Celtic came from behind twice to beat Championship leaders Falkirk 5-2 in a thrilling Scottish League Cup quarter-final encounter. Brendan Rodgers’ side needed two goals from Adam Idah to rescue their cup hopes after a sluggish first-half display threatened to hand another upset to the lower-league opposition. With the win, Celtic set up a semi-final showdown with Aberdeen.
Falkirk’s Fearless Start
Falkirk, who had already knocked out two Premiership sides in this competition, came into the match full of confidence. Manager John McGlynn’s team made their intentions clear from the first whistle, showing no fear against their heavyweight opponents. The Championship leaders took the game to Celtic, pressing high and creating opportunities in the early exchanges.
Their positive approach was rewarded when Ross MacIver struck the opening goal. In the 14th minute, a well-worked move saw MacIver finish off a sweeping attack that caught Celtic’s defense off guard. The underdogs had their deserved lead, and the home supporters at Falkirk Stadium erupted in celebration.
Celtic, struggling to find their rhythm, managed to level the score in the 28th minute through Paulo Bernardo. The Portuguese midfielder connected with a volley from the edge of the box, leaving the Falkirk goalkeeper with no chance.
However, Falkirk continued to press, and it didn’t take long for them to retake the lead. In the 36th minute, Finn Yeats restored Falkirk’s advantage with a superb strike from outside the penalty area, sending a message that the Championship side was not going to be easily dispatched.
A Sloppy First Half for Celtic
Celtic’s first-half performance was lackluster, and Rodgers’ men were clearly struggling to cope with the energy and organization of Falkirk. The defense appeared vulnerable under pressure, and misplaced passes in midfield contributed to a disjointed display from the reigning Scottish Premiership champions. At halftime, the scoreline reflected Falkirk’s dominance, with the hosts leading 2-1.
Rodgers, visibly frustrated with his team’s performance, made significant changes during the break. The introduction of Nicolas Kuhn and some tactical adjustments helped Celtic regain their composure. The second-half transformation was immediate, as Celtic looked sharper, more organized, and determined to turn the game around.
Idah’s Quick-Fire Double Rescues Celtic
The turning point came in the 58th minute when Kuhn made an instant impact by providing a pinpoint cross that Adam Idah met with a powerful header to equalize once again. Celtic, now playing with a sense of urgency, seized control of the game just minutes later. In the 61st minute, Kuhn turned provider once again, as Idah slotted home his second goal in quick succession to put Celtic ahead for the first time.
Idah’s brace was a testament to his composure in front of goal, and it effectively deflated Falkirk’s spirited challenge. With Celtic now in the ascendancy, Falkirk’s energy began to wane, and the visitors took full advantage.
Kuhn Seals the Victory
Kuhn, who had been a substitute just minutes earlier, soon turned from provider to scorer. In the 73rd minute, he found himself unmarked in the penalty area and calmly finished to make it 4-2, giving Celtic the breathing room they needed. Kuhn added his second of the night in the 85th minute with a clinical strike that sealed the victory, putting the game beyond Falkirk’s reach.
Falkirk’s frustration boiled over in the closing stages, and their night went from bad to worse when Michael McKenna was shown a red card in the 89th minute for a late challenge. Down to 10 men, Falkirk could only watch as Celtic closed out the game and secured their spot in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.
Rodgers’ Tactical Shift Pays Off
Rodgers’ decision to make tactical changes in the second half proved pivotal. After a sloppy and error-prone first-half display, the introduction of Kuhn and the shift in tempo gave Celtic the momentum they needed to overcome a resilient Falkirk side. Despite Falkirk’s best efforts, the quality and depth of Celtic’s squad ultimately shone through, with Kuhn and Idah both playing decisive roles.
Speaking after the match, Rodgers praised his team’s resilience but admitted they were far from their best in the opening 45 minutes. “It was a tough game, no question. Falkirk gave us a real test, and credit to them for that. But I’m proud of the way we responded in the second half. We showed the quality we have when it mattered most.”
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