The Bhoys smash past St Johnstone and it’s Celtic in the final!

Celtic vs St Johnstone – Match Report
by Paulina Jaczek
Scottish Cup Final
Saturday, April 20, 2025
Hampden Park

Celtic… 5
(McGregor 33, Maeda 37 & 45, Idah 44, Jota 67)
St Johnstone… 0

After a 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Paradise last Sunday, Celtic didn’t just hammer St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup – they turned in a performance worthy of champions. It was a tremendous display, showcasing the hunger and power that defines a team on the brink of something special.

I’ll be honest, the match started a little slowly and not much happened until the 33rd minute. But then our captain, Cal Mac, stepped up and scored a brilliant goal, and from that moment on Celtic just grew in strength. I genuinely think Callum McGregor is the kind of player who can inspire the Hoops to go for everything. You could feel it in the air.

Celtic pushed hard right from the off, and the desire to win only intensified with every passing minute. Let’s not forget – we lost to St Johnstone just two weeks ago. So this wasn’t just a semi-final, it felt like payback.

James Forrest looked dangerous from the start, with a few shots from the edge of the box, though he didn’t find the net.

At the 25-minute mark, Cameron Carter-Vickers tried to repeat his scoring feat from the weekend before, but his shot from 23 yards sailed just over.

But then came that McGregor moment in the 33rd. A proper world-class strike. I’m sure you all know who Cal Mac is, but let me remind you – he’s our captain, our leader, a versatile warrior with deadly long-shot ability and laser focus. The second that ball hit the net, I knew the game was ours.

Soon after, we capitalised on a poor goal-kick from St Johnstone, with Forrest feeding Hatate – that passage ended without a goal, but the pressure was building.

And it didn’t take long before our Japanese samurai, Daizen Maeda, netted Celtic’s second in the 37th minute – pure brilliance once again, and like Cal Mac’s strike, the keeper had no chance.

Just before the half-time whistle, Adam Idah made it three. A terrific finish and a brilliant moment for a player who’s had to deal with a lot of early judgement.

Some people – including our own fans – were quick to write him off.

But Idah’s proving himself more and more. He’s strong, good on the ball, capable of smart passes and lethal strikes. I’m just glad he’s shutting people up in the best way possible – by scoring for fun.

Then, just as we were catching our breath, Maeda popped up again with his second of the day and his 34th of the season, smashing it past the keeper with his left foot. 4-0 at half-time. Unbelievable stuff.

The second half began with Celtic on the hunt for more.

Within minutes, St Johnstone had the ball in our net – but thankfully, the goal was ruled out for a foul on James Forrest. That was in the 53rd minute, and it was the only real scare. I said to myself at that point: “Just go for it, my Glasgow Lions – show them who leads this country.” And they did.

In the 67th minute came the fifth goal. Alistair Johnston played in a stunning cross to the far post after a pass from German winger Nicolas Kühn, and it was our superstar Jota who slotted it home. A magical goal, and what a moment – Hampden erupted into a chorus of “Jota on the wing,” and it gave me chills. Jota’s such a talented winger – quick, agile, tricky, and deadly in front of goal. He’s a joy to watch.

Maeda had the chance to grab another hat-trick (after his treble in the League Cup semi against Aberdeen), but it wasn’t to be. Maybe we’ll see it next weekend at Tannadice?

This win keeps the momentum going and puts Celtic one step closer to claiming the Scottish Cup. With the treble now in our sights, May could be a historic month. But for now, the Bhoys must turn their focus to the league – and the chance to clinch the Premiership title next Saturday.

Fingers crossed, my Glasgow Lions.

Celtic: Sinisalo, Johnston (Ralston 77’), Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, Engels (McCowan 64’), McGregor, Hatate (Paulo Bernardo 70’), Forrest (Kühn 64’), Idah (Jota 63’), Maeda
Subs: Trusty, Jota, Kühn, McCowan, Schlupp, Paulo Bernardo, Bain, Ralston

St Johnstone: Fisher, Curtis, Balodis, Sprangler, Douglas (Steven 45’), Carey (McPake 68’), Holt, Griffith, Duke-McKenna (Ikpeazu 75’), Clark (Kirk 45’), Sidibeh (Kimpioka 45’)
Subs: Svedberg, Ikpeazu, Steven, Sinclair, McPake, Kirk, Kimpioka, Watt