Celtic Dominates Scottish Cup with Maeda’s Hat-Trick as Livingston and Dundee Secure Wins
The Scottish Cup saw a wave of action as Celtic made a commanding presence with a standout performance from Daizen Maeda. In a much-anticipated match against Raith Rovers, Maeda stepped up as a stand-in centre-forward, showcasing his skill with a hat-trick. The team’s clinical style led them to a 5-0 victory, with Hyun-Jun Yang and Luke McCowan also making their mark on the field. Brendan Rodgers’ side demonstrated their prowess, securing a spot in the quarter-finals. Maeda’s stellar performance, amassing six goals in a week, highlighted his ability to fill the void left by Kyogo Furuhashi’s absence and the team’s inability to secure a new striker before the transfer deadline.
However, the celebration was tempered by an injury to Paulo Bernardo, who left the match early due to a lower-leg problem. As Celtic gears up for an upcoming Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, the injury could pose a challenge for the reigning champions.
Livingston emerged victorious in a 2-0 win over Cove Rangers, ending the latter’s run in the Scottish Cup. Despite a strong start from Cove Rangers, Livingston’s Ryan McGowan turned the tide with a decisive goal. A late surge from Livingston’s Tete Yengi sealed the fate of the game, ensuring a quarter-final berth for the team.
Meanwhile, Dundee faced off against Airdrieonians in a gripping match at Dens Park. The hosts dominated the first half, netting four goals courtesy of Clark Robertson, Seun Adewumi, and a Lyall Cameron double. Although Airdrieonians attempted to regroup in the second half, Dundee’s early lead proved insurmountable for the Championship strugglers.
As Dundee celebrates their win and a much-needed clean sheet after recent league setbacks, St Johnstone secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Hamilton. An intense match saw the Premiership’s bottom side struggle against Championship opponents. However, Adama Sidibeh’s goal in the 84th minute, after a six-month dry spell, secured the win for St Johnstone. The victory marks a significant milestone for the team, achieving a four-game winning streak for the first time since 2018-19.
As the excitement of the Scottish Cup continues to build, fans eagerly await the draw for the quarter-finals following the St Mirren vs. Hearts matchup on Monday night. The competition remains fierce as teams vie for a coveted spot in the next round, showcasing talent, skill, and determination on the field.
