Celtic's 6-2 Extra‑Time Victory Over St Mirren Secures Scottish Cup Final Spot

AI Summary

Celtic overcame a disastrous start to defeat St Mirren 6‑2 after extra time, booking a place in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline. The win, highlighted by a six‑minute burst and goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Benjamin Nygren, keeps manager Martin O'Neill's double‑trophy hopes alive as he prepares to face former captain Neil Lennon.

Match Overview

Celtic secured a 6‑2 extra‑time win over St Mirren at Hampden, advancing to the Scottish Cup final where Martin O'Neill will meet Neil Lennon's Dunfermline side.

Key Moments

1’ – Daizen Maeda scores after a goalkeeper error, giving Celtic an early lead.
8’ – Arne Engels curls a 25‑yard effort wide of the post.
45’ – Anthony Ralston doubles the lead just before halftime.
53’ – Mikael Mandron pulls one back for St Mirren with a header.
90’ – Mikael Mandron equalises, forcing extra time.
101’ – Kelechi Iheanacho opens a six‑minute onslaught.
103’ – Luke Cowan adds a second.
105’ – Kelechi Iheanacho scores his second.
107’ – Benjamin Nygren caps the spell, sealing the win.

Strategic Impact

The six‑minute burst produced three goals, turning a precarious 2‑2 situation into a decisive 6‑2 result. This swing represents a 200% increase in Celtic's goal tally during extra time, underscoring their depth and tactical flexibility.

Goalkeeper Ryan Mullen's early mistake and subsequent injury forced a 17‑year‑old debutant, Grant Tamosevicius, into action, but his quick saves helped stabilise Celtic after the initial shock.

With the win, Celtic maintain momentum in their pursuit of a league‑and‑cup double, while Neil Lennon prepares for his first Scottish Cup final since leaving Celtic, adding a personal narrative to the upcoming showdown.