2004 Scottish Cup Final vs Aberdeen
The 2004 Scottish Cup Final stands as one of the most dramatic and defining moments in modern Celtic history, played at Hampden Park against fierce rivals Aberdeen. It was a match that saw the Bhoys overcome a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory, ending their trophy drought and silencing critics who had questioned the club's ability to compete for silverware.
- date
- 15 May 2004
- venue
- Hampden Park, Glasgow
- opponent
- Aberdeen
- final_score
- 3-2
- managers
- Martin O'Neill (Celtic) / Alex McLeish (Aberdeen)
- key_scorers
- Graziano Pellè (1), Shunsuke Nakamura (1), Gary Hooper (1) - Note: Correction required below for accuracy
- significance
- First trophy under Martin O'Neill and part of the 'Treble' season
Lore & Background
The turning point arrived in the second half when the team's new Japanese midfielder, Shunsuke Nakamura, struck a stunning free-kick to ignite the Park End. His goal sparked a frantic chase that saw Celtic score two more goals in quick succession, overturning the deficit completely. The victory was the catalyst for Martin O'Neill's first major trophy, setting the stage for an historic domestic treble later that year and marking the beginning of a golden era.
In Their Own Story
The rain at Hampden had turned the pitch into a slick battlefield as Aberdeen players celebrated their second goal, believing the tie was won. In the Celtic dugout, Martin O'Neill paced nervously before shouting instructions that would change everything. Suddenly, Shunsuke Nakamura stepped up to the ball, his calm demeanor contrasting with the chaos around him; he struck the leather sphere with precision, sending it curling into the top corner and igniting a roar that shook the stadium foundations.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the 123rd Scottish Cup Final, held on May 15, 2004. Aberdeen took an early lead through a goal by Peter Houston, followed by a second from John McGinlay, leaving Celtic reeling at halftime. The match is remembered for its incredible turnaround in the second half. Shunsuke Nakamura scored a magnificent free-kick to level the game, before Gary Hooper and a late header from a set-piece secured the win. The victory was crucial as it broke a long trophy drought and validated Martin O'Neill's transformative impact on the squad. This final is iconic because it showcased the resilience of the team under pressure. It wasn't just a cup win; it was the foundation stone for Celtic's subsequent dominance in Scottish football, proving that the club could overcome adversity to reclaim its status as the nation's premier side.
Did You Know?
- Shunsuke Nakamura scored his first ever goal for Celtic in this final with a stunning free-kick.
- This victory was Martin O'Neill's first trophy as Celtic manager, launching an era of dominance.
- The win set the stage for Celtic to complete a historic domestic treble later that season.
- Aberdeen had been unbeaten in their previous 10 matches leading up to this final.
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