Celtic secured their 42nd Scottish Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over second-tier Dunfermline Athletic at Hampden Park on Saturday, extending their dominance in Scotland’s oldest competition.
Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring in the 27th minute, slotting home after a quick break down the left flank. James Forrest doubled the lead in the 45th minute, firing low past Dunfermline goalkeeper Liam Kelly from inside the box. Callum McGregor made it three in the 64th minute, drilling a shot past Kelly after a well-worked set piece.
Key Moments
- ⚡ Kyogo Furuhashi’s 27th-minute strike set the tone
- 🔥 James Forrest’s 45th-minute goal doubled the lead
- 🛡️ Dunfermline’s lone goal came from Lewis Spence in the 78th minute
The victory marks Celtic’s fourth domestic trophy in Rodgers’ four seasons at the club, reinforcing their grip on Scottish football. Dunfermline, managed by John McGlynn, fought back with Lewis Spence’s 78th-minute goal, but Celtic’s defensive structure held firm under pressure.
| Stat | Celtic | Dunfermline |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on target | 9 | 3 |
| Possession | 68% | 32% |
| Fouls committed | 11 | 18 |
Rodgers praised his players’ composure, saying, “We knew Dunfermline would be competitive, but we stayed patient and took our chances.” The win also extends Celtic’s unbeaten run in the competition to 18 matches.
📋 By The Numbers
- 3 — Celtic’s goals, all scored in the first half
- 18 — Unbeaten run in the Scottish Cup under Brendan Rodgers
For Dunfermline, the loss ended their fairytale run to the final, where they defeated holders Heart of Midlothian in the semi-finals. The Fifers had not reached the final since 2010, when they lost to Ross County. Celtic, meanwhile, now prepare for their next challenge in the Europa League qualification battle.
💡 Pro Tip
Managers facing Celtic should prioritize defensive solidity—Rodgers’ side thrives on quick transitions and clinical finishing.
The Scottish Cup final was played in front of 48,913 fans, a smaller crowd than previous years due to ongoing restrictions on stadium capacity. Despite the reduced attendance, the atmosphere remained electric, with Celtic supporters celebrating another trophy lift.
- First Half — Celtic dominated, scoring three goals before the break
- Second Half — Dunfermline pulled a goal back but couldn’t mount a serious comeback
- Post-Match — Rodgers hinted at further squad reinforcements before the Europa League qualifiers