Celtic gave Martin O’Neill a perfect send-off by securing the Scottish Cup to complete a domestic double, defeating Dunfermline 3-1 in the final. Goals from Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho ensured the Scottish Premiership champions added the cup to their league title.
First-Half Dominance
Maeda opened the scoring in the 19th minute, lobbing the ball over Dunfermline goalkeeper Aston Oxborough after a long pass from Alistair Johnston. Engels doubled the lead with a powerful 25-yard strike in the 36th minute, leaving Oxborough flat-footed. Celtic controlled the first half with tempo and movement, creating chances through Maeda, wingers Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest, and left-back Kieran Tierney.
Second-Half Fightback
Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon made a triple substitution at half-time, and his side looked rejuvenated. Chris Kane, Zak Rudden, and Shea Kearney helped the Championship side create chances, with Nurudeen Abdulai and Kane forcing saves from Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo. However, Iheanacho sealed the win in the 73rd minute, latching onto Benjamin Nygren’s through ball, evading three defenders and Oxborough before scoring from close range.
Josh Cooper pulled one back for Dunfermline in the 79th minute after a rebound from Charlie Gilmour’s shot, but Celtic held on for a ninth consecutive victory.
O’Neill’s Legacy
The 74-year-old O’Neill now has nine major honours as Celtic manager, spanning 26 years. If this proves to be his final game in management, it was a fitting end to his triumphant return to Glasgow. Maeda’s goal-scoring form has been crucial, with nine goals in seven matches, while Iheanacho has netted six goals in nine appearances off the bench, including the late winner at Dundee that sparked Celtic’s winning run.
James Forrest collected his club-record 28th major winners’ medal, while Tierney played on after a knock before being substituted late in the game, causing concern for Scotland manager Steve Clarke.
