Celtic Dominate Aberdeen in 5-1 win to Extend Premiership Lead

Celtic underlined their title credentials with a dominant 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Celtic Park to extend their lead at the top to 16 points.

Celtic delivered a dominant performance as they thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 at Celtic Park, extending their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to a commanding 16 points. Goals from Daizen Maeda (2), Jota, Callum McGregor, and Yang capped off the demolition, as Brendan Rodgers’ side bounced back in style from their weekend defeat to Hibernian. Despite a spirited start from Aberdeen, Celtic’s quality and composure shone through, with Arne Engels playing a pivotal role in orchestrating the victory.

Aberdeen began the match with intent, creating two early chances that could have changed the complexion of the game. Jeppe Okkels broke down the left and set up Oday Dabbagh, only for Kasper Schmeichel to make a crucial block. Moments later, Kevin Nisbet intercepted a pass from the Celtic keeper but fired his effort just wide. Those missed opportunities would prove costly as Celtic soon took control.

In the 24th minute, Daizen Maeda opened the scoring with his 24th goal of a remarkable season. Arne Engels, the midfield maestro, threaded a precise through ball into the box, which took a deflection and fell perfectly for Maeda to slot home from eight yards. Celtic doubled their lead just six minutes later with a breathtaking counter-attack. Nicolas Kuhn won the ball on the edge of his own area and released Jota, who surged forward before combining with Engels. The Belgian midfielder’s clever return pass allowed Jota to bundle the ball into the net, showcasing the fluidity and speed of Celtic’s attacking play.

Callum McGregor added a third before halftime, coolly finishing from inside the area to cap off the first half for the hosts. Aberdeen came out with renewed energy after the break, but Celtic’s defence held firm, and the Hoops continued to create chances. Reo Hatate fired over from distance, while Aberdeen’s Shayden Morris missed a golden opportunity to pull one back, dragging his shot wide after breaking through on goal.

Celtic’s fourth goal was a thing of beauty, with Yang at the heart of it. The winger cut in from the right, exchanged a slick one-two with Engels, and played a clever give-and-go with Luke McCowan before slotting home at the near post. The hosts continued to press, with Engels and Maeda both going close, while 19-year-old Jude Bonnar made his first-team debut in the closing stages.

Aberdeen managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Morris to deny Celtic a record 10 successive clean sheets, but Celtic had the final say. Maeda completed his brace in stoppage time, tapping in from an Alistair Johnston cross to seal a resounding 5-1 victory. The result not only reaffirms Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership but also highlights the growing influence of Arne Engels, whose vision and creativity were instrumental in the win. As the season enters its final stretch, Celtic’s sights are firmly set on making it another domestic treble, and performances like this will only fuel their belief.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Schlupp (Scales 81'), Engels (Bonnar 80'), McGregor, Hatate (McCowan 59'), Kühn (Idah 59'), Maeda, Jota (Hyunjun Yang 59')

Subs: Scales, Idah, Sinisalo, Hyunjun Yang, McCowan, Kenny, Murray, Ralston, Bonnar

Aberdeen: Doohan, Jensen, Tobers (Dorrington 62'), Knoester, MacKenzie, Heltne Nilsen (Clarkson 71'), Shinnie, Keskinen, Nisbet (Guèye 45'), Okkels (Morris 45'), Oday Dabbagh (Boyd 80')

Subs: Mitov, Clarkson, Guèye, Palaversa, Morris, Dorrington, Boyd, Ambrose, Enem