Celtic secured their place in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals with a convincing 3-1 victory over Hibernian at Celtic Park on Sunday. The match saw Daizen Maeda steal the show with a dazzling display that included two goals, highlighting the potency of Celtic's attack even without their star striker, Kyogo Furuhashi.
Maeda's double came in the opening 15 minutes, showcasing his ability to capitalize on opportunities. First, he expertly dinked a low cross over Hibernian goalkeeper Josef Bursik to put Celtic ahead. Just 11 minutes later, he pounced on a lofted pass, calmly evading a defender and stabbing the ball past Bursik for his second.
While Celtic dominated the first half, Hibernian found their way back into the game after the break. Mykola Kuharevich pulled one back with a spectacular diving header, showcasing impressive aerial ability. However, any hopes of a fightback were quickly quashed when Nicolas Kuhn capitalized on a moment of sloppiness from Hibernian's defense. A misplayed pass from the back led to Kuhn charging down Bursik's attempted clearance, the ball ricocheting into the back of the net to restore Celtic's two-goal lead.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was particularly impressed with his team's performance, highlighting the speed, tempo, and quality of their attacking play. 'Overall, the speed and tempo in the game and the quality in the attacking moments was fantastic,' Rodgers said.
Maeda's Moment in the Spotlight
Maeda's performance stood out in a game filled with attacking flair. He seized the opportunity to start in place of the injured Kyogo Furuhashi and showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a double. His hunger and energy were evident as he pressed relentlessly and consistently looked to exploit space. Maeda's performance will undoubtedly boost his confidence and further establish him as a valuable asset to Celtic's attacking force.
Rodgers' Tactical Masterclass
Rodgers' tactical decisions in this match were crucial. The decision to start Maeda in place of Furuhashi proved to be a shrewd move. Maeda's pace and directness caused problems for the Hibernian defense throughout the game. The manager also provided a platform for Adam Idah, who made a promising return from injury. The impact of both players, and their willingness to contribute to the team's success, signifies the depth and quality in Celtic's squad.
Looking Ahead
The victory over Hibernian serves as a positive indication of Celtic's momentum heading into the new season. The team has shown impressive attacking prowess, and their commitment to playing with pace and intensity is evident. As the season progresses, Celtic will look to build upon this foundation, aiming for a successful domestic campaign and a strong performance in Europe.
