Celtic Defeat Hibs 2-0 to Reach Scottish Cup Semi-Finals

The match report from today's game

Celtic took another step toward securing a domestic treble with a composed 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. Goals from Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, one in each half, ensured Brendan Rodgers’ side progressed to the semi-finals in front of a packed Celtic Park.

With the league title all but secured, this competition remains a key target for Celtic as they look to add another piece of silverware to their growing collection. Against a well-organised Hibs side that defended deep, patience was required, but Celtic ultimately got the job done with a professional performance.

A Fast Start, Then a Tactical Battle

Celtic started brightly, moving the ball quickly and looking to stretch the Hibs backline. The visitors, however, had set up defensively, with a back five designed to frustrate the Hoops and limit space in the final third. Despite the congestion, Celtic found joy in the wide areas, with Maeda and Jota looking dangerous early on.

The opening goal arrived in the first half through Maeda, who reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box to fire past the helpless Hibs goalkeeper. The Japanese international is known for his relentless energy, and his anticipation in this moment proved crucial. He remained a lively presence throughout the half and could have added to his tally with a couple of other opportunities.

Despite falling behind, Hibs remained compact, sitting deep and hoping to stay in the game as long as possible. However, they rarely threatened Kasper Schmeichel in the Celtic goal. The Danish keeper had a quiet afternoon, with the visitors struggling to create any clear-cut chances.

Celtic’s Patience Pays Off

As the game progressed into the second half, the tempo dropped slightly, with Hibs continuing to frustrate Celtic’s attacking play. The deep defensive setup from David Gray’s side made it difficult for Celtic to break through, leading to spells of the game becoming somewhat bogged down.

However, as the minutes ticked away, Celtic’s quality shone through. They remained composed, continued to probe, and crucially avoided allowing Hibs a route back into the game. While the visitors kept themselves in contention, they never truly looked like testing Schmeichel, with Celtic’s defence standing firm.

Then, in the final moments, came the goal that sealed the result. Adam Idah, who has been making an impact since his arrival, took his chance superbly, finishing confidently to ensure there would be no late drama. The goal allowed Celtic to relax and see out the remaining minutes comfortably, with the home fans able to enjoy the closing stages knowing a semi-final place was secured.

The Treble Is Within Reach

With the league title virtually wrapped up, the Scottish Cup remains a crucial part of Celtic’s ambitions for another historic treble. This win moves them one step closer, with just a handful of big matches remaining between now and the end of the season.

Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with his team’s discipline and ability to grind out a result against a defensive opponent. While it wasn’t a free-flowing attacking performance, Celtic showed the patience and quality required to break down a stubborn side—something that will be important as the season reaches its defining moments.

For Hibs, there was no shame in their effort. They defended well in spells and stayed in the game longer than many expected, but ultimately, they lacked the attacking threat to cause Celtic real problems. Their fans, numbering around 7,000, gave them strong backing throughout, staying with their team until the final whistle.

Now, all eyes turn to the semi-finals, where Celtic will face another crucial test. With the team in strong form and confidence growing, the dream of another domestic clean sweep remains very much alive.