In a stunning twist to the Scottish Cup final, Aberdeen—featuring Latvian international defender Kristers Tobers—staged a last-gasp comeback and triumphed over domestic giants Celtic with a 1-1 draw in regulation time, before sealing the victory 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The scene was set at Hampden Park for Celtic to complete a domestic treble, having already clinched the Premiership title and the League Cup. Brendan Rodgers’ side had demolished Aberdeen in all three previous encounters this season (6-0, 5-1, 5-1), and once again looked in control for much of the match.
Their dominance paid off in the 39th minute when a low cross into the box was met with a deft touch by 20-year-old Alfie Dorrington, whose clinical finish into the corner gave Celtic a deserved lead. Ironically, Dorrington is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur to Aberdeen, and his defensive partner Dimităr Mitov was helpless to prevent the goal.
But football has a way of punishing complacency—and of rewarding persistence. Veteran Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, now 38, gifted Aberdeen a lifeline with a shocking error as he misjudged a low cross, the ball deflecting off him and into his own net.
Latvian center-back Tobers was introduced in the 94th minute, adding steel to a resolute Aberdeen defense that withstood intense pressure through extra time. Celtic pushed hard, but were repeatedly denied by the heroics of Bulgarian keeper Mitov, who would go on to save two penalties in the shootout—from Callum McGregor and Canadian Alistair Johnston.
Aberdeen’s victory marks their first Scottish Cup triumph in 35 years and secures them a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Europa League play-off round.
For 24-year-old Kristers Tobers, who joined Aberdeen from Swiss side Grasshoppers Zurich, this was his 13th appearance for the club—and unquestionably the most memorable to date. He also becomes the first Latvian to lift the Scottish Cup trophy!
