Celtic completed a domestic double by defeating Dunfermline Athletic 2-0 in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, with goals from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels securing victory.
First Half Dominance
Celtic took the lead in the 19th minute when Daizen Maeda capitalised on a defensive error, lobbing the ball over advancing goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. The goal ended Maeda's recent scoring drought and marked his ninth goal in seven games. The Japanese international, expected to leave Celtic this summer, was instrumental throughout the first half.
Dunfermline had a golden opportunity to equalise moments before Celtic's opener when Callum Morrison nipped between Alistair Johnson and goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, but Liam Scales cleared the ball off the line. Celtic doubled their lead in the 36th minute through Arne Engels, who unleashed a dipping shot from 30 yards that beat Oxborough.
Second Half Resistance
Dunfermline made three substitutions at half-time, introducing Shea Kearney, Zak Rudden, and Chris Kane. The changes invigorated the Championship side, who pressed Celtic aggressively in the opening stages of the second half. However, Celtic weathered the storm and regained control as the half progressed.
Kelechi Iheanacho came close to adding a third goal in the 66th minute, but the flag was raised for offside against Yang Hyun-jun in the build-up. Dunfermline continued to push forward, with Alfons Amade forcing a save from Sinisalo in the 62nd minute.
Historic Context
The final pitted master against apprentice, with Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill facing former Celtic boss Neil Lennon, now in charge of Dunfermline. Lennon, who served under O'Neill at Leicester City and Celtic, described the occasion as "surreal." Dunfermline, a Championship side, were seeking their first major trophy since 1968, while Celtic aimed to add the Scottish Cup to their league title.
Celtic had won the Scottish Cup 42 times prior to this final, while Dunfermline had two previous victories, both in the 1960s. The Pars' last final appearance ended in a 1-0 defeat to Celtic 19 years ago.
Key Moments
- 19th minute: Daizen Maeda opens the scoring with a lob over Oxborough
- 36th minute: Arne Engels doubles the lead with a long-range strike
- Half-time: Dunfermline make three substitutions
- 66th minute: Iheanacho's goal disallowed for offside
The victory secured Celtic's domestic double, adding to their Scottish Premiership title won the previous week. For Dunfermline, the final marked the end of a remarkable cup run that included victories over Aberdeen and Falkirk.
