From Defence to Attack: Celtic’s Best in the Win Over St. Johnstone

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The Celtic Star

·23 April 2025

From Defence to Attack: Celtic’s Best in the Win Over St. Johnstone

On Easter Sunday 20 April, under the bright sunshine at Hampden Park, Celtic demonstrated exactly why they remain the team to beat in Scottish football. In a Scottish Cup semi-final packed with anticipation, the holders dismantled St. Johnstone 5–0, booking their place in the final and underlining their credentials for a domestic treble. The result came as little surprise to most sports punters—pre-match odds at most sports betting sites not on GamStop 2025 stood at around 1/10 for Celtic to win, whereas St Johnstone were around 17/1.

This comprehensive victory showcased Celtic’s blend of defensive discipline, midfield creativity, and clinical finishing—and offered a masterclass in how to turn patient defending into ruthless attack.

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A Raucous Hampden Welcome

Celtic supporters shows their support at full-time following the team’s victory in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

From kick‑off, the atmosphere was electric. Over 40k Celtic supporters filled Hampden’s stands, their green‑and‑white scarves held high as the teams emerged. St. Johnstone, appearing in their first semi‑final in four years, greeted the occasion with spirited defending and a compact 4‑5‑1 shape meant to frustrate the favourites. But Celtic’s early pressing and positional rotation hinted at the torrent to come.

A First‑Half Blitz

Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The game sprang to life in the 34th minute. Alistair Johnston exemplified Celtic’s defensive alertness and quick transition play by cutting out Barry Douglas’s clearance on his own 30‑yard line. He threaded a perfect pass to Reo Hatate, who drew two markers before laying the ball off to captain Callum McGregor. McGregor, cool under pressure, side‑footed into the bottom corner from 16 yards to open the scoring.

Just three minutes later, McGregor turned provider. Racing onto a quick one‑two, he slipped in Daizen Maeda, whose composed finish into the far corner doubled Celtic’s lead (37′). With momentum firmly on their side, Celtic struck again just before the break. Arne Engels, operating from left back, burst forward to deliver a low cross that Adam Idah tapped in at the far post (45′). In first‑half stoppage time (45+1′), Maeda completed his brace—firing a low, powerful shot past goalkeeper Andy Fisher after a neat team move. In just twelve minutes, Celtic had turned a cagey Cup tie into a rout.

Midfield Masterclass

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Beneath the goal‑rush lay a midfield performance of rare quality. McGregor, Hatate, and Paulo Bernardo controlled the game’s tempo with intelligent movement and incisive passing. McGregor’s leadership was evident, his vision unlocking St. Johnstone’s compact defensive lines. Hatate’s ability to drift between the lines created overloads, while Bernardo’s relentless pressing won turnovers in dangerous areas—fueling Celtic’s quick transitions. Their combined work rate and technical skill smothered any attempt by the hosts to regain a foothold.

Second‑Half Precision

Jota celebrates with a young supporter. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Rather than allowing complacency, Celtic maintained ruthless efficiency after the break. They kept possession patiently until the 67th minute, when substitute Jota, just returned from Rennes—on with Nicolas Kühn—collected the ball in the box and calmly slotted home to make it five (67′). This goal punctuated an entire performance that had been near‑perfect from the opening whistle.

Defensive Solidity

Liam Scales. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

While Celtic’s attack stole the headlines, their defence was equally impressive. Centre‑halves Cameron Carter‑Vickers and Liam Scales marshalled the backline with composure, cutting out through balls and winning aerial duels at will. Alistair Johnston’s opening interception set the tone, and full‑back Greg Taylor balanced his defensive duties with intelligent forward forays. Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, briefly tested midway through the second half, made a routine save but otherwise enjoyed a quiet afternoon—reflecting Celtic’s dominance and their clean‑sheet record in the competition.

Impact from the Bench

Substitute Jota scores. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Brendan Rodgers’s substitutions underlined Celtic’s squad depth. Jota’s 67th‑minute goal showcased the forward’s poaching instincts, while Paulo Bernardo’s injection of energy kept midfield pressing intensity high. These changes allowed Celtic to maintain their tempo without risk, highlighting the manager’s shrewd rotation policy and the team’s readiness to adapt mid‑game.

Managerial Praise

St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Post‑match, Rodgers paid tribute to his players’ mentality. “We showed humility in defence, work ethic in midfield, and ambition in attack,” he said, praising the squad’s response to their recent Premiership setback at McDiarmid Park. Rodgers described the performance as “a statement of intent” ahead of Celtic’s opportunity to win the Scottish Premiership this Saturday at Tannadice against Dundee United.

Looking Ahead to the Final

St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

With a 5–0 semi‑final win, Celtic have sent a clear message to Aberdeen, their Scottish Cup final opponents on Saturday 24 May at Hampden Park. The comprehensive nature of this victory boosts confidence across all areas of the pitch, from a defence that remains rock solid to an attack firing on all cylinders. As silverware and a treble challenge loom, Celtic’s blend of discipline and invention suggests they possess the perfect blueprint for success in both domestic and European arenas as Neil Lennon has suggested will be possible under Brendan Rodgers.