Aberdeen's Jimmy Thelin and Shinnie hail historic Scottish Cup win after 35 years

Aberdeen ended a 35-year Scottish Cup drought by defeating Celtic in a dramatic penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov as the hero. This victory not only brings silverware to manager Jimmy Thelin in his first season but also secures European football for Aberdeen next season, elevating the club's profile and ambitions.

Sources:
BBCSkysports
Updated 59m ago
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Sources: BBCSkysports
Aberdeen Football Club ended a 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory by defeating Celtic in a dramatic penalty shootout at Hampden Park. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, with Celtic leading at halftime. However, Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Johnston and Celtic captain McGregor, helping Aberdeen clinch the shootout 4-3.

This victory not only brought silverware to Aberdeen but also secured their place in European competition next season. The club will enter the Europa League playoff round and is guaranteed participation in the UEFA Conference League until December.

Manager Jimmy Thelin, in his first season in charge, received high praise from Mitov, who called him "the best manager I've ever worked under," highlighting Thelin's meticulous training and management style.

Captain Graeme Shinnie expressed the emotional significance of the win, stating, "It means everything. This is what I was desperate for at Aberdeen. I've had a lot of opportunities and all that heartache was worth it. Everyone wrote us off, we had a good game plan and we are going to have a good party tonight!"

The triumph marks a historic moment for Aberdeen, ending a long period without major trophies and promising an exciting European campaign ahead.

Key stats:
- Final score: Aberdeen 1, Celtic 1 (Aberdeen won 4-3 on penalties)
- Scottish Cup drought ended after 35 years (since 1990)
- Guaranteed European football next season (Europa League playoff round and UEFA Conference League)

This landmark victory has energized the club and its supporters, highlighting the impact of Thelin's leadership and the resilience of the team.
Sources: BBCSkysports
Aberdeen ended a 35-year Scottish Cup drought by defeating Celtic 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov making crucial saves. Manager Jimmy Thelin and captain Graeme Shinnie hailed the historic victory, which also secures European football for the club next season.
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"It means everything. This is what I was desperate for at Aberdeen. I've had a lot of opportunities and all that heartache was worth it. Everyone wrote us off, we had a good game plan and we are going to have a good party tonight!"
Graeme Shinnie
Aberdeen captain
Skysports
"It is now time to celebrate" after praising Jimmy Thelin as "the best manager I've ever worked under. On a day-to-day basis, how he manages us, how he trains us, the little details he puts in."
Dimitar Mitov
Aberdeen goalkeeper
Skysports
Key Facts
  • Aberdeen and Celtic played the Scottish Cup final which ended 1-1 in regular time.BBC
  • Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov was the hero by saving key penalties including Celtic captain McGregor's, crucial in the shootout win.BBCSkysports
  • Aberdeen scored four penalties in the shootout to win 4-3 and claim the Scottish Cup.BBC
  • Aberdeen ended their 35-year wait for Scottish Cup glory with this victory, their first since 1990.BBCSkysports
  • The win guarantees Aberdeen European football next season, including the Europa League playoff round and UEFA Conference League until December.SkysportsBBC
  • Manager Jimmy Thelin and captain Graeme Shinnie praised the victory and its significance for the club and themselves.BBCSkysports
Key Stats at a Glance
Years since Aberdeen last won Scottish Cup
35 years
BBC
Year of Aberdeen's previous Scottish Cup win
1990
BBC
Full time score
1-1
BBC
Penalty shootout score
4-3
BBC
Half time score
0-1
BBC
Number of penalties scored by Aberdeen in shootout
4 penalties
BBC
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