During a 3-3 draw against Aberdeen that ended in a wild penalty shootout, Bhoys fans were put through the wringer at the national stadium.
Celtic were behind at times and ahead on others in a roller-coaster 120 minutes that no one will forget.
The defending cup holders won the semi-finals thanks in major part to custodian Joe Hart, who missed his own penalty that would have advanced the Bhoys to the final.
The veteran shot-stopper saved the crucial penalty that resulted in a 6-5 shoot-out victory, eliciting euphoric celebrations at Hampden. He also made a few of vital saves during the match itself, letting everyone know that despite his approaching retirement, he is still in top form.
Joe Hart wants another shot at a Celtic penalty
Amusingly, after the game, he told Brendan Rodgers that he wants to stay on penalty duty if Celtic face Hearts or Rangers in next month’s final, which takes place tomorrow.
Rodgers also told BBC One Scotland that the takers were predetermined in training yesterday, so Hart was always expected to take the fifth one.
When asked about Hart’s impact, the Celtic manager responded: “He says he still wants another penalty.” We’ve worked on it over the previous few days, and we go into the cup games knowing who will take the penalties.
“It was a great save and he’s the hero in the end.”
Hart meanwhile gave his own reaction to events, telling Premier Sports: “I put myself forward. I’ve got the biggest mouth when it comes to penalties and they gave me the opportunity. There’s a lot of trust and a lot of hard work gone into that. I took that penalty with confidence. I missed it, but what a game eh?
“We should have never been at penalties. We should have put that game to bed. James scored probably one of my favourite goals of the season and I was hoping that would win us the game. But we got it done, that was the most important thing.”
No question, many supporters were frustrated at times during today’s game. Aberdeen’s equalising goals were nearly identical, with some poor defending on display.
However, in the cup, you often have to ride out situations, and Celtic’s winning mindset eventually got them through.
Rodgers’ side will need to improve in the remaining league games and the Scottish Cup final to complete the double. But that double is most definitely on.
Perhaps don’t let Hart take a penalty, despite what he says!
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