Celtic Overcome Lethargy, Edge Dundee in Dramatic Scottish Cup Tie
The usually formidable Celtic Park stadium was left looking half-empty when the Hoops took on Dundee in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. But that didn't stop the visitors from putting up a spirited performance. In a game marked by drama and tension, Junior Adamu's last-minute goal helped Celtic edge out their opponents 2-1 in extra time.
Adamu's strike came after he had equalised for the Hoops just minutes into the match, ending a period of Dundee dominance. His introduction off the bench seemed to galvanise Celtic, who then held on for a hard-fought victory.
Despite his goal, Adamu was not the only debutant to make an impact, with fellow substitute Sebastian Tounekti scoring the winner in extra time. The match was marked by an unusual atmosphere, which saw Celtic's usual fans' fervour muted due to the club's board being targeted by supporters.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed hope that his players can find a "middle ground" between their on-field success and off-field issues, as fan frustration continues to simmer. For now though, he will be focusing on getting his side to the next round of the competition.
In related news, St Mirren, Dunfermline Athletic, and Partick Thistle also progressed to the quarter-finals, with each side securing impressive victories over their respective opponents.
St Mirren beat Airdrieonians 2-1 in a tense match, while Dunfermline defeated Kelty Hearts 2-0 in the Fife Derby. Meanwhile, Partick Thistle squeezed past Elgin City 3-2 in a closely contested encounter.
The quarter-final draw has been announced, with Stenhousemuir and Falkirk set to meet on Sunday. In other fixtures, Rangers welcome Queen's Park to Ibrox, while local rivals Stenhousemuir and Falkirk will clash at Ochilview Park on Sunday.
The usually formidable Celtic Park stadium was left looking half-empty when the Hoops took on Dundee in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. But that didn't stop the visitors from putting up a spirited performance. In a game marked by drama and tension, Junior Adamu's last-minute goal helped Celtic edge out their opponents 2-1 in extra time.
Adamu's strike came after he had equalised for the Hoops just minutes into the match, ending a period of Dundee dominance. His introduction off the bench seemed to galvanise Celtic, who then held on for a hard-fought victory.
Despite his goal, Adamu was not the only debutant to make an impact, with fellow substitute Sebastian Tounekti scoring the winner in extra time. The match was marked by an unusual atmosphere, which saw Celtic's usual fans' fervour muted due to the club's board being targeted by supporters.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill expressed hope that his players can find a "middle ground" between their on-field success and off-field issues, as fan frustration continues to simmer. For now though, he will be focusing on getting his side to the next round of the competition.
In related news, St Mirren, Dunfermline Athletic, and Partick Thistle also progressed to the quarter-finals, with each side securing impressive victories over their respective opponents.
St Mirren beat Airdrieonians 2-1 in a tense match, while Dunfermline defeated Kelty Hearts 2-0 in the Fife Derby. Meanwhile, Partick Thistle squeezed past Elgin City 3-2 in a closely contested encounter.
The quarter-final draw has been announced, with Stenhousemuir and Falkirk set to meet on Sunday. In other fixtures, Rangers welcome Queen's Park to Ibrox, while local rivals Stenhousemuir and Falkirk will clash at Ochilview Park on Sunday.