Celtic go on a ‘great game’ as Aberdeen get a reality check

Facing an Aberdeen side who had made an unbeaten 16-game start to the season, Rodgers knew Celtic “had to bring our great game” to Hampden.

And with the Dons having staged an impressive two-goal comeback at Parkhead two weeks ago, the reigning Premier League champions wanted to make a statement.

They also provided a sobering reality check for Jimmy Thelin’s people.

After a dramatic win over Rangers on Wednesday and talk of a potential title challenge, Aberdeen crashed decisively to earth at the National Stadium.

Integral to Hampden’s dismantling were Celtic defenders Daizen Maeda, who scored a stunning hat-trick, and Nicholas Kuhn, who said “we learned our lesson” from the league game.

Rodgers said that “we had to decide the game and the players did that” with an “outstanding team performance.”

Referring to Japanese striker Maeda’s outstanding performance, the Celtic manager added: “His drive to work hard and run is incredible.

“Now he gets into areas and scores really important goals. He wants to run, we want him to run, we’re a running team, we want to be active, and there’s no one more active than him.”