Celtic 3-1 Dunfermline Athletic Player Ratings: Callum McGregor 8.5/10 Commanding Display as Celtic Claim Scottish Cup Final Victory Over Dunfermline

Celtic arrived at Hampden Park as heavy favourites, and wasted little time in justifying that billing. Maeda's composed 19th-minute finish gave the Hoops an early platform, and Engels' clinical strike in the 36th minute extended their advantage before the break, giving Martin O'Neill's side a comfortable two-goal cushion that their overall first-half dominance had thoroughly merited against a Dunfermline side making their first major final appearance in years.

Kelechi Iheanacho's composed 73rd-minute finish appeared to put the result entirely beyond doubt before Cooper's late 80th-minute consolation gave Dunfermline's travelling support a moment to celebrate and set up a nervy final 10 minutes. Celtic held firm, McGregor's authoritative midfield presence ensuring the Hoops maintained their composure, to claim a Scottish Cup triumph that completed a memorable domestic season at Hampden Park. Here are Sportsdunia's Celtic vs Dunfermline Athletic player ratings.

Key Takeaways

• McGregor was the commanding midfield presence that Celtic needed in a cup final, his composure under pressure, precise distribution, and collective defensive authority throughout an afternoon that demanded exactly the kind of experienced, calm leadership that the Celtic captain has consistently delivered in the biggest domestic occasions.
• Maeda and Engels' first-half goals gave Celtic the platform they needed to control the final, where the two-goal cushion allowed Martin O'Neill's side to manage the contest with the kind of authoritative composure that separates genuinely dominant cup final performances from those defined by anxiety and last-minute survival.
• Dunfermline's late consolation through Cooper threatened a nervy conclusion, but Celtic's collective defensive organisation and McGregor's composed authority in the closing stages ensured that the Scottish Cup was heading back to Celtic Park in the most professional and controlled of fashions.

Celtic Player Ratings vs Dunfermline Athletic

Here are the Celtic player ratings vs Dunfermline Athletic.

Dunfermline Athletic Player Ratings vs Celtic

Check out the Dunfermline Athletic player ratings vs Celtic.