish Cup final, a chance to add another trophy to a season already marked by league success – a boost for the club’s supporters and a strong statement ahead of the season‑ending fixtures.
The semi‑final took place at Hampden Park in Glasgow, the national stadium that regularly hosts the country’s marquee matches. Celtic opened the scoring early, but St Mirren kept the game close, heading into extra time tied at two‑two. After a goalless extra‑time period, Celtic surged, scoring four goals in just six minutes to clinch a six – two win. The final score was Celtic six – two St Mirren. [1] [4]
Iheanacho was the catalyst, finding the net twice in extra time – first in the 95th minute and again in the 100th, turning a dead‑locked contest into a decisive triumph. [3]
"It was a rollercoaster of a game," Martin O’Neill said. The manager praised his team's resilience after the dramatic swing in fortunes.
Celtic’s path to the final now sets up a showdown with the winner of the other semi‑final, a match that will draw nationwide attention and could influence the club’s momentum heading into the next league campaign. The victory also underscores Celtic’s depth, with younger players stepping up when needed.
What this means: Celtic’s emphatic win not only secures a place in the Scottish Cup final but also signals the squad’s capacity to perform under pressure, an attribute that could prove decisive in both domestic and European competitions later this season.
“"It was a rollercoaster of a game," Martin O’Neill said.”
Celtic’s emphatic win not only secures a place in the Scottish Cup final but also signals the squad’s capacity to perform under pressure, an attribute that could prove decisive in both domestic and European competitions later this season.
