Aberdeen 3-3 Celtic (AET) 5-6 Pens: Holders reach Scottish Cup final after Hampden Classic

After a six-goal classic at Hampden, Celtic ultimately won on penalties to advance to the 60th Scottish Cup final, leaving Aberdeen heartbroken.

But Hart made amends by saving Killian Phillips' shot and Celtic will face either Hearts or Rangers next month as they aim to win football's oldest trophy for the 42nd time.

It was a great finale to a great equalizer, with Aberdeen scoring two last-gasp equalizers.

Angus McDonald's 119th-minute header appeared to complete a remarkable recovery arc after stand-in captain Howler set up Nicolas Kuhn to equalize for Celtic in the first half.

Aberdeen, led by interim manager Peter Leven, took an unexpected lead two minutes later when Bojan Miovski penetrated a sleeping defense and fired a powerful shot through Joe Hart.

Celtic improved significantly in the second half and substitute James Forrest would have thought they would have sealed their place in the final with a curling finish in normal circumstances, but Esther Sokler's dramatic header forced extra time in the 90th minute. Ta.

Matt O'Reilly's calm rocket restored Celtic to the lead, but there was more drama before the surprising tie was finally settled and Brendan Rodgers' Hampden unbeaten run continued.

Pre-match chatter hinged on how Aberdeen stopped Celtic. Don't let the league leader take control. Don't let them score early. Aberdeen did so and gave them a taste of their medicine.

Leighton Clarkson, positioned slightly higher in Aberdeen's attack, wiped out the sleeping Celtic defense with a brilliant stroke, and Miovski curled the ball around Hart, leaving the green in the Hampden sun. and shocked the white horde.

Kyogo stabbed Kale Ruth in the palm of his hand before the disastrous equalizer was born.

Captain Graham Shinnie's absence was a hot topic, with McDonald wearing the armband in his place. There was no composure when the ball got caught under his feet and Kyogo took it away.

Stefan Gartenmann slipped in to block the Japan international's shot, but it was a perfect layoff for Kuhn, who rolled into an unguarded goal.

Clarkson's free-kick deceived all and Gartenmann was just one block away from restoring Aberdeen's lead when he was met by the Dane at the back post, but Hart darted out to save.

During the stop-start first half, VAR considered a handball by Liam Scales, but the incident was ruled out of bounds.

After the break there was a hunch that Celtic weren't far away, but in fact they looked even more threatening.

Despite only being on the pitch for a second, Forest fired a powerful warning shot, and his pinpoint shot found the bottom corner of Roos.

It looked like a goal might prove the difference as Celtic were on cruise control, but an Aberdeen substitute sparked a second-half fightback.

Junior Hoilett fluffed the line with a desperate counter-attack before Cameron Carter-Vickers denied him with an incredible goal-line block.

However, in the 89th minute, the Canadian player made good use of Sokler's shot to score the third red point, tying the score and sending the match into overtime.

O'Reilly has been quiet compared to the high standards he's set this season, but when he was given his moment to shine, he hit a calm rocket.

Aberdeen believed they had a chance to regain parity when Hoilett hit the deck inside the box and referee Don Robertson pointed to the spot. After some chaos, the goal was disallowed after VAR spotted a foul on Alistair Johnstone in the build-up.

However, Aberdeen were not yet depressed. McDonald towered over a crowded back post and sunk a header deep into extra time to force a penalty.

But that turned out to be too much. Crystal Palace midfielder Phillips was the unlucky player to miss a crucial moment, but this shootout will hinge on Hart's confidence and his final contribution. .

More to come.