Celtic slip into their ‘A-game’ as Aberdeen get reality check

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

And given the Dons had staged an impressive two-goal comeback at Parkhead two weeks prior, the reigning Premiership champions wanted to make a statement.

What they also delivered was a sobering reality check for Jimmy Thelin’s men.

From the highs of Wednesday’s dramatic win over Rangers and talk of a potential title challenge, Aberdeen were emphatically brought crashing back down to earth at the national stadium.

Integral to the Hampden dismantling were Celtic wide men Daizen Maeda, who netted a stunning hat-trick, and Nicolas Kuhn, who said “we learned our lesson” from the league game.

Rodgers said “it was up to us to decide the game and the players did that” with an “outstanding team performance”.

And on Japan forward Maeda’s standout display, the Celtic boss added: “His appetite to work hard and run is absolutely incredible.

“He gets into areas now 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 nobody more active than him.”