Daizen Maeda continued his impressive goalscoring form to fire Celtic into the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Hibernian at Celtic Park. The Japan international struck in the 39th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound to net from close range for his 14th goal in his last 13 games and his 28th of the season. Substitute Adam Idah sealed the win in stoppage time, keeping Celtic on course for a domestic treble.
Hibs arrived in Glasgow with 7,000 travelling fans and confidence from a 15-match unbeaten run, which included a league victory over Celtic just two weeks prior. They started brightly and had a great opportunity to take the lead when Kieron Bowie was played through, but Kasper Schmeichel made an important save in what turned out to be the visitors’ only shot on target.
Celtic, however, had made a strong start themselves. Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith was called into action early, denying Callum McGregor’s long-range effort, while Nectar Triantis was well-placed to clear Jota’s corner off the line. Despite the visitors managing to withstand that early pressure, they almost took the lead unexpectedly when a long throw from Nicky Cadden sent Bowie clear, only for Schmeichel to parry the forward’s shot at his near post.
Hibs suffered a setback when Cadden was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury. Shortly after, Maeda had his first clear chance when Reo Hatate’s ball over the top sent him in behind the defence. However, under pressure from Rocky Bushiri, he failed to get a clean strike on goal, sending his effort wide.
The forward made no mistake moments later when he reacted quickest to a rebound from Jeffrey Schlupp’s low cross. Smith had initially made a superb one-handed stop from Nicolas Kühn’s first-time effort, but Maeda connected with the loose ball before it hit the ground, volleying into the net to break the deadlock.
Celtic looked to double their advantage before the break, with Hatate forcing Smith to tip over a 25-yard strike, but the visitors remained in contention thanks to their disciplined defending. Hibs’ goalkeeper was called into action again in the second half, saving from Jota after a trademark cut inside from the winger, while Jack Iredale produced a crucial challenge to deny Kühn a clear shot on goal.
Maeda had another opportunity to extend the lead when he slid in to meet an Alistair Johnston cross, but he sent his effort wide. Schlupp also came close, narrowly missing the target from 20 yards. Hibs’ hopes of forcing extra time were further hampered when Chris Cadden pulled up with a muscle injury. Having already made all five substitutions, the midfielder was forced to play on despite his clear discomfort.
Sensing the chance to finish the game, Celtic pressed forward, and their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Idah calmly slotted home from Luke McCowan’s cutback. Smith was called upon again to deny both McCowan and Maeda, but the outcome was already beyond doubt.
Brendan Rodgers extended his perfect record in the Scottish Cup to 20 consecutive victories, with his side joining Aberdeen, Hearts, and the winner of Livingston vs. St Johnstone in the semi-final draw.
