Scottish League CupSunday, August 18, 2024Celtic ParkCELTIC 3(Maeda 4 & 17, Kuhn 56) HIBERNIAN 1(Kukharevych 35) Celtic are through to the quarter-final of the Scottish League Cup after they cruised by Hibernian with a 3-1 victory at Celtic Park this afternoon. The Celts started quickly last week at Easter Road, and it was more of the same today, with Daizen Maeda scoring within the first four minutes. Some nice link-up play between Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate put Celtic in to a dangerous position. Hatate found Maeda in the box and the Japanese forward lifted it over the keeper to open the scoring. Maeda, making his first start of the season, looked like he was in the mood from the first whistle, almost grabbing his second of the match 10 minutes after his opener. This time, he couldn’t get his shot away after Matt O’Riley’s nice touch to set him up.But his second goal came with 17 minutes on the clock. Nicolas Kuhn picked him out with a brilliant, lofted pass in to the box, and although he was challenged in the penalty area, he managed to get a touch on the ball to divert it in to the net and double Celtic’s advantage. The Hoops were in full control of the match and seemed to be breaking in to the Hibernian penalty area at will, but they were unable to find a third goal with their opportunities. Hibs gave themselves a lifeline in the 35th minute when Kukharevych headed beyond Kasper Schmeichel after the ball was swung in to the box from a free-kick. A few moments later, James Forrest appeared to be fouled in the box which prompted a massive penalty shout from the Celtic support. The incident was reviewed by VAR and it was decided that there was no foul on the Celtic winger.After his strong performance at Easter Road last week, Nicolas Kuhn was causing problems for the Hibs defence once again today, and he was rewarded 10 minutes into the second half. Maeda put pressure on Hibs defender Marvin Ekpiteta who shifted the ball back to the goalkeeper Bursik, whose attempted pass was blocked by Nicolas Kuhn, which resulted in the ball deflecting in to the back of the net to make it 3-1. With an hour played, Adam Idah was brought on to replace James Forrest after the Irish forward signed a five-year-deal with the club during the week, and he received a massive reception from the Celtic support as he entered the pitch. The Bhoys continued to create chances but could not grab a fourth goal. Matt O’Riley had a good effort on goal saved by the Hibs keeper and Luis Palma dragged a shot just wide of the post, with both players unfortunate not to get their names on the scoresheet. The draw for the quarter-final of the League Cup was made after the match, with the Celts drawn at home against Falkirk in the next round. The champions of Scotland will now turn their attention to next Sunday’s trip to Paisley where they will face St Mirren in a league match.
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